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
Schedules
8 – 9 a.m.
Breakfast
Location: Student Center Dining Hall9 – 9:30 a.m.
Check-In
Location: Lobby of the Leonidas James Complex9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Welcome Session
Location: AC Jordan Arena10:30 – 10:50 a.m.
Traditions
Location: AC Jordan Arena10:50 – 11:50 a.m.
The Choice Is Yours: Game Show
Location: AC Jordan Arena12 – 3:30 p.m.
Posse, Lunch, and Tour Rotations12 – 1:45 p.m.
Posse12:10 – 1 p.m.
Lunch
Tours1 – 1:50 p.m.
Lunch
Tours1:50 – 3:20 p.m.
Posse1:50 – 2:30 p.m.
Lunch2:45 – 3:30 p.m.
ToursLocations:
Posse: MLK Auditorium
Lunch: Student Center Dining Hall
Tours: Campus-wide3:40 – 4:40 p.m.
Traditions
Location: AC Jordan Arena4:40 – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner and Break Rotations5 – 5:45 p.m.
Dinner
Break5:45 – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner
BreakLocations:
Dinner: Student Center Dining Hall
Break: Commuter Lounge (Proctor bldg, room 117)
Movie and snacks available for commuters7– 10 p.m.
Greek Panel and Block Show (Optional)
Location: MLK Auditorium9 – 9:45 a.m.
Welcome Session
Location: AC Jordan Arena9:45 – 10 a.m.
Traditions
Location: AC Jordan Arena10 – 10:15 a.m.
Swearing-In Ceremony
Location: AC Jordan Arena10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Class Picture
Location: AC Jordan Arena10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Resource Rotations11 – 11:30 a.m.
Campus Resource Session #1
Locations:
MLK Auditorium
JEP 102
SC Ballrooms11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Campus Resource Session #2
Locations: MLK Auditorium, JEP 102, SC Ballrooms12:30 – 1 p.m.
Campus Resource Session #3
Locations: MLK Auditorium, JEP 102, SC Ballrooms1:10 – 2:40 p.m.
Lunch and SGA Elections Information1:10– 1:50 p.m.
Lunch
SGA Elections Information2 – 2:40 p.m.
Lunch
SGA Elections InformationLocations:
Lunch
SGA Elections Information2:45 – 3:15 p.m.
Team Bonding3:30 – 5 p.m.
Bowie World5 – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner and Break Rotations5 – 5:45 p.m.
Dinner: Teams 1–8
Break: Teams 9–165:45 – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner: Teams 9–16
Break: Teams 1–8Locations:
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 Auditorium10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Battle of the Teams and Awards
Location: AC Jordan Arena1 – 4 p.m.
NSO Rodeo and Lunch Rotation
Locations: Student Center Lawn and Student Center Dining Hall7 – 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.
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.
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
