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Orientation Schedule

Time Location Event Section Description
8:30AM - 4:00PM Residence Halls Residence Hall Move-In - August 20, 2026 All Residence Hall move-in is by appointment on Thursday, August 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sign up for a move-in appointment on your housing portal. Check out the move-in page for more information at https://www.winona.edu/student-life/housing-dining/next-steps/move-in/ If you have any questions, please contact Housing at 507-457-5305.
9:00AM - 5:00PM Somsen-207 Laptop Pickup (if you have not picked one up yet) All WSU's Tech Support will stay open until 5 p.m. on Thursday to accommodate students who have not picked up a laptop. Please schedule your laptop pickup at https://services.winona.edu/TDClient/120/WSUServicePortal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=1484.
9:00AM - 4:00PM Kryzsko Commons - Lower Level-174 WSU Bookstore is Open 9-4 All Pick up your course materials (textbooks, notebooks, supplies, etc).
10:00AM - 2:00PM Courtyard-Gazebo Light Refreshments at the Gazebo All Welcome to Winona State University students, parents, and guests. Please feel free to stop by the Gazebo, located in the center of campus, and grab a bottle of water or a small snack.
10:30AM - 3:00PM Kryzsko-Courtyard Bean Bag Toss, and More All Students, please stop by and have some fun with your family in the courtyard with the bean bag toss and more! Sponsored by the U.S. Army. Location: Kryzsko-Courtyard area
11:00AM - 5:00PM Integrated Wellness Complex IWC Fitness Center & IWC Gymnasium All The Integrated Fitness Center (IWC) and the IWC Gymnasium are open: cardio machines, weightlifting, walking/running track, gymnasium, and more! Come and check it out!
11:00AM - 1:00PM Kryzsko-Jack Kane Dining Hall Lunch All Lunch for those students on the campus meal plan. Note: Pay per meal option available for anyone not on the meal plan.
2:00PM - 5:30PM Wabasha Recreation Center - Education Village-2 Blocks East of the Main campus at the Intersection of Wabasha and Lafayette Streets Indoor Climbing Center and Outdoor Ropes Course All Come to our indoor Climbing Center and our outdoor Ropes Course. Let's have some fun!
4:30PM - 7:00PM Kryzsko Commons-Jack Kane Dining Hall Dinner All Dinner for those students on the campus meal plan. Note: Pay per meal option available for anyone not on the meal plan.
6:00PM - 8:00PM Residence Halls Floor Meeting All Meetings with RA's for students living on campus
6:00PM - 6:45PM Stark Hall - Science Lab Center-120 Off Campus Meeting All Meeting "only" for students living off campus.
7:00PM - 10:00PM Integrated Wellness Complex IWC Fitness Center and Gym All The Integrated Fitness Center (IWC) and the IWC Gymnasium are open: cardio machines, weightlifting, walking/running track, gymnasium, and more! Come and check it out!
7:00PM - 9:30PM Library - Krueger Library Game & Craft Social in the Library - FREE POPCORN All Connect with other students at the Game & Craft Social in the Library, featuring boardgames and game masters, hobby-themed hangout spots, and opportunities to quietly vibe with some books. Join in the fun or find a peaceful spot to read, your choice! FREE POPCORN!
8:00PM - 9:30PM Kryzsko Commons-Ballroom Fraternity and Sorority Life BINGO Bash All Join Greek Council for a fun night of bingo with more than $1200 in prizes! Come and play to win! We will supply the Bingo Cards, markers, and fabulous prizes!
8:00PM - 10:00PM Integrated Wellness Complex IWC Fitness Center and Gym All The Integrated Fitness Center (IWC) and the IWC Gymnasium are open: cardio machines, weightlifting, walking/running track, gymnasium, and more! Come and check it out!
8:00PM - 10:00PM Kryzsko Commons-Outdoor Fire Feature Patio Kryzsko Craft Corner Activity All The Warrior Entertainment Network is excited to welcome you to campus with a craft night. Come and make a craft that will make your new room a little bit homier.

Time Location Event Section Description
7:30AM - 8:45AM Kryzsko Commons-Jack Kane Dining Hall Breakfast All Eat breakfast for those students on the campus meal plan. Note: Pay per meal option available for anyone not on the meal plan.
8:00AM - 9:45AM Maxwell Hall-Lobby (Atrium) OPTIONAL: Welcome Week Help Desk (if needed) All If you need assistance, especially adding the Introduction to Higher Education course (Orientation 100) to your Fall schedule, WSU staff members are available to help you in the lobby of Maxwell Hall. NOTE: Incoming First-Year students who "graduated from high school this past spring," you MUST be enrolled in WSU's one-credit "Orientation 100 course" to populate in our website and to get a personalized Welcome Week schedule.
9:00AM - 9:45AM Group Meeting Location TBA Group Meeting All First-Year Freshmen Meet Your Student Leader and Classmates in your Orientation section! You "MUST" log in at www.winona.edu/welcomeweek and then, click the "Personalized Welcome Week Schedule" to see your Orientation section number and Group Meeting location. NOTE: Incoming Freshmen: You MUST be enrolled in the one-credit "Orientation 100 course" to populate in this system and to get a personalized Welcome Week schedule. If you need help enrolling in the Orientation course, you can get assistance this morning from 8:00 - 9:45 a.m. in the first-floor lobby of Maxwell Hall.
10:00AM - 10:50AM Somsen-Harriet Johnson Auditorium Choices: Getting the Facts & Bystander Intervention Even Choices: Getting the Facts on tobacco and alcohol awareness & Bystander Intervention (helping someone in distress)!
10:00AM - 10:50AM Kryzsko Commons-Ballroom Choices: Getting the Facts & Bystander Intervention Odd Choices: Getting the Facts on tobacco and alcohol awareness & Bystander Intervention (helping someone in distress)!
11:30AM - 1:00PM McCown Gym Official Welcome & Lunch All President Ken Janz will welcome all new, incoming first-year and transfer students to Winona State University during his Official Welcome. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to attend the Official Welcome and the luncheon. Lunch occurs after the Official Welcome outside of WSU's Krueger Library for EVERYONE :) Lunch Rain location: Kryzsko Commons
12:00PM - 1:30PM Kryzsko-Courtyard Student Organization and Involvement Fair All More than 100 student organizations are excited to tell you about all the great things they do and how you can join their club! Note: Backup Rain Location will be in Kryzsko Commons.
1:45PM - 2:15PM Group Meeting Location TBA Group Meeting All Meeting with your Orientation leader and Classmates! You "MUST" log in at www.winona.edu/welcomeweek and, click "Students" and then click the "Personalized Student Welcome Week Schedule" link to see your Orientation section number and your Group Meeting location.
2:30PM - 3:20PM Somsen-Harriet Johnson Auditorium 2 in 3: Real Stories of Mental Health at WSU Even Real Stories of Mental Health at WSU. Mental health issues affect a lot of students, and the stress of starting college can make existing mental health issues worse or contribute to the initial struggles with a mental health condition. Learn how to recognize if you or a friend is struggling, and what you can do to help. Resources on campus, the Green Bandana project, Mantra Health Virtual Services, and suicide prevention will be discussed.
2:30PM - 3:20PM Kryzsko Commons-Ballroom 2 in 3: Real Stories of Mental Health at WSU Odd Real Stories of Mental Health at WSU. Mental health issues affect a lot of students, and the stress of starting college can make existing mental health issues worse or contribute to the initial struggles with a mental health condition. Learn how to recognize if you or a friend is struggling, and what you can do to help. Resources on campus, the Green Bandana project, Mantra Health Virtual Services, and suicide prevention will be discussed.
3:30PM - 5:00PM Somsen-207 Laptop Pickup (if you have not picked one up yet) All WSU's Tech Support will stay open until 5 p.m. on Friday to accommodate students who have not picked up a laptop. Please schedule your laptop pickup at https://services.winona.edu/TDClient/120/WSUServicePortal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=1484.
3:30PM - 4:15PM
Hot Topic 		N/A Not signed up All You have not signed up for a 03:30PM Hot Topic.
4:00PM - 8:00PM Wabasha Recreation Center - Education Village-2 Blocks East of the Main campus at the Intersection of Wabasha and Lafayette Streets Indoor Climbing Center and Outdoor Ropes Course All Come to our indoor Climbing Center and our outdoor Ropes Course. Let's have some fun!
4:00PM - 10:00PM Integrated Wellness Complex IWC Fitness Center & IWC Gymnasium All The Integrated Fitness Center (IWC) and the IWC Gymnasium are open: cardio machines, weightlifting, walking/running track, gymnasium, and more! Come and check it out!
4:00PM - 7:00PM Lake Lodge at Lake Winona-Walk just 3 Blocks on South Main Street from the WSU Main Campus Lake Lodge - Lake Park Activities "25% OFF Daily Rate" or $40 for an Annual Membership All Walk down to Lake Lodge - at beautiful Lake Winona - to enjoy 25% off the Daily Rate for leisure activities upon presentation of your Student ID for Welcome Weekend only: disc golf, hammock, bicycle, tandem bicycle, paddleboard, kayaks, pedal boat, canoes, etc., on a first-come, first-serve basis. Great location to walk, jog, or rollerblade around Lake Winona (bring your own blades). Note: To avoid the daily rate charge, we strongly encourage you to consider purchasing "an annual, 12-month membership for only $40," to the Lake Lodge activities. Lake Lodge accepts all payment forms including cash, debit and credit cards, and checks. You can view the list of items for check out at Lake Lodge as well as daily rate and membership rates at https://www.cityofwinona.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lake-Lodge-Recreation-Center-3
4:30PM - 7:00PM Kryzsko-Jack Kane Dining Hall Dinner All Dinner for those students on the campus meal plan. Note: Pay per meal option available for anyone not on the meal plan.
4:30PM - 5:00PM Kryzsko Commons - Lower Level -Student Activities Center (SAC) Meet Fraternity and Sorority Life- Info Sessions  All Join the Fraternity and Sorority Council to learn more about our four organizations here on campus. Come to learn more and ask any questions that you may have regarding fraternity and sorority life at WSU.
6:00PM - 6:30PM Kryzsko Commons - Lower Level -Student Activities Center (SAC) Meet Fraternity and Sorority Life- Info Sessions  All Join the Fraternity and Sorority Council to learn more about our four organizations here on campus. Come to learn more and ask any questions that you may have regarding fraternity and sorority life at WSU.
7:00PM - 8:15PM Kryzsko Commons-Ballroom Hypnotist Brian Imbus All Join the Warrior Entertainment Network and experience Brian Imbus, an internationally recognized Hypnotist and Mentalist.
8:00PM - 10:00PM Kryzsko Commons-Outdoor Fire Feature Patio Come Eat some S'mores All Come eat s'mores at the Fire Feature Patio in the Kryzsko Courtyard, sponsored by Chi Alpha.
9:00PM - 10:15PM Kryzsko Commons-Ballroom Hypnotist Brian Imbus All Join the Warrior Entertainment Network and experience Brian Imbus, an internationally recognized Hypnotist and Mentalist.

Time Location Event Section Description
7:30AM - 8:45AM Kryzsko-Jack Kane Dining Hall Breakfast All Breakfast for those students on the campus meal plan. Note: Pay per meal option available for anyone not on the meal plan.
9:00AM - 9:45AM Group Meeting Location TBA Group Meeting All Time to Play College Survival Skills! Please return to your Orientation classroom and meet with your Student Leader. Remember to login to your "Personalized Welcome Week schedule link" (not the general schedule). Go to www.winona.edu/welcomeweek and, then, CLICK the "Personalized Welcome Week schedule" to see your Orientation class section number and your group meeting location.
10:00AM - 10:45AM Kryzsko Commons-Ballroom Cultural Awareness Presentation Even This presentation is about valuing and appreciating everyone!
10:00AM - 10:45AM Courtyard-Gazebo Campus Resource Scavenger Hunt Odd Create a team of students (2 or more students per team) and learn about campus resources through puzzles around WSU using your mobile device! Prizes for the three teams who finish in the shortest time. Find the QR code to download the game at the Student Senate table at the Gazebo.
11:00AM - 11:45AM Courtyard-Gazebo Campus Resource Scavenger Hunt Even Create a team of students (2 or more students per team) and learn about campus resources through puzzles around WSU using your mobile device! Prizes for the three teams who finish in the shortest time. Find the QR code to download the game at the Student Senate table at the Gazebo.
11:00AM - 11:45AM Kryzsko Commons-Ballroom Cultural Awareness Presentation Odd This presentation is about valuing and appreciating everyone!
11:45AM - 12:15PM Group Meeting Location TBA Group Meeting All Meet with your Student Leader and Classmates at your Leader's "Designated Spot" he or she mentioned in your 9 a.m. meeting this morning. Note: If no designated spot mentioned in the 9 a.m. meeting, please go to your Group Meeting classroom location.
12:15PM - 1:30PM Kryzsko Commons-Jack Kane Dining Hall Lunch All Lunch provided for all students on the campus meal plan. Note: Pay per meal option available, too, for students not on the meal plan.
1:00PM - 3:00PM Phelps-Green Space Splash into Housing - Let's Have Some Fun! All “Splash into Housing” is a Welcome Week event hosted by Housing & Residence Life to help residents connect and kick off the semester. The event will feature an inflatable water slide, water balloons, and a variety of outdoor lawn games, including cornhole, ladder toss, and 9 Square. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Residents will have the opportunity to meet others from their residence hall and across campus, build new friendships, and enjoy a fun, welcoming atmosphere as they begin the academic year.
1:00PM - 4:00PM Integrated Wellness Complex Volleyball, Cardio Machines, Weightlifting & MORE in the Integrated Wellness Center (IWC) All We are offering a "variety of activities" in the IWC Fitness Center: 1st Floor = Weightroom. Dress accordingly. 2nd Floor = We will have 2 volleyball courts going for a fun-filled co-ed volleyball experience! Court changes every 25-30 minutes with new teams. Teams can form on location! 2nd Floor = also has Fitness Machines: treadmills, ellipticals, cardio machines - Dress accordingly 3rd Floor = Walking and Running track. Volleyball Sponsored by H2O College Ministries.
1:00PM - 4:00PM Kryzsko Commons - Lower Level -Student Activities Center (SAC) Esports, Games and MORE All Play video games in the Warrior Esports Lounge. Billiards, Ping-Pong, Foosball, Shuffleboard, and board games are available in the Student Activities Center (SAC). Or, you can check out one of our bikes and ride around Lake Winona and explore Winona.
1:00PM - 4:00PM Education Village - just 1 block East of WSU Main Campus (intersection of Sanborn & Center St)-Outdoor Lawn area High Ropes and Good Vibes All Join the Fraternity and Sorority Council at the high ropes course in Education Village.  Stop by to climb at the Climbing Center and High Ropes Course or just grab a snack and enjoy some music with Fraternity and Sorority Life.
1:00PM - 4:30PM Library - Krueger Library Check-in, Check-Out: Reset in the Library with FREE POPCORN! All What a jam-packed week, right? If you need a moment before hopping into other amazing Saturday afternoon Welcome Week activities, we invite you to swing by the Library! Have loose-end questions about WSU, Winona, and where to find support on campus? Swing by the Research Help Desk to recuperate with a librarian, grab some coloring sheets and popcorn, and recollect your thoughts. We will have an optional at-your-own-pace activity to encourage you to explore the nooks-and-crannies of our library. Maybe you’ll even check-out a book before you leave!
1:00PM - 4:00PM Courtyard-Gazebo Gaga Ball and Lawn Games in the Campus Courtyard All Come join the Fun! We'll be playing Gaga Ball and more! Let's have some fun! Sponsored by Chi Alpha.
1:00PM - 4:30PM Courtyard-Gazebo Winona is Sweet! FREE Cotton Candy! All FREE Cotton Candy provided by the Lutheran Campus Center (LCC). Hang out and meet people, or grab a sweet treat to go. Why? For fun and to Welcome YOU to Winona!
1:30PM - 4:00PM Kryzsko Commons - Lower Level-174 WSU Bookstore is Open 1:30-4 pm All Pick up your course materials (textbooks, notebooks, supplies, etc).
2:00PM - 6:00PM Wabasha Recreation Center - Education Village-2 Blocks East of the Main campus at the Intersection of Wabasha and Lafayette Streets Indoor Climbing Center and outdoor Ropes Course All Come to our indoor Climbing Center and our outdoor Ropes Course. Let's have some fun!
2:00PM - 4:00PM Courtyard-Gazebo Ultimate Frisbee All Let's have some fun playing Ultimate Frisbee! Meet in the campus courtyard Gazebo at 2:00 p.m. for departure to the Soccer Field at Lake Park by the Band Shell alongside beautiful Lake Winona. Sponsored by the Newman Center.
2:00PM - 3:30PM Courtyard-Gazebo Self-Guided Downtown Winona Walking Tour All Come and take a stroll by yourself, with a friend, or in small groups to explore downtown Winona, the Mighty Mississippi River, and more. You will be included in a WSU T-shirt drawing (7 or more shirts will be given away) at 3:30 p.m. All participants will get candy, too! Note: The starting and ending point for the self-guided walking tour is the center of campus at the Gazebo!
3:00PM - 7:00PM Lake Lodge at Lake Winona-Walk just 3 Blocks on South Main Street from the WSU Main Campus Lake Lodge - Lake Park Activities "25% OFF Daily Rate" or $40 for an Annual Membership All Walk down to Lake Lodge - at beautiful Lake Winona - to enjoy 25% off the Daily Rate for leisure activities upon presentation of your Student ID for Welcome Weekend only: disc golf, hammock, bicycle, tandem bicycle, paddleboard, kayaks, pedal boat, canoes, etc., on a first-come, first-serve basis. Great location to walk, jog, or rollerblade around Lake Winona (bring your own blades). Note: To avoid the daily rate charge, we strongly encourage you to consider purchasing "an annual, 12-month membership for only $40," to the Lake Lodge activities. Lake Lodge accepts all payment forms including cash, debit and credit cards, and checks. You can view the list of items for check out at Lake Lodge as well as daily rate and membership rate at https://www.cityofwinona.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lake-Lodge-Recreation-Center-3
3:30PM - 10:00PM Integrated Wellness Complex IWC Fitness Center and IWC Gymnasium All The Integrated Fitness Center (IWC) and the IWC Gymnasium are open: cardio machines, weightlifting, walking/running track, gymnasium, and more! Come and check it out!
4:30PM - 7:00PM Kryzsko-Jack Kane Dining Hall Dinner All Dinner for those students on the campus meal plan. Note: Pay per meal option available for anyone not on the meal plan.
7:00PM - 10:00PM Memorial-Talbot Gym Dodge Ball with chance to Win Prizes All Dodgeball pickup games in Talbot Gym (come to the smaller gym in Memorial Hall, not McCown) Join an existing team or form your own team. Drawing with a chance to win prizes! Put your name in a box for a chance to win one of three $25 Target Gift cards. Sponsored by H20 College Ministries.
7:00PM - 9:00PM Kryzsko Commons-Ballroom Live Murder Mystery Game All There's been a murder... and you're on the case. A live, interactive whodunit where YOU play detective. Suspects. Secrets. Suspense. Prizes. Can you crack the case? Or, will the killer get away?
8:45PM - 11:00PM Courtyard-Gazebo Capture the Flag & Ice Cream All Meet at the Gazebo to play Capture the Flag and then come get FREE ice cream from 10-11 p.m. at the Chi Alpha Student Center (402 Main Street just across the street from WSU).
9:00PM - 11:00PM Kryzsko -Court Yard Outdoor Movie - Ferris Bueller's Day Off! All The iconic movie is about a charming, clever high school senior who fakes an illness to skip class and embarks on an epic day of freedom through Chicago with his best friend and girlfriend, reminding everyone that sometimes you have to break the rules to truly live in the moment.

Time Location Event Section Description
10:00AM - 12:00PM Kryzsko -Court Yard Bean Bags with WSU Women's Rugby All SINK A BAG, MEET THE TEAM! Stop by the courtyard to hang out with the Winona State Women’s rugby team for bean bag toss, music, and friendly competition. Drop in anytime, challenge a friend, and see what rugby culture is all about!
10:00AM - 1:00PM Kryzsko-Jack Kane Dining Hall Brunch All Brunch for students on the campus meal plan. Note: Pay per meal option available for anyone not on the meal plan.
12:00PM - 7:00PM Lake Lodge at Lake Winona-Walk just 3 Blocks on South Main Street from the WSU Main Campus Lake Lodge - Lake Park Activities "25% OFF Daily Rate" All Walk down to Lake Lodge - at beautiful Lake Winona - to enjoy 25% off the Daily Rate for leisure activities upon presentation of your Student ID for Welcome Weekend only: disc golf, hammock, bicycle, tandem bicycle, paddleboard, kayaks, pedal boat, canoes, etc., on a first-come, first-serve basis. Great location to walk, jog, or rollerblade around Lake Winona (bring your own blades). Note: To avoid the daily rate charge, we strongly encourage you to consider purchasing "an annual, 12-month membership for only $38," to the Lake Lodge activities. Lake Lodge accepts all payment forms including cash, debit and credit cards, and checks. You can view the list of items for check out at Lake Lodge as well as daily rate and membership rates at https://www.cityofwinona.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lake-Lodge-Recreation-Center-3
12:00PM - 4:00PM Kryzsko Commons - Lower Level-174 WSU Bookstore Is Open 12-4 All Pick up your course materials (textbooks, notebooks, supplies, etc).
12:00PM - 10:00PM Integrated Wellness Complex IWC Fitness Center & IWC Gymnasium All The Integrated Fitness Center (IWC) and the IWC Gymnasium are open: cardio machines, weightlifting, walking/running track, gymnasium, and more! Come and check it out!
1:00PM - 2:30PM Kryzsko -Court Yard Major's Ice Cream Social All Join us for an Ice Cream Social where you can meet fellow students from across campus who share your major. Enjoy ice cream while mingling with others in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. This event is a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and build connections within your field. Not sure about your major yet? No worries—come and meet others who are still deciding. Let’s make some sweet memories together! This event is sponsored by Housing and Residence Life.
1:00PM - 7:00PM Lake Lodge at Lake Winona-Walk just 3 Blocks on South Main Street from the WSU Main Campus Lake Lodge - Lake Park Activities "25% OFF Daily Rate" or $40 for an Annual Membership All Walk down to Lake Lodge - at beautiful Lake Winona - to enjoy 25% off the Daily Rate for leisure activities upon presentation of your Student ID for Welcome Weekend only: disc golf, hammock, bicycle, tandem bicycle, paddleboard, kayaks, pedal boat, canoes, etc., on a first-come, first-serve basis. Great location to walk, jog, or rollerblade around Lake Winona (bring your own blades). Note: To avoid the daily rate charge, we strongly encourage you to consider purchasing "an annual, 12-month membership for only $40," to the Lake Lodge activities. Lake Lodge accepts all payment forms including cash, debit and credit cards, and checks. You can view the list of items for check out at Lake Lodge as well as daily rate and membership rates at https://www.cityofwinona.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lake-Lodge-Recreation-Center-3
1:00PM - 3:00PM Newman Center-475 Huff Street (Across from Kryzsko) Hike to Garvin Heights Bluff w/ Treats Afterwards All Join us as we hike up to picturesque Garvin Heights Bluff with treats after. Departing at 1:00 p.m. please arrive on time. Starting Location: Directly across the street from Jack Kane Dining Center at the Newman Center located at 475 Huff Street. Sponsored by the Newman Center.
3:00PM - 5:00PM Courtyard-Gazebo Accessibility Tour and Coloring Event All The Disability Support and Advocacy Club’s Accessibility Tour is for incoming students to have help finding the most accessible routes for classes and events around campus. There will also be coloring afterwards to allow everyone to get to know each other. Everyone is welcome, including non-disabled students! Location: Please join us at the Gazebo located in the center of campus!
4:30PM - 7:00PM Kryzsko-Jack Kane Dining Hall Dinner All Dinner for those students on the campus meal plan. Note: Pay per meal option available for anyone not on the meal plan.