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Schedule of Events

Opening Days 2026: August 19-23, 2026

PNCA Students

Information for PNCA students can be viewed on the PNCA website.

Salem Students

Opening Days 2026 will take place August 19-23, for all new Salem students, whether they live on or off campus. New students living on campus will move into the residence halls on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Parents and family members are welcome to join their students for the move-in process as well as some programs later in the day.

All residential and commuter students should plan to arrive on campus no later than 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, so they are ready for afternoon and evening programs. All students need to pick up their Opening Days packet on the Matthews Hall lawn, which contains important schedule information for the week.

Early arrival athletes (for football, soccer, volleyball, or triathlon), will receive specific information from their coach regarding a move-in date. However, all student-athletes participate in Opening Days.

Parent and Family Meals

If you are coming to the Salem campus to move your student into the residence halls and/or participate in Opening Days events on Wednesday, August 19, we welcome you to join them for a picnic dinner from 5:00–6:30 p.m. on Brown Field.

You do not need to purchase a ticket for your student; their meals are covered by the Opening Days dining plan. Commuter students who did not purchase a dining plan during the school year will have their meals covered by the Opening Days dining plan from August 19-23
Parents and family members will be able to purchase tickets to the picnic dinner on site.

View the menu and prices for the picnic dinner.

2026 Salem Schedule of Events

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

7:00–9:00 a.m.
Breakfast, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Opening Days Headquarters Open, Office of Student Engagement & Leadership, Putnam University Center, 2nd floor
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
8:30–11:30 a.m.
New Student Check-In, Matthews Hall
Pick up your Opening Days packet, residence hall key, and student ID card.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Settling-In Activities, Campus-wide
Refer to the Settling-In Checklist in your packet for tasks to complete during this time. Activities are divided by those that must be done on this day and those that can be done at your leisure.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Panhellenic Council Rummage Sale, Jackson Plaza
Hosted by the Willamette sorority community, you'll find items commonly needed for college life, including mini fridges, hangers, alarm clocks, lamps and more. All of the items have been donated by students who've lived in the residence halls.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lunch, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Opening Days Group Session #1, Quad
Meet your Opening Days leader on the Quad for your first group session. Look for your leader holding a sign with their name and group number on it.
Open to: First-Year Students, transfer and international students
5:00–6:30 p.m.
Opening Days Kick-Off Picnic, Brown Field (south of Goudy Commons; if rain, seating available in Goudy Commons and Putnam University Center) Line starts at Hatfield Fountain
A picnic dinner for new students and their families. During dinner, students can sign up for Passport to Salem. Parents and family members will need a ticket, students will use their dining plans. Tickets will be available for purchase in Goudy Commons. Join us at 6:30 p.m. for a special welcome from your Opening Days leaders.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
7:00–8:00 p.m.
Opening Convocation,  Quad
Join the faculty as we officially open the 2026-2027 academic year.
Open to: First-Year Students; Transfer and International Students
8:00–9:00 p.m.
Families Depart & Goodbyes
9:00–10:00 p.m.
Social Activity
Join the other OD groups for games and activities.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Thursday, August 20, 2026

7:00–9:00 a.m.
Breakfast, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Opening Days Headquarters Open, Putnam University Center, Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, 2nd Floor
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Meet Your Colloquium Associate,  Colloquium Classrooms
Open to: First-Year Students
9:30–11:30 a.m.
College Colloquium Class,  Colloquium Classrooms
Open to: First-Year Students
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lunch, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Open Houses, various locations
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Make a PACT: It Starts With Us, Hudson Hall, Mary Student Rogers Music Center
You’ll attend this session with your group and Opening Days Leader to explore what it means to be part of a healthy, respectful campus community. Through real student stories and guided discussion, we’ll reflect on well-being, relationships, consent, and personal boundaries. We’ll also talk about navigating social spaces, including alcohol and parties, with awareness and care. You’ll leave with a better understanding of campus resources and practical strategies to support your own well-being and look out for others.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:00-5:00 p.m.
Opening Days Group Session,  Opening Days Classrooms
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Dinner, Goudy Commons
Sign ups for Passport to Salem outside of Goudy.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
7:30–9:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Community Gatherings
All students will meet with their residence hall floor mates. Ask your RA for the meeting location. Not required for students that live off campus.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
9:00–10:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Association Social Event, Montag Plaza
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Friday, August 21, 2026

8:00–10:00 a.m.
Breakfast, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
9:30–11:00 a.m.
College Colloquium Group Session
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lunch, Goudy Commons
Sign ups for Passport to Salem outside of Goudy.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Open Houses, various locations
2:00–4:00 p.m.
College Colloquium,  College Colloquium Classrooms
Colloquium classes that meet Tuesday/Thursday during the semester will meet for their group session from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Colloquium classes that meet Monday/Wednesday/Friday during the semester will meet for their group session from 10-11:30 a.m.
Open to: First-Year Students
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Opening Days Group Session, OD Classrooms
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Dinner, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
5:30–9:00 p.m.
Passport to Salem
Experience the city of Salem and have fun with your new classmates! You can sign up for Passport to Salem in advance at lunch outside of Goudy Commons.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Saturday, August 22, 2026

8:00–10:00 a.m.
Breakfast
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Salem Saturday Market Walking Groups
Join Opening Days leaders for a short walk to the Salem Saturday Market. Groups will leave from the Star Trees at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. It is recommended that you bring spending money for food or vendor purchases. For more information about the market, check out salemcommunitymarkets.com.
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lunch
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
2:00–3:30 p.m.
College Colloquium, Colloquium Classrooms
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:30–7:00 p.m.
Dinner & Opening Days Group Session, Goudy Commons
See your Opening Days leader for your group's assigned time
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Matriculation: Not Unto Ourselves, Quad
All students should attend this valued Willamette tradition!
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
9:00–11:00 p.m.
Glow Up, Montag Den & Plaza
Join your newly found peers in a fun night of laughing, dancing, singing, and glowing! Glow Up is a dance held on the fourth night of Opening Days. We celebrate your transition to WU with a dance, some Bistro treats, and a lot of music.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Sunday, August 23, 2026

8:00–10:00 a.m.
Breakfast
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
10:00–11:00 a.m.
linQ/Lavender Community Gathering, Gender Resource & Advocacy Center, Montag Center
The Gender Resource and Advocacy Center and the Lavender Community are happy to invite all incoming and returning students to the first floor of Montag to celebrate the new academic year and get to know other students. linQ is a program developed for students to build connections within the LGBTQ+ community and across the student body, both on and off-campus. This social is an opportunity to begin to build these connections before classes get started. Come play games, enjoy snacks, and get to know other students. There will be a brief tour, an overview of the year's linQ activities, and some surprises.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lunch
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:00–5:00 p.m.
OD Group Session, OD Classrooms
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Dinner, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Willamette Night Out
Willamette Night Out (WNO) showcases the many events and programs that
occur on campus through the course of each semester. Activities will take
place all across campus. For a detailed schedule, check with your Opening
Days leader.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Monday, August 26, 2026

7:00–10:00 a.m.
Breakfast, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
8:00 a.m.
Classes Begin!
Classes begin for all first-year, transfer, and international students.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Art Department Cyanotype Workshop!,  Art Building, Room 100
Come enjoy this fun art-making event! Make photographs by placing found objects on paper treated with Cyanotype chemistry, and developed with sunlight! All are welcome!
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:30–5:30 p.m.
Theatre Open House,  Pelton Theatre
All first-year, transfer, and international students are welcome to attend.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Theatre Scholarship Recipient Meeting,  Pelton Theatre
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

4:00–5:00 p.m.
Dining Services Tour & Dietary Considerations, Goudy Commons
Brought to you by the Goudy Management Team. Learn about inclusive food accommodation practices available to students dining on campus. This orientation event is for students who manage food allergies, celiac disease and medical diets. The event includes a tour of Goudy that highlights need-to-know information: where to find ingredient labels at each food station, sourcing gluten free items, and a discussion of food safety practices. A question and answer session with General Manager Eric Thomas will be part of the tour.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:00–7:00 p.m.
Target Shopping Event, 3790 Center Street NE, Salem
Welcome to a special shopping event for Willamette students. Free shuttle buses will depart from the Sparks parking lot starting at 3:45 p.m. and will run until 7 p.m.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Opening Days Headquarters Open, Office of Student Engagement & Leadership, Putnam University Center, 2nd floor
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
8:30–11:30 a.m.
New Student Check-In, Matthews Hall
Pick up your Opening Days packet, residence hall key, and student ID card.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Settling-In Activities, Campus-wide
Refer to the Settling-In Checklist in your packet for tasks to complete during this time. Activities are divided by those that must be done on this day and those that can be done at your leisure.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Panhellenic Council Rummage Sale, Jackson Plaza
Hosted by the Willamette sorority community, you'll find items commonly needed for college life, including mini fridges, hangers, alarm clocks, lamps and more. All of the items have been donated by students who've lived in the residence halls.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lunch, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Opening Days Group Session #1, Quad
Meet your Opening Days leader on the Quad for your first group session. Look for your leader holding a sign with their name and group number on it.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
5:00–6:30 p.m.
Opening Days Kick-Off Picnic, Brown Field (south of Goudy Commons; if rain, seating available in Goudy Commons and Putnam University Center) Line starts at Hatfield Fountain
A picnic dinner for new students and their families. During dinner, students can sign up for Passport to Salem. Parents and family members will need a ticket, students will use their dining plans. Tickets will be available for purchase in Goudy Commons. Join us at 6:30 p.m. for a special welcome from your Opening Days leaders.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
7:00–8:00 p.m.
Opening Convocation, Quad
Join the faculty as we officially open the 2026-2027 academic year.
Open to: First-Year Students; Transfer and International Students
9:00–10:00 p.m.
Social Activity
Join the other OD groups for games and activities.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Thursday, August 20, 2026

7:00–9:00 a.m.
Breakfast, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Opening Days Headquarters Open, Putnam University Center, Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, 2nd Floor
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lunch, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Open Houses, various locations
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Make a PACT: It Starts With Us, Hudson Hall, Mary Student Rogers Music Center
You’ll attend this session with your group and Opening Days Leader to explore what it means to be part of a healthy, respectful campus community. Through real student stories and guided discussion, we’ll reflect on well-being, relationships, consent, and personal boundaries. We’ll also talk about navigating social spaces, including alcohol and parties, with awareness and care. You’ll leave with a better understanding of campus resources and practical strategies to support your own well-being and look out for others.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Opening Days Group Session, Opening Days Classrooms
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Dinner, Goudy Commons
Sign ups for Passport to Salem outside of Goudy.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
7:30–9:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Community Gatherings
All students will meet with their residence hall floor mates. Ask your RA for the meeting location. Not required for students that live off campus.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
9:00–10:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Association Social Event, Montag Plaza
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Friday, August 21, 2026

8:00–10:00 a.m.
Breakfast, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lunch, Goudy Commons
Sign ups for Passport to Salem outside of Goudy.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Open Houses, various locations
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Opening Days Group Session, OD Classrooms
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Dinner, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
5:30–9:00 p.m.
Passport to Salem
Experience the city of Salem and have fun with your new classmates! You can sign up for Passport to Salem in advance at lunch outside of Goudy Commons.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Saturday, August 22, 2026

8:00–10:00 a.m.
Breakfast
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
10:00–11:00 a.m.
Salem Saturday Market Walking Groups
Join Opening Days leaders for a short walk to the Salem Saturday Market. Groups will leave from the Star Trees at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11 a.m. It is recommended that you bring spending money for food or vendor purchases. For more information about the market, check out salemcommunitymarkets.com.
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lunch
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:30–7:00 p.m.
Dinner & Opening Days Group Session, Goudy Commons
See your Opening Days leader for your group's assigned time
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Matriculation: Not Unto Ourselves, Quad
All students should attend this valued Willamette tradition!
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
9:00–11:00 p.m.
Glow Up, Montag Den & Plaza
Join your newly found peers in a fun night of laughing, dancing, singing, and glowing! Glow Up is a dance held on the fourth night of Opening Days. We celebrate your transition to WU with a dance, some Bistro treats, and a lot of music.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Sunday, August 23, 2026

8:00–10:00 a.m.
Breakfast
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
10:00–11:00 a.m.
linQ/Lavender Community Gathering, Gender Resource & Advocacy Center, Montag Center
The Gender Resource and Advocacy Center and the Lavender Community are happy to invite all incoming and returning students to the first floor of Montag to celebrate the new academic year and get to know other students. linQ is a program developed for students to build connections within the LGBTQ+ community and across the student body, both on and off-campus. This social is an opportunity to begin to build these connections before classes get started. Come play games, enjoy snacks, and get to know other students. There will be a brief tour, an overview of the year's linQ activities, and some surprises.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Lunch
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:00–5:00 p.m.
OD Group Session, OD Classrooms
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Dinner, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Willamette Night Out
Willamette Night Out (WNO) showcases the many events and programs that
occur on campus through the course of each semester. Activities will take
place all across campus. For a detailed schedule, check with your Opening
Days leader.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Monday, August 26, 2026

7:00–10:00 a.m.
Breakfast, Goudy Commons
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
8:00 a.m.
Classes Begin!
Classes begin for all first-year, transfer, and international students.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Art Department Cyanotype Workshop!, Art Building, Room 100
Come enjoy this fun art-making event! Make photographs by placing found objects on paper treated with Cyanotype chemistry, and developed with sunlight! All are welcome!
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:30–5:30 p.m.
Theatre Open House, Pelton Theatre
All first-year, transfer, and international students are welcome to attend.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Theatre Scholarship Recipient Meeting, Pelton Theatre
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

4:00–5:00 p.m.
Dining Services Tour & Dietary Considerations, Goudy Commons
Brought to you by the Goudy Management Team. Learn about inclusive food accommodation practices available to students dining on campus. This orientation event is for students who manage food allergies, celiac disease and medical diets. The event includes a tour of Goudy that highlights need-to-know information: where to find ingredient labels at each food station, sourcing gluten free items, and a discussion of food safety practices. A question and answer session with General Manager Eric Thomas will be part of the tour.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students
4:00–7:00 p.m.
Target Shopping Event, 3790 Center Street NE, Salem
Welcome to a special shopping event for Willamette students. Free shuttle buses will depart from the Sparks parking lot starting at 3:45 p.m. and will run until 7 p.m.
Open to: First-Year Students, Transfer and International Students

Willamette University

Opening Days

  • Salem Campus

    Address

    Office of Student Engagement and Leadership
    Putnam University Center, Second Floor
    900 State Street
    Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.

    Contact

    503-370-6463

    Contact Us