Fall Orientation 2021
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), an inspirational talk, a hike to the hillside “M” and much more.
If you are an 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.
Click here to view the Orientation Letter to Students.
Orientation Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 19
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
New Students move into residence halls by appointment. Students will receive an email from Residence Life instructing them how to select a two-hour time slot for moving into the residence halls. It is important for students to honor their selected time slot. Check-in at the orientation and residence hall tables in front of Davis Hall
5:00 p.m.
Welcome Extravaganza & Dinner (Mathews Lawn)
7:00 p.m.
Meet orientation leaders (Mathews Lawn)
Friday, Aug. 20 (Students & Families)
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast for students and family (Dining Hall)
8:30 a.m.
Native American & Minority Students Session (STC Great Room)
10:00 a.m.
Convocation & Keynote Address (Straugh Gym)
Legacy Plaza Ceremony
11:30 a.m.
Lunch for ALL (Mathews Lawn)
Photos with Baxter
1:30 p.m.
Experience One Activity with Faculty (for students, Tundra)
Parent and Alumni Panel (for parents, Lewis & Clark Room)
Parents depart after the panel
3:00 p.m.
Community Scavenger Hunt (Legacy Plaza)
5:00 p.m.
Dinner (Dining Hall)
9:00 p.m.
Movie Activity (Movie Theatre or Tundra)
Saturday, Aug. 21 (Students Only)
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast for students only (Dining Hall)
10:00 a.m.
Choose between five orientation activities, signups will be available through a Montana Western email communication and available at the orientation check-in table.
-Hike
-Paint Session
-Gaming Tournament
-Dance Activity
-Folf
12:30 p.m.
Lunch for students only (Vigilante Field)
Sponsored by ASUMW
1:00 p.m.
Football Scrimmage (Vigilante Field)
Cornhole Tournament
2:00 p.m.
Choose between five orientation activities, signups will be available through a Montana Western email communication and available at the orientation check-in table.
Paint Session
Gaming Tournament
Dance Revolution
5:00 p.m.
Bulldog Feast (Lewis & Clark Room)
Bulldog Brain Teaser
Sunday, Aug. 22 (Students Only)
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 three sessions:
-Office Business
-“The Bulldog Way Program” (STC Great Room)
-Step-up Program (Lewis & Clark Room)
| Group | Bulldog Way | Step-Up |
| 1, 2, 3 | 10:00 am-10:55 am | 11:00 am-11:55 am |
| 4, 5, 6 | 11:00 am-11:55 am | 10:00 am-10:55 am |
| 7, 8, 9 | 1:00 pm-1:55 pm | 2:00 pm-2:55 pm |
| 10, 11, 12 | 2:00 pm-2:55 pm | 1:00 pm-1:55 pm |
12:00 p.m.
Lunch for students only (Dining Hall)
3:30 p.m.
Trio Meeting by invitation (Great Room)
5:00 p.m.
Dinner for students only (Dining Hall)
7:00 p.m.
All Residents Meeting (Legacy Plaza)
8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Individual Residence Hall Floor Meetings
Keynote Speaker
Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities
Alexa Carlin is on a mission to make a difference in at least one persons life every single day. Through her authentic energy and impactful stories, Alexa empowers students to push through obstacles, develop a positive mindset, and build unwavering courage and confidence.
As a result of attending this program, students will learn:
- the three elements to push through obstacles and challenges,
- how to develop a positive and healthy mindset for growth,
- how
a perception of circumstances often dictates reality, - how to identify their strengths and challenge their way of thinking,
- how
limiting-beliefs influence academic and extra-curricular choices and how to switch those beliefs to positive ones, - how to focus and create an action plan for success,
- the importance of focusing on meaningful work and making an impact in the lives of their peers and their community,
- how to feel empowered to turn their passion into purpose,
- the importance of their own stories and why we need to share those stories with others
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 6th 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 invited to attend a brief orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m. in the JDC Lobby, where you will be able to pick up your 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 three-hour shifts available so please register by Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. Move-in takes place on Thursday, Aug. 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Who: You.
What: Montana Western Moving Company
When: Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021
Shifts: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Montana Western Residence Halls: JDC and Mathews