Orientation
Your college experience is already off to a great start because you’ve chosen Montana Western to begin your educational career. We’ve put together an orientation program to help make the transition as seamless as possible.
Orientation is mandatory for all first-year and transfer students and because it’s fun and informative — you want to attend. Orientation events include: Convocation (the official start of the school year ceremony), academic exploration activities, a hike to the hillside “M” and much more.
If you are a student athlete and will be coming to campus before the start of orientation, you are still required to attend orientation. Your coach is aware of orientation and expects you to attend so you can be successful in and out of the classroom.
By participating in the New Student Orientation, UMW students will:
Orientation Schedule
Business, Financial Aid and Registrars Offices will remain open until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 24th
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
New students move into residence halls by appointment. Students will receive an email from Residence Life instructing them how to select a time slot for moving into the residence halls. It is important for students to honor their selected time slot. Check-in at the residence check-in tables in front of Davis Hall
Campus Tours (Davis Hall)
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Check in at the orientation table in front of Davis Hall
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Check in at the orientation table in front of the Roe House (if you have already checked in for Orientation in front of Davis Hall, you don’t need to visit the check in table during this time).
5:00 p.m.
Welcome Dinner (Mathews Lawn)
6:00 p.m.
Welcome Extravaganza (Mathews Lawn)
7:30 p.m.
Meet orientation leaders (Mathews Lawn)
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
(Students Wear Red Orientation Shirts Today)
Breakfast for students & Families (Dining Hall)
10:30 a.m.
Convocation & Keynote Address (Straugh Gym)
Legacy Plaza Ceremony
11:30 a.m.
Lunch for ALL (Mathews Lawn)
Photos with Baxter
1:00 p.m.
Parent Session (Lewis & Clark Room)
Parents depart after session
1:00 p.m.
Academic Exploration (Birch Creek)
6:00 p.m.
Dinner for students only (Dining Hall)
8:00 p.m.
Bonfire, S’mores & Music (Tundra)
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast for students only (Dining Hall)
10:00 a.m.
Choose between five orientation activities, signups available at orientation check in table.
12:00 p.m.
Football Scrimmage (Vigilante Field)
Lunch Sponsored by Engine 18
2:00 p.m.
Choose between five orientation activities, signups available at orientation check in table.
5:00 p.m.
Multicultural/Native American Session (Lewis & Clark Room)
6:00 p.m. (Students Should Wear Black or Red to this event)
Bulldog Feast (Keltz Arena)
Bulldog Brain Teaser
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast for students only (Dining Hall)
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Students will rotate through four sessions:
1.) Office Business (Open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
2.) Help with Class Schedule and Class Locations (SUB)
3.) Bulldog Way Program/Safety and Security (STC Great Room)
4.) Step-up Program//Wellbeing (Lewis & Clark)
*Lunch for students only at 12:00 p.m. (Dining Hall)
| Group | Bulldog Way/Safety and Security | Step-Up/Wellbeing |
| Grp 1: Strawberry Grp 2: Laffy Taffy Grp 3: Green Apple Grp 4: Blueberry Cobbler Grp 5: Huckleberry Grp 6: Red Velvet | 10:00 am-11: 30 am | 1:00 pm-2:30 am |
| Grp 7: Cotton Candy Grp 8: Mint Chip Grp 9: Sugar Cookie Grp 10: Sherbert Grp 11: Watermelon Grp 12: Key Lime Pie | 1:00 pm-2:30 pm | 10:00 am-11:30 am |
12:00 p.m.
Lunch for students only (Dining Hall)
5:00 p.m.
Dinner for meal plan students only (Dining Hall)
7:00 p.m.
All Residents Meeting (Beier Auditorium)
8:00 p.m.
Individual Residence Hall Floor Meetings
Community members, faculty, and staff:
Looking for ways to volunteer in the community? The Montana Western Moving Company (MWMC) has you covered. The MWMC is in its 8th year and was formed to help students and their families move into the residence halls on opening day.
All you need to do is sign up for a shift below and you will be emailed instructions on how to participate and receive a free t-shirt.
This fun event will allow community members, faculty, staff and alumni to meet new students and welcome them on behalf of the campus and community of Dillon!
There are several two-hour shifts available so please register by Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 3 p.m. Move-in takes place on Thursday, Aug. 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Who: You.
What: Montana Western Moving Company
When: Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023
Shifts: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: Montana Western Residence Halls: JDC and Mathews
Show your Bulldog Card at any of the local businesses below to receive a discount.
3-D: 10% off, except custom
Angler Village: 50 cents off drinks
Atomic 79: 10 % off
Backcountry Anglers: 15% off fly fishing gear and apparel
Beaverslide Coffee: free sugar cookie with drink purchase
Bookstore: 10% off
Gyro Wagon: Meal Deal (free chips and a drink)
Stageline Pizza: 5% discount on carry-out/dine-in orders
Susies: 10% off drinks on Saturdays
YMCA: Waive registration fee
