Get Ready for Welcome Weekend at Fisher

Welcome Weekend 2025 at St. John Fisher University begins with First-Year Move-In Day on Saturday, Aug. 30 and runs through the weekend until the Matriculation Ceremony and the start of classes on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

The University’s Orientation program is designed to help students discover what Fisher has to offer, connect with friends, acclimate to college life, and help students find their groove on campus.

So, grab your suitcase, bins, mini fridge, and more and get ready for Welcome Weekend! Read on for a run-down of Move-In Day and a few tips and tricks for making the most of Fisher’s Orientation program!

Saturday, Aug. 30: First-Year Move-In Day

Move-In Day is all about getting comfortable on campus! Once you’re settled into your residence hall room, the whirlwind of Orientation begins. Meet your hallmates during a floor meeting held by your residence assistant then head to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center Fieldhouse for Orientation Kick-Off.

What to Expect

8 a.m. to noon - Resident Student Check-in and Move-In

Students assigned to Haffey Hall or Ward Hall should head to the main entrance of campus. Students assigned to Murphy Hall will arrive using the campus south entrance. Check-in will take place at your residence hall.

Please be patient and arrive at your assigned time as we will not be able to accommodate early arrivals.

From the parking lots, you will be directed to individual residence halls. The Orientation Team and Residential Life staff will be there to welcome you, help you unpack your car, and move you in.

You will need to check in at your individual residence hall to receive your room key and student ID. Students who arrive for a drop-off appointment will still want to follow instructions and check-in with Residential Life staff. Although they will receive a room key at their drop off appointment, they will receive their ID card and orientation group information on move-in day from ResLife.

Once you are in your room, connect with your roommate and start your residential journey!

11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Grab-and-Go Light Lunch for all students and families! Head over to Tepas Commons for a light lunch.

1 to 3 p.m. - Parents are welcome to grab a sweet treat at the Upper Quad before saying goodbye. We look forward to seeing you again for Family Weekend 2025, scheduled for October 3-5!

3 to 4 p.m. – Residential students will attend their first floor meeting to go over important information from Residential Life.

3 to 4 p.m. – Commuter Students will enjoy a fun kick-off event in the Elaine Wilson Formal Lounge, located in Haffey Hall. Park in Lot A before heading to the event.

4 to 4:45 p.m. – Orientation Kickoff: Gather together with all new students for a formal kick-off to Orientation programs in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center Fieldhouse. Then you’ll head to dinner with your Orientation group.

7 p.m. - Fisher First Night is the place to be for music, food, and fun! The event features a DJ, kettle corn, lawn games, air brush tattoos, and more! For students who like a more relaxed atmosphere, head to the sensory friendly room in the COP, located on the second floor of the Donald E. Bain Campus Center.

Sunday, Aug. 31: Residential Transfer Student Move-In, Orientation Day 2

Residential Transfer Students: You move onto campus from 9 a.m. to 11a.m. on Sunday. Beginning at 1 p.m., enjoy lunch and bonding time with your Orientation group. Spend the rest of the day exploring the activities and events happening on campus!

For first-year students, the second day of Orientation is a mix of presentations and activities designed to get you ready for life at Fisher. Enjoy breakfast with your Orientation group before heading to a series of informational presentations.  At 3 p.m., “Choose Your Expedition” is guaranteed to offer a fun afternoon of field day events, crafting, and more.  After dinner, join the Student Government Association (SGA) for Speed Make-A-Friend to meet some new friends, or take your pick among Boom Boom Bingo or karaoke.

Monday, Sept. 1: Dig in to Life at Fisher

Orientation really gets going on Monday, where you’ll tour campus and be introduced to your First-Year Seminar class and academic advisors at the Center for Career and Academic Planning. At 3 p.m., your Orientation Leaders will bring you to the Polisseni Track and Field Complex for the Class of 2029 group photo.

All Transfer Students: Your full day of Orientation happens Monday, too. Pick up your iPad in at your assigned time between 10 and 11 a.m. (check your Fisher email for details). Then at 11 a.m., you’ll begin a day full of informational presentations and downtime to meet each other. At 4 p.m., you’ll have a chance to explore campus and find your classrooms, then you can join any social programming that evening.

At 5 p.m., all students are invited to the Inclusion Dinner, an annual tradition that serves as a way for students to connect, learn about ways to get involved, and have a positive start to the academic year. This event is hosted by the Affinity Clubs in collaboration with the Student Government Association.

At 7:30 p.m., test your “fun fact” knowledge at Trivia Night with Game Night Roc.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

On Tuesday, you’ll officially mark the start of your academic career at Fisher. Meet with your academic department (check your Fisher email for details), then at 11 a.m., attend the Matriculation Ceremony in the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Center Fieldhouse.

At 1:40 p.m., grab your iPad, notebook, and backpack, and head to class!

For more information, please visit the Orientation website.