Panther Week Calendar
Welcome to Principia! Panther Week is going to be exciting — new faces, new buildings, new everything. It's where the magic starts. You'll find your people, figure out where to grab coffee, learn the actual shortcuts across campus, and start understanding what this place is really about. Don't stress about getting everything perfect. Just show up, be yourself, and say yes to things that sound interesting.
Please arrive during your designated arrival slot and if you have any questions, reach out to the Office of Student Life. We can't wait to see you on our bluffs!
Fall 2026 Panther Week
Thursday, August 13
8-10 a.m., Arrival at Front Gate/ Guard Shack
Arrive during your designated time slot. Once you pass through the Gatehouse, you’ll proceed directly to the School of Government parking lot.
8-Noon, Check in at School of Government
When you enter the School of Government lobby, you’ll be greeted by a one-stop-shop to ensure all paperwork has been submitted for the year, confirm your student account is up to date, and receive your Panther Week information.
You’ll proceed to the check-in desk to receive your welcome packet and passport.
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Receive your student ID card, parking pass, and bike registration decals
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Complete any outstanding paperwork
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Visit tables staffed by personnel from Academic Advising, Student Life, Student Employment, IT, the Registrar, and other important offices
Noon-2 p.m., Lunch
Enjoy a welcome lunch with your family before the afternoon begins
Location: Holt Gallery
1-3 p.m., Student-Athlete Assembly
Mandatory session for all new student athletes to cover NCAA compliance requirements. Parents are welcome to stay for the first 30 minutes of meeting. Students will remain until dismissal.
Location: Hay Field House Classroom (bottom floor)
2-3 p.m., Welcome Assembly for Families
President Madden and other administrators will lead an informational session covering your student's first year at Principia, PrinBill, FERPA, Parents Weekend, dining room updates, and more.
Location: Wanamaker Hall
5:45-7:15 p.m., Welcome Dinner
Hosted dinner for all new students and families. President Dr. Meggan Madden will speak at 7:15pm to kick-off orientation week.
Location: Crafton Center
7:30-9 p.m., Special Performance: Ukrainian Cossack Dancers
The Ukrainian Cossack Dancers have entertained audiences of all ages in the Americas, Europe and Asia, performing a traditional Cossack dance routine consisting of acrobatic tumbles, jumps, breathtaking spins, splits, leaps and the infamous Cossack kicks. All dancers of the company are highly trained professionals who reproduce the explosively energetic ethnic Ukrainian dances in stage adapted form. Ukrainian Cossack Song and Dance includes folk dances and songs from Ukraine.
Location: Crafton Center
9:30-10:15 p.m., House Safety Briefing Meeting (Required)
Location: Individual Houses (check with your RC for specific location)
Friday, August 14
8–9:30 am, Breakfast
Location: Dining Services
9:45–10:00 am, Morning Inspiration & Information
Location: McVay Center
10:00–11:55 am, Bridging the Gap Session 1
Session #1 "Why Build Bridges?"
Location: Wanamaker Hall
11:45 am – 12:00 pm, All About Sustainability
Location: TBD
12:00–12:55 pm, Lunch
Location: Dining Services
1:00 pm, Departure for Bridging the Gap Retreat
Students board busses outside of School of Government entrance for their Bridging the Gap retreat in Lebanon, MO.
Location: School of Government entrance / Flagpole parking lot
Skills for Bridging the Gap Retreat, Lebanon, MO
All new students will participate in an off-campus pre-orientation retreat called “Skills for Bridging the Gap.” Skills for Bridging the Gap is a program designed by Interfaith America. The curriculum has been implemented at both faith-based and secular colleges and universities across America to great success. It gives students skills to engage with people across deep divides, grounded in an understanding of each other’s core religious and spiritual worldviews.
During the retreat, students participate in a series of workshops designed to help them explore why they might want to build bridges with others; how to listen deeply; how to share stories about their values and perspectives; and how to navigate tension constructively and engage in difficult conversations.
Packing List for Bridging the Gap Retreat can be found here.
5:00 pm, Arrive at CedarS Camps, Lebanon, MO
- Welcome Meeting upon arrival
- Unpack in Cabins, Breakout Groups
See Full Weekend Itinerary Here.
Monday, August 17
7:30–9:30 am, Breakfast
Location: Dining Services
10:00 am–12:00 pm, Off-campus shopping rides to Walmart & Target
Location: Vans leave from the flagpole parking lot outside of the School of Government building.
11:00–11:20 am, Quiet Time
12:00–1:30 pm, Lunch
Location: Dining Services
1:00–3:00 pm, Off-campus shopping rides to Walmart & Target
Location: Vans leave from the flagpole parking lot outside of the School of Government building.
3:00–4:15 pm, Writing Center: FYE-Exempt Baseline Writing Sample (Transfer Students Only)
For Transfer students only who are exempt from the First Year Experience (FYE) Program. Students will write a "baseline" essay as part one of their all-college writing program proficiency requirement. Students need to bring a charged laptop to this session.
Location: Library, Marshall Brooks Classroom - 3rd Floor
4:30–6:30 pm, Athletics Practices
5:30–7:00 pm, Dinner
Location: Dining Services
7:00 pm, Aquatic Adventures!
Grab your swimsuit and a towel, and head over to Hexberg lawn for slip-n-slides, lawn games, and other water fun, plus grills will be on for burgers/dogs and snacks.
Location: Hexberg Tennis Center front lawn
Tuesday, August 18
6:30–8:30 am, Athletics Practices
8:00–9:30 am, Breakfast
Location: Dining Services
9:45–10:00 am, Morning Inspiration & Information
Location: Wanamaker Hall
10:00–10:50 am, Deans' Welcome
Welcome to Principia! Dean of Academics, Dean of Students, Dean of Admissions, and Athletic Director share their thoughts and visions for a successful year.
Location: Wanamaker Hall
10:50–11:10 am, Quiet Time
11:10–11:50 am, Academic Tours
Decode the locations on the course schedule to find out where your classes will be held and learn about other important locations, including sources of support.
Location: Wanamaker Hall
12:00–12:55 pm, Lunch
Location: Dining Services
1:00–1:25 pm, Intro to Student Employment
Location: Wanamaker Hall
1:30–2:00 pm, Intro to Liberal Arts & Academic Centers
Location: Wanamaker Hall
2:00–2:50 pm, Academic Fair
Location: Black Box Theatre (Merrick/Davis Building)
3:00–4:00 pm, Open Time
4:00–6:00 pm, Athletics Practices
5:30–7:00 pm, Dinner
Location: Dining Services
7:00 pm, Non-Athlete Evening Activity
Location: Meet at flagpole
7:00 pm, Athletics Evening Activity
Location: Hay Field House
Wednesday, August 19
6:30–8:30 am, Athletics Practices
8:00–9:30 am, Breakfast
Location: Dining Services
9:45–9:50 am, Morning Inspiration & Information
Location: Wanamaker Hall
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10:00–10:50 am, Rotation Session 1
Based on your group number, head to the correct rotation session location.
11:00–11:50 pm, CSO
Location: Chapel
12:00–12:55 pm, Lunch
Location: Dining Services
1:00–1:50 pm, Rotation Session 2
Based on your group number, head to the correct rotation session location.
2:00–2:50 pm, Rotation Session 3
Based on your group number, head to the correct rotation session location.
3:00–4:00 pm, Open Time
4:00–6:00 pm, Athletics Practices
5:30–7:00 pm, Dinner
Location: Dining Services
8:30 pm, Tour of Cox Cottage & Taste of St. Louis Dessert Event with Fitz's Floats!
Location: Cox Cottage (West Quad, Lilac Lane)
Thursday, August 20
6:30–8:30 am, Athletics Practices
8:00–9:30 am, Breakfast
Location: Dining Services
9:45–9:50 am, Morning Inspiration & Information
Location: Wanamaker Hall
10:00–10:30 am, Planting Roots & Writing Your History
A talk with College President Dr. Madden & Director of Belonging & Community, Jen Stollman.
Location: Wanamaker Hall
10:50–11:10 am, Quiet Time
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11:10 am–12:00 pm, Rotation Session 1
Based on your group number, head to the correct rotation session location.
12:00–12:55 pm, Lunch
Location: Dining Services
1:00–1:50 pm, Rotation Session 2
Based on your group number, head to the correct rotation session location.
2:00–2:50 pm, Rotation Session 3
Based on your group number, head to the correct rotation session location.
3:00–4:00 pm, Open Time
4:00–6:00 pm, Athletics Practices
5:30–7:00 pm, Dinner
Location: Dining Services
6:30 pm, Athletics Evening Activity
Location: TBD
7:30 pm, Non-Athlete Evening Activity
Location: Meet at flagpole
Friday, August 21
6:30–8:30 am, Athletics Practices
8:00–9:30 am, Breakfast
Location: Dining Services
9:45–10:00 am, Morning Inspiration & Information
Location: Wanamaker Hall
10:00–10:30 am, Academic Integrity & Expectations
Location: Wanamaker Hall
10:30–11:00 am, FERPA with the Registrar
Location: Wanamaker Hall
11:00–11:50 pm, Faith in Action
Location: Wanamaker Hall
12:00–1:50 pm House Orientation Activity / LUNCH
Kick off the year by getting to know your housemates, house leadership and residential staff. This fun and welcoming house activity is a chance to build community, learn about house expectations and traditions and get settled in to your life at Principia!
Location: Your House
1:50–2:30 pm, HERI & Orientation Surveys
Students must bring a charged laptop to complete this session.
Location: McVay Center for the Performing Arts
2:40–3:50 pm, Real Talk: College Q&A with Recent Grads
Straight from the Tassel! Ask recent graduates whatever is on your mind: How to make the most of your college experience? How to contribute to the Principia College and your house community? How to maximize your success at Principia?
Location: McVay Center for the Performing Arts
4:00–5:30 pm, Athletics Practices
4:15 pm, Non-Athletes meet at flagpole to depart for evening activity; Athletes depart at 6:00pm
4:30 pm, Good Food & Great Views Evening Event
TBD
Saturday, August 22
8:00–9:30 am, Breakfast
Location: Dining Services
11:00 am –1:00 pm, Panther Pride & Plushies Event
Come out to Hay Field House and stuff your very own Panther and create some Panther Pride!
Location: Hay Field House
END OF PANTHER WEEK
Information on Centers & Services During Panther Week
ADVISING & ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER (AASC)
AASC coaching is for everyone! Academic Success and Accessibility Coordinators support you in adjusting to college academics, prioritizing learning, improving motivation, and managing accommodations as needed.
Academic Advisors help you plan the path you’ll take to graduation and provide support along the way. To ensure that your coursework and other academic activities support your goals, they’ll help you:
- Link your interests, values, strengths, and goals with specific classes, both general education requirements and elective courses
- Decide on and declare majors and minors
- Apply for special programs, such as study abroad opportunities
- Locate and access useful resources
- Help to problem-solve
The Advising & Academic Success Center can be found in the School of Government SG 264.
Have a question? Just AASC!
CAMPUS SECURITY
For Emergencies, contact Campus Security at x5111 or 618.374.5111. The Gatehouse is staffed by Security Officers 24-hours a day at this number. To be alerted by text of any threat on campus, text the word YES to 68453. If you see or hear anything unusual on campus, please let someone know: an RC, Student Life, or Campus Security.
To get your school ID card, bring your orientation nametag to the Campus Security office, located the lower level of Howard Center between 9am and 4pm, Monday-Friday. Parking decals and bike registrations can be pre-purchased via Marketplace. The preferred method to purchase your vehicle decal, is to purchase them on the Principia Marketplace, using a credit card. If you have any questions, please contact Campus Security at 618-374-5470 or 618-374-5473.
CAREERS & INTERNSHIPS CENTER
The Careers & Internships Center offers personalized guidance and hands-on support through one-on-one appointments, workshops, and events designed to help you connect your interests, values, and goals to real-world opportunities. They can help you:
- Discover your interests through career exploration
- Get help searching for internships, jobs, and community service opportunities
- Access Handshake, Big Interview, and Interstride
- Apply for limited financial support for internships
- Connect with alumni and employers during your post-grad job search
- Build strong application materials with help on résumés, cover letters, and interviews
- Explore and prepare for graduate school
The Careers & Internships Center is located School of Government, Office 055, and is open Monday - Friday 9am-5pm. You can reach out anytime at careers@principia.edu.
CELL PHONE SERVICE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)
AT&T provides primary coverage on campus in addition to Verizon. Although students find places to make outgoing calls using other carriers, coverage from other companies is poor. To learn about AT&T’s services and discounts for Principia College students, visit principiacollege.edu/att.
To call the College switchboard, dial 618.374.2131. The switchboard is staffed
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
The Information Technology (IT) Department provides support for your technical needs while you’re attending Principia College. Help Desk staff members are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Services include help with the use of classroom technologies, connecting your computer or phone to our network, connecting to and using the multifunction printers on campus, getting Principia email, and getting free Microsoft Office 365 software. They can also help you get discounts on educational software and computer purchases. The department is located in Old Watson Room 131, or call ext. 5600 or 618.374.5600. If you have a question, please stop by and let them help.
For more details, visit principiacollege.edu/computers.
COX COTTAGE
Cox Cottage is a quiet refuge for rest and spiritual renewal for everyone in the Principia College community. We serve the campus as professionally trained Christian Science nurses who respond to emergency needs, provide a retreat for quiet metaphysical study, and minister with compassion and love when Christian Science healing is desired. Our partnership with Christian Science practitioners to support you in your focus on perfect health and well-being is invaluable and encouraged. We stand ready if you have a need to stay overnight or visit us for cleansing/bandaging needs in our care room.
Our purpose is to empower your progress in Christian Science healing. We support everyone with the practical comfort and spiritual atmosphere needed to maintain a joyful and limitless Principia experience. During the semester, Cox Cottage is open 24/7 and will help you find the resources you need to support your individual treatment choice.
As the Christian Science nurse Scope of Services beautifully states, “Fundamental to the ministry of a Christian Science nurse is an active, prayerful confirmation of man’s innate spirituality and responsiveness to God’s harmonious government. This spiritual witnessing undergirds each aspect of the care a Christian Science nurse renders.”
MAILROOM & COPY CENTER
Mail Services handles all incoming and outgoing mail and packages for the campus and provides limited USPS and UPS services. Incoming mail is delivered to the mailboxes daily (except Sundays and holidays). Recipients of packages or items that cannot fit into mailboxes are notified by email.
Students should have all incoming mail and packages addressed this way:
Your Name
#_ _ _
One Maybeck Place
Elsah, IL 62028
Note: #_ _ _ is your assigned mail box number.
Copy Services provides print, binding, laminating, and fax services. In addition, Design Services creates flyers, signs, and programs for campus events.
Our front window is open during these hours during the school year (unless posted otherwise):
Mon–Fri: 10 a.m.–4:15 p.m. ** Closed for Quiet Time **
Sat: 1–3 p.m. (package pickup only)
Please refer to our Prinweb pages for available services, package pickup and delivery information, and office contacts.
MARSHALL BROOKS LIBRARY
The Marshall Brooks Library is open daily during the academic term, offering an extensive book collection, DVDs, streaming video titles, private study carrels, reservable rooms for group meetings, presentation suites, and a host of computers, laptops, a printer, maker space, podcasting studio, and a high-speed scanner. The library participates in the I-Share system with 93 other Illinois libraries, which provides our students access to over 38 million items via our daily weekday courier service. The library also offers access to over 87,000 electronic journals and over 700,000 e-books through its website.
The library building is located just off the Chapel Green and will be open during Panther Week, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. The library staff looks forward to meeting you!
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
The Registrar’s Office is the place to go regarding all academic records, including registration, transfer credit, AP credit, and a variety of other academic work. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day, and the staff is happy to help you and answer any questions. The Registrar’s Office is across from Admissions in School of Government.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
The purpose of the Student Employment program is to give students an opportunity to develop and practice good work habits, learn new skills, contribute to the community, and earn money. Approximately 70 percent of Principia students work on campus during the academic year. Most students work an average of 5 to 15 hours per week, though some occasionally petition to work 15–20 hours per week.
On-campus jobs range from office receptionists and fitness center attendants to sales associates and library assistants. To ensure that our departments can operate efficiently during the academic term, all students new to working on campus are required to work 150 hours in Dining Services, Facilities, or the Biology and Natural Resources Department. These hours must be successfully completed within the first two semesters of employment. Students are, of course, paid for this work.
Interested in working on campus? Contact the student employment coordinator at ext. 5237 or visit principiacollege.edu/employ info for more information. The Student Employment Office is open weekdays from 9 am to 4 pm Visit the Student Employment Office in the Terrace level of School of Government.
STUDENT LIFE OFFICE
Student Life is staffed with professionals who love and support this vibrant community!
This department oversees the campus housing program and a wide variety of programs designed to enrich the experience of students and all members of the College community. There are also programs in place to support students’ rights, welfare, and protection, as well as the prevention and resolution of harassment, sexual harassment/assault, bullying, and other grievances.
The Student Life Office is located in School of Government, Office 156 and is open from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.
WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center supports students of all academic interests and levels by offering one-on-one sessions and group writing and research support (e.g. WISE write-in workspaces) as well for-credit courses in writing and academic literacy/reading. The Writing Center trains and hires writing/research tutors to guide their peers through the paper-writing process. The Principia writing proficiency requirement (three papers submitted and assessed over the course of a student’s time at Prin) is also overseen by the Center. The Writing Center is located on the 3rd floor of the Marshall Brooks Library. Please stop by! See our website for more, including information on signing up to work with writing tutors and contact information and resources.