New Student Orientation

Get Ready for Life at BSU

New Student Orientation (NSO) welcomes our newest Bulldogs to campus. During NSO, incoming students receive support as they transition into their new academic and social environment.

Kick off your life at Bowie State with:

  • An overview of campus resources
  • Academic highlights and tips for success
  • A crash course in BSU traditions and history
  • Social events to connect with your new peers

 

Fall 2026 New Student Orientation

Incoming Freshmen: August 19 - 21, 2026

Transfers: August 18, 2026

Register for NSO

Schedules

  • 8 – 9 a.m.
    Breakfast
    Location: Student Center Dining Hall

    9 – 9:30 a.m.
    Check-In
    Location: Lobby of the Leonidas James Complex

    9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
    Welcome Session
    Location: AC Jordan Arena

    10:30 – 10:50 a.m.
    Traditions
    Location: AC Jordan Arena

    10:50 – 11:50 a.m.
    The Choice Is Yours: Game Show
    Location: AC Jordan Arena

    12 – 3:30 p.m.
    Posse, Lunch, and Tour Rotations

    12 – 1:45 p.m.
    Posse

    12:10 – 1 p.m.
    Lunch
    Tours

    1 – 1:50 p.m.
    Lunch
    Tours

    1:50 – 3:20 p.m.
    Posse

    1:50 – 2:30 p.m.
    Lunch

    2:45 – 3:30 p.m.
    Tours

    Locations:

    Posse: MLK Auditorium
    Lunch: Student Center Dining Hall
    Tours: Campus-wide

    3:40 – 4:40 p.m.
    Traditions
    Location: AC Jordan Arena

    4:40 – 6:30 p.m.
    Dinner and Break Rotations

    5 – 5:45 p.m.
    Dinner
    Break

    5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
    Dinner
    Break

    Locations:

    Dinner: Student Center Dining Hall
    Break: Commuter Lounge (Proctor bldg, room 117)
    Movie and snacks available for commuters

    7– 10 p.m.
    Greek Panel and Block Show (Optional)
    Location: MLK Auditorium

  • 9 – 9:45 a.m.
    Welcome Session
    Location: AC Jordan Arena

    9:45 – 10 a.m.
    Traditions
    Location: AC Jordan Arena

    10 – 10:15 a.m.
    Swearing-In Ceremony
    Location: AC Jordan Arena

    10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
    Class Picture
    Location: AC Jordan Arena

    10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Resource Rotations

    11 – 11:30 a.m.
    Campus Resource Session #1
    Locations:
    MLK Auditorium
    JEP 102
    SC Ballrooms

    11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
    Campus Resource Session #2
    Locations: MLK Auditorium, JEP 102, SC Ballrooms

    12:30 – 1 p.m.
    Campus Resource Session #3
    Locations: MLK Auditorium, JEP 102, SC Ballrooms

    1:10 – 2:40 p.m.
    Lunch and SGA Elections Information

    1:10– 1:50 p.m.
    Lunch
    SGA Elections Information

    2 – 2:40 p.m.
    Lunch
    SGA Elections Information

    Locations:
    Lunch
    SGA Elections Information

    2:45 – 3:15 p.m.
    Team Bonding

    3:30 – 5 p.m.
    Bowie World

    5 – 6:30 p.m.
    Dinner and Break Rotations

    5 – 5:45 p.m.
    Dinner: Teams 1–8
    Break: Teams 9–16

    5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
    Dinner: Teams 9–16
    Break: Teams 1–8

    Locations:
    Dinner: Student Center Dining Hall
    Break: Commuter Lounge (JEP 117)

    Movie and snacks available for commuters

    7 – 10 p.m.
    Talent Show (optional)
    Location: MLK Auditorium

  • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    Battle of the Teams and Awards
    Location: AC Jordan Arena

    1 – 4 p.m.
    NSO Rodeo and Lunch Rotation
    Locations: Student Center Lawn and Student Center Dining Hall

    7 – 10 p.m.
    Silent Headphone Party (optional)
    Location: MLK Auditorium

Helpful Links

Bulldog Card Photo Submission

Your Bulldog Card is more than just an ID—it’s your key to campus life at Bowie State University. Click the link below to upload your photo today.

Submit Your Photo Here

Next Steps for Admitted Students

Congratulations on your acceptance to Bowie State University! To ensure your continued success, please complete all items on this checklist.

Next Steps Checklist

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email newstudentexperiences@bowiestate.edu for assistance. Stay updated by following us on Instagram @experiencebowiestate!

Office of New Student Experiences Staff

Thomasina Boardley
Director of New Student Experiences and Student Engagement