Wick Weekend
August 28, 29, 30, 2026
Your journey on the Hill begins with Wick Weekend – three days of fun, food, new friends, and favorite traditions. This welcome celebration is designed to help you feel at home, right here at Hartwick College.
New Friends
Move-In Day! Decorate your shared space and say hi to your neighbors. But don’t worry about having to lug a refrigerator or heavy suitcase up the stairs – student volunteers are ready to get you settled in.
Commuting from home this year? We want campus to be your home away from home. Every student activity, every fun event, every special meal and pop-up food event, every Hartwick resource is open to you. You’ll see, starting with Wick Weekend.
Whether you’re a First-Year or Transfer student, a campus resident or a commuter, Wick Weekend gives you lots of chances to meet your classmates and make friends. Grab something tasty in the Commons, play games in Stack Lounge, win prizes in activities across campus. This gorgeous campus is all yours. Make yourself comfortable.
Here to Help
There are lots of people here ready to answer your questions. We all remember what it's like to be new at Hartwick and want to help you get comfortable!
Your first days on campus will bring connections, including your Faculty Advisor and your Guidance Teams. You’ll join workshops on Wellness and Belonging, Academic Preparedness and Campus Life. You’ll experience opportunities and interactions with peers and professionals, which will help you launch your personal FlightPath. By the time you and your classmates arrive at the overlook on Founders’ Way, you’ll feel at home on this Hill.
There are so many great and time-honored traditions that come with being part of the Hartwick community: Matriculation and Opening Convocation, your first formal ceremony as a Hartwick student. After you join in for your class photo, you'll pick up your class shirt. You might even snag that coveted spot next to our mascot, Swoop!
Traditions
Throughout the weekend, you’ll take part in meaningful traditions that connect you to generations of Hartwick students. Join President Bongiorno for Opening Convocation on Friday afternoon, where you’ll officially mark the beginning of your college journey by signing the Matriculation Book, a lasting record of every new Hartwick student. You’ll also hear the ringing of the original 1815 Hartwick Seminary Bell, which is traditionally sounded only twice a year, at Opening Convocation and Commencement.
On Sunday evening, gather with your classmates for the First Walk up Founders’ Way, a symbolic step forward as you begin this new chapter. Classes begin the next morning, but during Wick Weekend, your only assignment is to relax, have fun and take your first steps toward a college experience shaped by purpose, community and life balance.
Wick Weekend Schedule - 2026
Friday, August 28
Incoming Student Check-In: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Lambros Arena, Binder Physical Education Center
Family Goodbye: 1-1:30 p.m.
Meet Orientation Leaders for walk up to class picture: 1:30-1:45 p.m., Various Locations
Walk up to Elmore Field for Class Picture: 1:45 p.m.
Class Picture: 2-2:15 p.m., Elmore Field
Line up for Opening Convocation: 2:15-2:30 p.m., Lambros Arena
Opening Convocation: 2:30-4:00 p.m., Lambros Arena
Break: 4-5 p.m.
Meet the Faculty: 5:30-7 p.m.,The Commons, Dewar Union
Welcome to the Nest: 7-8 p.m., Slade Theatre, Yager Hall & Residence Halls
Welcome to College Big Prize Bingo: 8-10 p.m., The Commons, Dewar Union
Saturday, August 29
Safety and Wellbeing: 9-10 a.m., Slade Theatre, Yager Hall
Protect the Nest: 10-11 a.m., Slade Theatre, Yager Hall
Orientation Group Meetings: 11 a.m.-12 p.m., Various Locations
Lunch: 12-2 p.m., The Commons, Dewar Union
Shuttles to Southside/Walmart: 1-3 p.m., Shuttles run from upper Yager lot every 30 minutes with stops at Walmart, Southside Mall, and Hannaford
Pine Lake Escape! – Boating, Painting, Scavenger Hunt: 3-6 p.m., Shuttles run every 30 mins from upper Yager lot.
Dinner: 5-7 p.m., The Commons, Dewar Union
Hawk Cast-Evening Fun: 7:30-9 p.m.
Sunday, August 30
Brunch: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Commons, Dewar Union
Scavenger Hunt: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Various Locations
First Walk – Hoodie Giveaway: 3:45-4:30 p.m., Founders’ Way, Shineman Chapel House
Dibs with DIBAs: 4:30-5 p.m., Pergola, Founders’ Way
Dinner: 5-7 p.m., The Commons, Dewar Union
Roommate Agreements: 7:30-8 p.m., Residential Halls
Highlights - 2025
First Walk - 2025
Questions?
Email Us