Welcome Week

8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Early Arrival Students pre-approval required

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Student Leader Training

Valders Hall of Science 206

8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Residence Hall Check-In 

Upon move in, students can expect to be greeted by your Resident Assistant (RA) and Hall Director.  They are a tremendous resource during move-in and throughout the year!

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Luther College Book Shop Is Open

Dahl Centennial Union, Main Floor 

9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. College Offices and Resources Fair

Dahl Centennial Union, Main Floor

Refreshments available for families and students until 5:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. A Luther Welcome 

Mandatory for all new students; families invited | Center for Faith and Life (CFL), Main Hall

President Chamberlain, campus staff, and student orientation leaders will officially welcome you to the Luther community.

3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Residence Hall Floor Gatherings and L Photo

Mandatory for all new students

Connect with your RA and Welcome Week leaders in small groups.

3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Parent and Family Reception (Watch the L Photo)

Dahl Centennial Union, Patio

5:00 p.m. Residence Hall Floor Meeting and Dinner

Mandatory for all first-year students

Brandt: Floor meeting followed by dinner at 5:45 p.m.

All Brandt students are expected to connect with their floor for a meeting followed by dinner with your RA.

Ylvisaker: Dinner followed by floor meeting at 5:45 p.m.

All Ylvisaker students are expected to connect with their floor to go to dinner as a group; floor meetings with your RA to follow.

5:30 p.m. Transfer Student Gathering 

Mandatory for new transfer students | Meet at the Luther Bell

Dinner provided

7:00 p.m. All Residence Hall Gathering and Mixer

Mandatory for all first-year students | Residence Hall Main Lounge

Fun activities and games to get to know your neighbors.

8:00 p.m. Lights, Camera, Action – RAs!

Mandatory for all new students | CFL, Main Hall  

As a member of the Luther community, it is important to understand what it means to respect each other and take responsibility in supporting each other. Your RA’s will bring awareness of the house norms through skits and movies. 

9:00 p.m. Marty’s After Dark: Ice Cream Social

Dahl Centennial Union, Marty’s (lower level)

As our first social gathering of the academic year, the Student Activities Council (SAC) invites all new students to enjoy an ice cream social and game night/trivia in a favorite campus location. Stay tuned for more of SAC’s Marty’s After Dark series of events! 

8:45 a.m. Coffee fellowship

CFL, Lobby

9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship

CFL, Main Hall

New students, returning students, families, and all members of the Luther College community are invited to a special worship service to begin the academic year. All faith backgrounds and denominations are welcome to attend.

Interested students are invited to participate in worship by singing in a pick-up choir that will rehearse prior to worship at 8:45 a.m.

11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Luther College Book Shop Is Open

Dahl Centennial Union, Main Floor

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Your Luther Life

Mandatory for all new students | CFL, Main Hall

Learn about Luther programs, supports, and policies and how they will shape your experience. These sessions will provide the tools, resources, and understanding of campus expectations to help you navigate your transition to Luther. 

1:00 p.m-4:00 p.m. Awareness Through Performance (ATP) and Find Your Way

Mandatory for all new students | Center for the Arts (CFA), Jewel Theatre and Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Recital Hall

Awareness Through Performance (ATP): Watch student actors perform and share experiences. On-campus and off-campus supports are available during and after the performance.

Find your way: As you begin your time at Luther, take time to reflect on who you are, what you value, and who you hope to become. Through reflection and conversation, you’ll explore how self-awareness, self-care, wellness, purpose, and belonging can shape your college experience inside and beyond the classroom.

Ylvisaker & Transfer Students: Report to Jewel Theatre

Brandt Residents: Report to Noble Recital Hall

4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Rec Services: Hike to Dunning’s Spring

Meet at the Luther Bell

Walk to Decorah’s most well known park to hike and explore near the waterfall! Wear clothes and shoes that could get dirty, bring a water bottle, and wear sunscreen.

4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Choir Ensemble Placement Sessions

Aurora: Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Choir Room

Norskkor: Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Sundt Organ Room

For detailed information, visit the Choral Auditions page.

7:00 p.m. Playfair the Ultimate Icebreaker

Mandatory for all new students | Farwell Clearing (Rain location: Sports and Recreation Center)

Team building and entertainment, all rolled into one!

8:15 p.m. Sunset S’Mores

Davidson Møteplass – firepits behind Ylvisaker (Rain location: Marty’s)

Hang out, get your sugar fix, and meet new friends. Sponsored by the Office for College Ministries, the Council for Faith and Life, and student faith organizations.

9:30 p.m. Norskkor Rehearsal

Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Noble Recital Hall

For first year students and Alum.

9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Paideia Session

Mandatory for new students registered for Paideia | Paideia classroom

Get connected to your excellent faculty, who are excited to meet you in your first Paideia session! You’ll get to know your classmates, explore the expectations of a Luther education, and discuss your assigned summer reading.

12:30 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Fika [coffee+treats]

CFL Steps

Fika is the Swedish word for a coffee break! Students, advisors, and the whole campus community are invited to take a pause for afternoon coffee and a treat. Looking ahead, join College Ministries for Fika during chapel break every Monday that classes are in session.

1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Educational Opportunities Fair

Mandatory for all new students | Farwell Clearing (Rain Location: Valders & Sampson Hoffland)

Explore what’s possible at Luther.

Curious about a major, exploring your options, or still figuring out what interests you? The Educational Opportunities Fair is a chance to discover the many ways you can shape your Luther experience.

Meet faculty from academic departments, learn about majors and minors, and ask questions about areas of study. You can also explore opportunities to study away, participate in research and experiential learning, and apply for fellowships that can help you connect what you learn in the classroom to your interests and future goals.

Not sure where to start? Visit the Exploring and Undecided table to talk with someone about your interests and strengths. You can also stop by the Luther Core Curriculum table to learn how the Core can help you explore new ideas and make connections across your liberal arts education. Come with questions & curiosity! 

3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Campus Scavenger Hunt

Residents Hall Main Lounge

Learn about resources on campus and find your classrooms as you join an RA on an interactive scavenger hunt!

4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Rec Services: Sand Volleyball and More

Sand Courts next to Ylvisaker Hall

Join us outside for sand volleyball, spike ball, bags, and to learn about intramurals and our other programs. Bring your water bottle and wear sunscreen.

4:30 p.m. String Players Informational Meeting (First Year & Transfer)

Jenson-Noble Hall of Music, Orchestra Room

Q&A with members of the Luther College string faculty.  Topics include lessons, chamber music, orchestra auditions, lockers, and practice room policies.  Required of all first-year string players.

6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) Open House

Dahl Centennial Union, CIES Office 113

Join the Center for Intercultural Engagement and Support (CIES) for our Open House to learn about our services, programs and staff. This is not your average meet-and-greet, it’s your first stop on a journey of connection, culture, and community. Vibe with students, faculty and staff from all backgrounds, and have a sweet treat!

5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Transfer Student Pizza at the President’s House

Mandatory for new transfer students | Meet at the Luther Bell

Celebrate the start of the year with fellow transfer students and President Chamberlain. Connect with other transfer students, share your experiences, and celebrate the unique perspectives you bring to the Luther community. .

7:00 p.m. Bingo Night

Bentdahl Commons (Rain Location: Marty’s)

Students are encouraged to bring their own blankets or towels to sit on.
Win some Luther gear!

8:00 a.m.-9:00 a.m. Student Worker Meeting for Custodial Services

Mandatory meeting for students working in Custodial Services | Valders 206 

Student Worker Meeting for Grounds Crew

Mandatory meeting for students working on Grounds Crew | Facilities Services

Student Worker Meeting for Bon Appétit (Food Service)

Mandatory meeting for students working in Food Services | Cafeteria

Please refer to your Luther email for more information.

10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Getting Started: Navigating Your First Year at Luther 

Mandatory meeting for all new students

You are still just getting started and this rotation is to help you navigate your first year at Luther through a mix of staff-led and peer-led sessions. Staff sessions focus on campus systems and support, the library session encourages self-exploration of academic resources through interactive activities, and student leaders share lived experiences of academics and belonging.

Campus Resources

Brandt Floors Ground, 1&2: Report to the Library

Explore academic tools through interactive self-guided activities.

Financial System (Financial Aid)

Ylvisaker Floors 1&2 and Transfer Students: Report to Olin Building 102

Learn how college costs, aid, and student accounts work—and where to go for help.

Stand Up & Be Counted (BSCC Survey)

Ylvisaker Floors 3&4: Report to Valders Hall of Science 206

Students share their voice by completing a survey about your early experiences, first impressions, and sense of connection at Luther. 

Academic Success Strategies

Brandt Floors 3&4: Report to the CFL, Recital Hall

Hear student-led tips for studying, time management, and college learning.

12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. Study Away Fair

Bentdahl Commons (Rain Location: Dahl Centennial Union, Main Floor)

2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. Find Your Way, Meet Your Advisor

Mandatory for all new students | CFL

Your Luther journey is yours to shape.

You’re bringing your own interests, experiences, questions, and goals to Luther. In this session, you’ll discover how advising can help you make the most of your college experience and learn what it means to Find Your Way during your first year at Luther.

We’ll start together with a conversation about advising, your role in the advising partnership, and the ways your advisor can support you. Then, you’ll meet your advisor and begin getting to know each other. Share what matters to you, ask questions, and start thinking about where you want your Luther experience to take you.

Bring your class schedule and your questions. There’s no need to have it all figured out—you’re just getting started. 

4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Rec Services: Views from Pulpit Rock – Ending at the Soccer Game 

Meet at the Luther Bell 

Walk to Pulpit Rock and discover amazing views of Decorah and the Upper Iowa River. Wear clothes and shoes that could get dirty, bring a water bottle, and wear sunscreen.

5:00 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Bethany Lutheran College

Soccer Field | Theme: Blue Out (wear your “Formed by Connections” Luther t-shirt)

6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Activities Fair

Farwell Clearing

Find out how you can get involved in student organizations at Luther! Join us on the Farwell Clearing to meet with student organization leaders from our 60+ student groups! There will also be music, food, and fun!  (Sugar Bowl Ice Cream)

8:00 p.m. Be the Light, Ring the Bell

Bentdahl Commons

Mark the beginning of your Luther journey with this ceremony, which includes candle-lighting and ringing of the Luther Bell. This is one of only two times during your Luther career that you get to ring the bell, so be sure to join us!

FIRST DAY OF FALL SEMESTER

7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. First Day of Class Belfie

What’s a belfie, you ask? It’s a selfie at the Luther Bell, to remember your first day of classes.

10:30 a.m. Opening Chapel

CFL, Main Hall

Pastor Melissa Bills, speaker

Chapel break is built into the class schedule each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of the academic year from 10:30-10:50 a.m. Join College Ministries on Mondays for Fika (coffee and treats) on the CFL steps, and Wednesdays/Fridays for chapel services in the CFL Main Hall.

Every Wednesday in September, chapel will include blessings for a variety of student groups and activities.

7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Paideia Author Q & A  

Mandatory for new students registered for Paideia | CFL, Main Hall

Session begins promptly at 7 p.m.  On-stage Interview with Nora Krug, author of Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home 

8:30 p.m. Contra Dance 

Hosted by: Sustainability | Outside the Dahl Centennial Union and CFL (Rain Location: Marty’s)

Join us for a night of live folk music and large group line dancing where you are guaranteed to meet new people, learn a few new dance moves, and endless amounts of laughter and fun!

9:40 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Opening Convocation 

Mandatory for all new students | CFL, Main Hall

Students line up:  Pergola of Bentdahl Commons

Faculty line up:  CFL Steps

This ceremony officially marks the opening of the new academic year for all students, staff, and faculty. Nora Krug, author of the summer reading Belonging: A German Reckons with History and Home will be this year’s opening convocation speaker.

6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Lawn Chair Night/Trivia – Downtown Decorah 

Washington Street next to Impact Coffee | Transportation Outside Dahl Centennial Union

Experience one of Decorah’s favorite summer traditions! Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, enjoy community trivia, and connect with classmates while exploring downtown. Vans will be available for students with mobility needs. 

On Fridays we wear Norse Blue! (Wear your Luther gear)

10:30 a.m. Chapel Break

CFL, Main Hall

Chapel break is built into the class schedule each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of the academic year from 10:30-10:50 a.m. Join College Ministries on Mondays for Fika (coffee and treats) on the CFL steps, and Wednesdays/Fridays for chapel services in the CFL, Main Hall. 

6:00 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. Macalester College

Soccer Field | Theme: Jersey Night

8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Silent Disco

Bentdahl Commons (Rain Location: Marty’s)

Be a part of the hottest trend to hit the streets! The only event where people can party while listening to music through an interconnected network of wireless headphones instead of the same old speaker system. This has become a favorite welcome week tradition! 

10:00 a.m. Fall Roll

          Hosted by: Sustainability | Registration begins at the Luther Bell at 9:00 a.m.

Explore your new community on a bike ‘roll’ around town! Guides will show you the best routes to downtown, local shops, and fun spots around Decorah. Bring your own bike or check one out from Luther’s first come, first served, free Bike Share program. Check-in begins at 9:00 a.m. and the ride will start at 10:00 a.m. from the Luther Bell and end at the Library Lawn for treats with new friends! All riders and skill levels welcome. 

1:00 p.m. Home Football Game vs. Lawrence University

Football Field 

Ylvisaker: Wear white | Brandt: Wear blue

Enjoy watching contests between the first-year halls throughout the game and cool off with free treats.

9:00 p.m-11:00 p.m. Marty’s After Dark: Dante’s Disko

Dahl Centennial Union, Marty’s (lower level)

Dance your first Friday night away at our first Dante’s Disko of the year! This has been a crowd favorite event for students to hang out, dance, and listen to their classmates DJ. 

8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Walk to Church Sunday (or Ride or Bike!)

Meet in CFL, Lobby

Expanding on a long-standing Luther tradition, join fellow Luther students to walk or ride together to a local congregation for worship:

• Decorah First United Methodist Church – 8:15am meet | 9:00am worship
• Decorah Covenant Church – 8:15am meet | 9:00am worship
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – 9:00am meet | 9:30am worship
• St. Benedict Catholic Parish – 9:15am meet | 10:00am worship
• Decorah United Church of Christ – 9:45am meet | 10:30am worship

7:30 p.m. Broadway’s Next Hit Musical

CFL

New students will be joining their RAs and floor members for a dressed up evening at the first Center Stage Series event of the 2026-2027 season. Broadway’s Next Hit Musical brings together master improvisers that gather audience suggestions and create a spontaneous evening of music, comedy and laughter. The audience votes for their favorite improvised song and then watches as the cast turns this song into a full-blown, improvised musical. Tickets are free to Luther students and RAs will assist each floor with the ticket process so floors can enjoy the event together.