Student enjoying slip n slide during Welcome Week

Welcome Week

Welcome Week 2023

August 27-31 | Dowagiac Campus

Start college off on the right foot. Welcome Week events help you meet students and staff, engage in campus life, and find all the resources available to you. Welcome, Roadrunners!

Watch a Video Recap of Welcome Week

Welcome Week 2018

Welcome Week Events

Sunday, August 27

Residence Life Move-In

9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Residence Halls

Time to hop into your residence halls and embrace the comfort of your new abode. Welcome home, Roadrunners!

Welcome Week Group Meetings

6-7 p.m. | Daugherty

Meet your Welcome Week group leader! Welcome Week leaders will help make your college transition a breeze. Your leader is your go-to guide, helping you build connections and understand campus resources.

Outdoor Movie

7:30-9 p.m. | Intramural Field

Get ready to kick back under the stars and enjoy the ultimate cinematic experience. Grab your blankets and popcorn and join us for a reel good time!

Monday, August 28

Pancake Palooza

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Student Activity Center Patio

Start your morning with flapjacks and fun as you indulge in mouthwatering, golden pancakes piled high with delectable toppings. You'll need the energy for the fun ahead.

Library Mini Golf

12-3 p.m. | Library

Swing by the library to play a round and score a chance at winning a $10 Birdfeeder/Zollar Café digital gift card!

Hypnotist

6-7 p.m. | Theatre in the Lyons Building

Get ready for a mind-bending experience as David Anthony, the master of hypnosis, invites brave volunteers to join him on stage. In a matter of moments, these volunteers might forget their own names or even proclaim that their belly button has mysteriously vanished. You'll be entertained like never before.

Tuesday, August 29

Outdoor Fitness Frenzy

10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Outside the Student Activity Center

Come break a sweat as we take your workout to new heights with heart-pumping cardio and strength-building circuits.

Lunch Shuttle

12-2 p.m. | Downtown Dowagiac

Board the free shuttle outside the Student Activity Center. Then we'll head downtown for some lunch or shopping. Get to know the tasty eateries and charming shops in your new community and all that Dowagiac has to offer.

Bonfire Bash

7-8:30 p.m. | Student Activity Center Parking Lot-Far End of the Lot

We'll be grilling hot dogs and sharing stories around the bonfire. It's a great way to wrap up the second full day of Welcome Week.

Starlight Showdown

10:30 p.m.-12 a.m. | Outside the Student Activity Center

We're transforming this space into a glowing battleground for an epic game of Capture the Flag. Navigate neon-lit shadows for a fun experience you won't want to miss.

Wednesday, August 30

New Student Convocation

10-11 a.m. | Theatre in the Lyons Building

New Student Convocation is your official welcome into SMC’s academic community, introduction to faculty, and a celebration of your entry into higher education. 

Roadrunner Passport Day

11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Student Services Offices

During this campus-wide expedition, you'll be able to scope out your classes and meet your professors. You'll also visit each student service department—be sure to collect a stamp from each one to unlock a chance to win one of two $500 scholarships for Spring 2024! Each department will have free food and goodies along the way.

Water Balloon Dodgeball

3-4 p.m. | Outside the Student Activity Center

Get your team together, then dodge, duck, and throw water-filled balloons with your fellow Roadrunners.

Slip 'n' Slide Kickball

4:30-5:30 p.m. | Outside the Student Activity Center

Beat the heat as you and your team slide, splash, and slip your way to victory!

Women's Volleyball Scrimmage

5-6 p.m. | 1st Source Bank Fieldhouse

Come cheer for your classmates as the Roadrunners square off against the Cougars of Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Pizza and Yard Games

6:30-8 p.m. | Outside the Student Activity Center

It's another unforgettable evening during Welcome Week, full of pizza and yard games from cornhole to giant Jenga. Let the good times roll!

Thursday, August 31

Picnic With the President 

12-1:30 p.m. | Outside the Student Activity Center

Meet President Odenwald, faculty, and staff during a tasty picnic at the Student Activity Center.

Student vs. Staff Softball

2:30-4 p.m. | SMC Softball Field

Come swing for the fences in one of SMC’s oldest traditions...the students vs. staff softball game. All equipment will be provided but feel free to bring your own gear if you like...and your A-game.

Foam Party

6-7:30 p.m. | Outside the Student Activity Center

We're closing out Welcome Week with a foam party! It's your chance to let loose and dance in a sea of foamy fun.