Welcome to Wilkes!
Welcome Weekend acts as an extension to Orientation. A variety of activities and informational workshops will help you get ready for the start of the semester!
This multi-day program is required for all residential and commuter first year students. It includes social activities, introductions to Wilkes traditions, and much more!
Registration for Welcome Weekend is not required. You will receive communication about this program and some things to complete prior to your arrival on campus via your Wilkes email, so be sure to check that account regularly.
For more information specific to Move-in Day, including move-in schedules, please visit the Move-In Day page.
2026 Weekend Schedule
2026 Welcome Weekend Guide external websiteThursday, Aug. 27
Thursday, Aug. 27
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Henry Student Center, various locations
*Students will move in according to their E-Mentor assignment.
Residential students will be able to pick up their Wilkes ID card, key for their assigned residence hall and detailed schedule of the weekend’s events.
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Your Assigned Residence Hall
Students will meet their hallmates and their RA, go over important information and get to know each other, starting off the year on the right foot!
4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Henry Student Center, Third Floor
Students will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal on campus in our Henry’s Cafe. Henry’s Cafe is traditional buffet style and catered by Aramark Food Services.
7:30 - 10:30 p.m.
Fenner Quadrangle
Join Residence Hall Council on the Greenway for a movie night on the projector! Snacks will be provided and we hope to see you there!
Friday, Aug. 28
Friday, Aug. 28
8 - 9 a.m.
First Floor, Henry Student Center
Students will be able to pick up their Wilkes ID card, Welcome Weekend T-Shirts, and schedule of the weekend’s events. Get ready to meet your E-Mentor!
9:15 - 10:15 A.m.
Various Locations
Students will be able to meet members of their Major, College and Faculty and hear about some of the great opportunities and connections you are about to make!
10:30 A.m.
Line Up
Fenner Quadrangle
All first-year students will meet on the greenway to walk together to Convocation. You don’t want to miss this Wilkes tradition. Be sure to touch John’s Wilkes boot, and wear your Welcome Weekend T-shirt for this portion of the day!
11 A.M. - 12 p.m.
Marts Center
With your E-Mentor and other first-year students from your college, start the year off by meeting your fellow classmates and by learning what Wilkes and your first-year experience is all about. You will be dismissed by E-Mentor group from Convocation, and you will enjoy a rotation of a campus tour, library passport and Career Gateway!
12 - 4 p.m.
Your E-Mentor will take you on a personalized campus and classroom tour, so you are ready for your classes on Monday! The Library has a wealth of information and resources for you, get to know what’s available with your Library Passport Activity! Visit the Career Gateway to begin your “To Wilkes and Beyond” career!
4:30 - 6 p.m.
Stark Learning Center 105
Honors Program students will be able to mingle and socialize with fellow honors students, meet the program’s staff and go over important information regarding the program.
6 - 7 p.m.
Stark Learning Center 105
Students from the Barre Scholars Program will be able to mingle and socialize with fellow scholars, meet the program’s staff and go over important information regarding the program.
4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Henry Student Center, Third Floor
Students will be able to enjoy a buffet-style meal with their mentor groups in Henry’s Cafe catered by Aramark Food Services. Meal Plans will be active for all resident students using their Wilkes ID. Meal Passes will be provided for all commuter students.
7 - 9 p.m.
Fenner Quadrangle
Get to know the campus community in style! Enjoy carnival games, win prizes and meet your fellow Colonels!
* This event will be moved to the McHale Athletic Center (MAC) in the case of inclement weather.
8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Fenner Quadrangle
Join the E-Mentor team at the end of the Carnival for late-night pizza!
Saturday, Aug. 29
Saturday, Aug. 29
8:30 - 11 A.M.
Join your E-Mentors for a morning of civic engagement! A variety of sites are available for all interests; you will be bussed or will walk to your site. If you are interested in attending our Welcome Weekend Civic Engagement event, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/jycjtAsL34hRTtvd7 external website
11 A.M. - 1 p.m.
Henry Student Center, First Floor
Students will be able to enjoy lunch in our Henry’s Cafe. Meal plans will be active for all resident students using their Wilkes ID. Meal passes will be provided for commuter students.
11 A.M. - 1 p.m.
Fenner Quadrangle
Come join the Multicultural Student Coalition for our Annual Cultural Cookout! Kick off the semester with great food, great music and good vibes as we welcome you to campus! Meal tickets are not needed for this event. Come out and have some fun with MSC!
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Henry Student Center, JPAC, Second Floor
Come learn from our Office of Technology for Teaching and Learning (OTTL) on how to navigate the Wilkes portal, find your classes on LIVE, how to check grades and so much more! Wilkes IT will be providing tips and tricks for internet and network usage across campus.
1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Various Locations
Choose one of the breakout sessions below to attend and learn more about your chosen topic!
- Session 1: What I Wish I Knew My First Semester, Breiseth Hall 107
Hear from Wilkes students about what surprised them most, what helped them succeed, and what they wish they had known when starting college. From managing classes and studying effectively to using campus resources and finding balance, this panel features firsthand insight into what it means to learn the Wilkes Way and is moderated by the Office of Academic Success. - Session 2: College Budget Workshop, Breiseth Hall 106
Students will be able to learn essential money management skills for students, including student loan and credit card debt education. - Session 3: Wilkes-Barre Tutorial, Breiseth Hall 108
Here, students will be able to learn more of the “insider scoop” on student life on campus, as well as other important facets of the Wilkes-Barre area, all presented by our E-Mentor program. - Session 4: Commuter Social, Farley Library Social, Commuter Lounge
Stop by to get familiar with the commuter lounge. Take this opportunity to meet fellow commuters, make new friends and create great memories.
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Come join Commuter Council and play some Pickleball! Fun for all! Drinks/snacks will be provided.
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. or
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Henry Student Center, JPAC, Second Floor
* Session for non-student-athletes; check with your Resident Assistant on which session to attend.
The Title IX Training outlines Wilkes University's Title IX policy, including prohibited conduct, ways to prevent hostile environments, reporting procedures, available support resources, and the prohibition of retaliation. The session will include interactive activities to address bystander intervention strategies and understanding consent.
4:30 - 7:30 P.M.
Henry Student Center, Third Floor
Students will be able to enjoy dinner in our Henry’s Cafe. Meal plans will be active for all resident students using their Wilkes ID. Meal passes will be provided for commuter students.
6 - 8 P.M.
Sordoni Art Gallery Lobby
Celebrate the friendships you’ve made on campus so far with GSA and tap into your spacy side by coloring some space keychains! Create some out-of-this-world buttons and friendship bracelets with the Sordoni Art Gallery!
6 - 8 P.M.
McHale Athletic Center (MAC)
Join Wilkes Adventure Education (WAE) for our Late Night Rec. Enjoy an open climb on our rock wall, play volleyball, basketball, frisbee, corn hole, or race through the MAC.
8 - 10 P.M.
Henry Student Center, JPAC, Second Floor
Sponsored by Programming Board and hosted by Memphis Divine, come play a Wilkes University hallmark - bingo! Come and see if you can win some awesome prizes!
Sunday, Aug. 30
Sunday, Aug. 30
All Day - Free Play
Unwind before the first day of classes with various activities both on and off campus! You can attend events with certain clubs here on campus.
Check out these fun events hosted by student organizations throughout the day! More club programming will be announced via Suitable events. Please log in to Suitable external website to check the schedule.
10 A.M. - 6 P.m.
Camp Kresge
Join Wilkes Adventure Education (WAE) for their annual WAE Day at Camp Kresge! We will provide transportation up to Camp Kresge and enjoy a day of high ropes courses, zip lining, boating, rock climbing, various sports and group activities.
11 A.M. - 12:30 P.m.
Conyngham 113
New to Wilkes? You’re not alone — and you’re invited! Join us for a low-key, fun welcome event for EDGE students and first-generation college students. Stop by for snacks, meet other students who are starting their journey just like you, and connect with friendly staff and mentors who are here to support you every step of the way. Come as you are — stay for a few minutes or the whole time. We can’t wait to meet you!
11 A.M. - 1 P.m.
Fenner Quadrangle
Join the Psychology Club as they host a sidewalk chalk event, leaving messages all over the greenway as they hand out popsicles!
11 A.M. - 1 P.m.
Cohen Science Center 102
Join the Pre-Professional Health Society for friendship bracelet making and more!
11 A.M. - 1 P.m.
Evans Hall Courtyard (Between Cohen and Evans Hall)
Join the Chemistry Club for our Fall Bond-B-Que for some food, fun, and an opportunity to connect with the students and staff of the Chemistry Department!
12 - 3 P.m.
Cohen Science Center 220
Join WEBS to make your own lava lamp and DNA keychain!
12 - 3 P.m.
Darte Center Patio
Join Kappa Kappa Psi for an afternoon of friendship bracelet making! Snacks and drinks will be provided.
5 - 7 P.m.
Gies Hall, Darte Center
Join the Choral Club for a fun night of out of this world Karaoke!