Throughout the first few weeks of the semester, incoming Salem undergraduate students get ample opportunity to forge deep connections, hone their leadership skills, and cultivate a stronger sense of self through robust programming designed to help them transition to Willamette’s vibrant academic community.
These new and existing programs were collaboratively designed by staff from the Office of Intercultural Engagement & Inclusion, Accessible Education Services, the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership, the Gender Resource and Advocacy Center, the Outdoor Program, and the Office of Residence Life and Housing, and were informed by feedback from student leaders and participants.
Some programs began before the start of classes, while others will take place during the crucial first weeks of the semester.
Check out some of the highlights below and visit the official Opening Days schedule for more information.
New JumpStart Programs
LeaderShape — Aug. 19–20
We were pleased to partner with LeaderShape to bring a dynamic pre-orientation program to new students. This program is focused on helping students develop their own authentic path, connect to groups, issues, and causes they care about, and commit to a plan to be a catalyst for connection and positive change.
Early Access by AES
Early Access was open to students registered with Accessible Education Services (AES) or participating in the College Access Navigators program. Early Access provided students with an opportunity to engage with a cohort of neurodiverse students through selected activities designed to address challenges with university transition. Students had access to an early move-in date and support from AES and other designated staff.
Opening Days Events
Bearcats Community Action Day — Aug. 24
This is an opportunity for students to volunteer at different sites in Salem and to build student and Salem community connections, and learn about the important work local organizations are doing.
NEW: Not Unto Ourselves Alone: Community Care and Inclusion — Aug. 24
Students will explore their personal identities and build connections with their peers. As part of the session, they will reflect on the University's motto and commit to ways they can live out the motto, contribute to our community, and embrace their role in fostering a community of care and inclusion (required for all first-year students and transfers).
NEW: linQ/Lavender Community Gathering — Aug. 25
All incoming and returning LGBTQ+ students and allies are invited to attend and celebrate the start of the new year. linQ is a program for LGBTQ+ students to build connections within the community, both on and off-campus.
Early Semester Programming
While Early Semester programming may center around a particular group of students around a shared identity, all students, regardless of identity, who are committed to the purpose of the programming are welcome.
Steppin’ Out — Aug. 31–Sept. 2
Steppin' Out builds community and confidence while exploring new friendships and new vistas. No experience with the outdoors is required and all are encouraged to join. On this three-day Oregon Coast Basecamp experience, participants will hike on the coast, paddle on a 600-acre lake, and camp just off the beach. Small groups of students will set up a basecamp in a state park campground. During the day, teams will embark on new adventures, traveling to new hikes, paddling locations, or beach exploration and each evening teams have an opportunity to interact with other basecamp teams also camping at the park.
NEW: F.U.N. (Fostering Unity Now) — Sept. 6–7
F.U.N. is a collaborative program that centers a sense of belonging for first-year and new transfer Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), Disabled, and/or LGBTQIA+ students.
Additional New Initiatives
ComeThru — Aug. 31
ComeThru is a program series hosted by the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Inclusion that centers support for BIPOC and first-gen students to intentionally connect with one another. The first annual ‘Ohana Brunch will be the first event in this series.
Ignite! Empowerment Retreat — Sept. 14
The purpose of this retreat is for all cultural club executives and their members to build a stronger community and coalitions, get connected to resources, and ignite ideas into action.
Lavender Residential Community — All Year
The Lavender Community offers an inclusive and supportive living environment for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies. Here, residents will find a space that fosters belonging, well-being, and personal identity. The community is inclusive of all genders.
Mosaics Residential Community — All Year
Mosaics is a themed community for First-Generation College students. Students in this residential community will receive a student, staff, and/or faculty mentor through the Mosaics program facilitated through the Office of Intercultural Engagement & Inclusion.
