8/17/2026

Hello Puget Sound!

It is that time of year again. We are gearing up to welcome new students and their families, reconnecting with returning students, and kicking off the academic year. Please take a moment to review the following orientation and welcome events. We hope you'll join us!

Welcome Walk
Friday, Aug. 21 | about 5 p.m. | Commencement Walk near Peyton Field
The Welcome Walk is a tradition that began after the completion of the Commencement Walk. It's a chance for the campus community to welcome new students and their families. The walk takes place at the end of Convocation, around 5 p.m. on Move-In Day, Friday, Aug. 21. Everyone is invited. We encourage welcome signs, and Logger gear, as everyone lines up along the walk near Peyton Field. Families will exit Memorial Stadium and pass through our Welcome Walk on their way to the Welcome Festival on Wheelock Plaza. We hope you are able to join us for this event.

Want to make a sign for the Welcome Walk? The Office of Marketing and Communications will have poster-making supplies available in the lobby of Wheelock Student Center on Friday from noon to 1 p.m.

Welcome Events
The Passages Team is excited to invite members of Puget Sound to various welcome events during the second week of classes. These annual events are an important part of how we help incoming students find places of welcome, connection, and belonging on campus.

LGBTQIA+ Welcome
Wednesday, Sept. 9 | 5–6 p.m. | Upper Marshall Hall
The annual LGBTQIA+ Welcome is an opportunity for incoming students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or non-binary, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, agender, generally within the queer umbrella, and allies to meet and be welcomed by returning students, faculty, and staff. Refreshments will be served. We acknowledge the diversity of experiences and identities within this large umbrella while also recognizing the power of building relationships within and across identities.

Veterans' Welcome
RSVP Requested by Aug. 24
Thursday, Sept. 10 | Noon–1 p.m. | Trimble Forum

This luncheon welcomes new Loggers who are active military, veterans, or attending Puget Sound on VA benefits via a family member. Students, faculty, and staff are welcome. This event will provide an opportunity for community building and forming connections.

A Taste of the Sound
Friday, Sept. 11 | 4-6 p.m. | Student Diversity Center
Join the Office of Intercultural Engagement and the Associated Students of the University of Puget Sound for an opportunity to connect with affinity-based student organizations, meet other students, and enjoy tasty local bites. Whether you're looking to get involved on campus, learn more about student organizations, or simply meet new people, this event is for you. Student leaders will be on hand to share information about their clubs, and all students are welcome to attend. Come explore the Student Diversity Center, enjoy great local food, and celebrate the start of the year with us.

With Appreciation,

Beth Goad | Director of Orientation & Leadership