Welcome Week

Welcome Week/New Student Orientation: Saturday, August 21, 2021
Arrive on campus between 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on August 21

Welcome Week Calendar

Family members/helpers are welcome to accompany your freshman or transfer student during Arrival & Move-in on Saturday morning, August 21. You want to work to land/arrive in time to get to campus between 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (allowing for checked luggage and renting a car). If you’re flying in on August 21, when looking at arrival times for transportation, please be aware that Principia is about 45 minutes from Lambert Airport/Rental Cars, and 25 minutess from Alton’s Amtrak station. If possible, many families choose to get to the area on Friday, August 20 and spend the night nearby.

When you are campus, you will have the opportunity to assist your student as they settle into their room, procure their Principia ID and participate in Saturday late afternoon/evening activities. We ask that all parents/visitors depart campus by 1:00 pm on Sunday. 

If you’re a new student flying in or arriving by train unaccompanied and need a ride to campus, please fill out this shuttle request form:

Shuttle Request

There are many nearby hotels and B&Bs if overnight accommodations are needed.

We’ll continue to update and add information to these pages. Please feel free to keep checking back.

A Note from Student Life:

Welcome Week (aka New Student Orientation) provides incoming students with a unique experience—one where you can explore and become part of a supportive community of practice and take part in a higher degree of opportunity, understanding, friendship, practice, and success. You will learn more about Christian Science, character education, and Principia itself—its purpose and the purpose of each student here. You will also learn about the campus community, including its resources, facilities, and standards.

Welcome Week orientation is required for all new students. If you have a conflict that prevents you from attending the entire orientation, either in-person or remotely, special approval is needed from Residence Director, Mark Hagenlocher at 618.374.5561. Students cannot arrive earlier than their designated arrival date.

During the week, you will also . . . 

• Move into your house, meet your Resident Counselor & Resident Assistants
• Receive Principia ID cards, take campus tours
• Attend informational meetings about meal plans, student employment, billing, financial aid, internships/career guidance and much more
• Meet professors and learn more about our academic programs
• Meet with the Academic Advising Office
• Participate in various activities to help become acquainted with the College community

Please contact our Residence Director, Mark Hagenlocher at 618.374.5561 with any housing related questions.