Events
NNU LAUNCH
NNU LAUNCH 2026
August 24 – 28
Countdown to LAUNCH
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Get ready for your transition to college as we welcome you to campus for new student orientation, NNU Launch!
This week will be full of fun, connection and information to get your college journey started. All first-time undergraduate students are required to attend (including transfer students).
We believe that your success at NNU includes meeting new people, experiencing the Boise Valley and making memories that will last a lifetime. During NNU Launch, you will meet future classmates, professors and key campus resources that will be instrumental to your success as an NNU student.
Get Ready for Launch 2026!
Check out the Launch 2025 recap video to relive the fun and traditions that make Launch Week so special!
LAUNCH 2026 Schedule
Monday, August 24
Please review your group assignment below, as it determines your arrival time. Group assignments are based on your housing assignment. If your group assignment (A or B) does not work for you, please email studentdevelopment@nnu.edu.
Group A— 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. — Students in Culver Hall: rooms 201-212 and 301-325; Dooley Hall: rooms 200-243; Sutherland Hall: rooms 201-237; Students with A-L last names living in additional residence halls or off-campus.
8:30 a.m.
New Student Check-In (Student Group A – Step 1)
Lobby, Brandt Center
8:30 a.m. (runs until 1:30 p.m.)
Campus Resource Booths (Student Group A – Step 2)
From the Check-In table, connect with your Admission Counselor and visit the resource booths
9:00 a.m.
Residence Hall Move-In (Student Group A – Step 3)
**We encourage you to visit the NNU Bookstore and Mailroom following move-in.
————
Group B— 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. — Students in Culver Hall: rooms 102-124 and 213-224; Dooley Hall: rooms 100-145; Sutherland Hall: rooms 102-130; Students with M-Z last names in additional residence halls or off-campus.
10:00 a.m.
New Student Check-In (Student Group B – Step 1)
Lobby, Brandt Center
*Please park your car and walk to the Check-In tent to begin your day
10:30 a.m. (runs until 1:30 p.m.)
Campus Resource Booths (Student Group B – Step 2)
From the Check-In table, connect with your Admission Counselor and visit the resource booths
10:30 a.m.
Residence Hall Move-In (Student Group B – Step 3)
**We encourage you to visit the NNU Bookstore and Mailroom following move-in.
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Various Food Trucks (food for purchase)
Brandt Center lawn
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Commuter Student Check–In
Brandt Center
1:00 p.m.
First Generation Student & Family Reception
*A first-generation student is defined as one who did not have parents graduate with a Bachelor’s degree.
Walden Hall, Conrad Commons
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Journeys Hangout
Journeys Basecamp, Conrad Commons
2:00 p.m.
Commuter Student Welcome Reception
East End of Leah Peterson Learning Commons (first floor)
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presentation: Things to do in the Boise Valley
Upstairs, Conrad Common
3:00 p.m.
Family Reception for NNU Alumni Parents, Pastors, Missionaries, and their new students
Walden Hall, Conrad Commons
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Presentation: Learn about Campus Resources
Upstairs, Conrad Common
4:00 p.m.
Drop-In Academic Department Meet and Greet
See Specific Locations Below
*Students and Families welcome!
- Biology – Second Floor Lobby, Thomas Science Center
- Business – Second Floor Lobby, Helstrom Business Center
- Chemistry – Second Floor Lobby, Thomas Science Center
- Communication – Comm Arts & Science Offices, 119 Wiley Learning Center
- Computer Science/Math – Second Floor Patio, Conrad Commons
- Criminal Justice – Front of Williams Hall (outside)
- Deciding/Undeclared – Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA), Peterson Learning Commons
- Digital Media/Art – Lower Level of Fine Arts Building
- Education: Elementary – Student Lounge, 115 Wiley Learning Center
- Education: Secondary – Student Lounge, Wiley Learning Center
- Engineering – First Floor Lobby, Thomas Science Center
- English – Comm Arts & Science Offices, 119 Wiley Learning Center
- History/Political Science – Front of Williams Hall (outside)
- Exercise Science (Kinesiology) – Hall of Fame, second floor of Johnson Sports Center
- Music – Main Floor Lobby of Fine Arts Building
- Nursing – First Floor Lobby, Old Student Center
- Psychology/Pre-Counseling/Sports Psychology – First Floor, Helstrom Business Center
- Religion/Philosophy – First Floor Lobby, Williams Hall
- Social Work – First Floor Lobby, ESWC
5:30 p.m.
Dinner
Conrad Student Commons, please enter through front entrance
*New Students and Families Invited; new student meal plan begins
7:30 p.m.
Meeting for Parents of New Student-Athletes
Main Gym, Johnson Sports Center
8:30 p.m.
First-Year Student Residence Hall Meetings (Culver, Dooley and Sutherland)
*First-year students living off campus (commuters) are invited to participate.v
Walden Hall, Conrad Commons
*This session is intended ONLY for students (no parents/supporters)
Tuesday, August 25
8:00 a.m. — 1:00 p.m.
Food and Drink (available for purchase)
The Bean (NNU’s Coffee Shop), Peterson Learning Commons
8:00 a.m.
Student Financial Services: Financial Aid and Student Accounts Drop-In
Lobby, Brandt Center
9:00 a.m.
Continued New Student Check-In
Admissions Welcome Center, Conrad Student Commons
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Hangout Space for All Students
The Nest, second floor of Conrad Commons
9:00 a.m.
Parent/Family/Supporter Meeting
Swayne Auditorium, Brandt Center
*This session is intended ONLY for Parents/Family/Supporters (no students)
New students are encouraged to utilize campus spaces to interact with fellow students during this time.
10:00 a.m.
New Student and Family Brunch
Conrad Student Commons, please enter through front entrance
*Family members are encouraged to attend
11:00 a.m.
New Student Celebration – We are Nighthawks
*Traditional scarf ceremony and family members are encouraged to attend
Swayne Auditorium, Brandt Center
12:30 p.m.
Family Goodbyes & Send Off
*Parents/Family/Supporters depart by 1:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
Launch Opening Session
*New Student Launch Programming begins (students only)
Johnson Sports Center
3:00 p.m.
Snack Break
Brandt Center
3:30 p.m.
Launch Session 2: Campus “Speed Networking”
Brandt Center
4:15 p.m.
Break
4:15 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Hangout Space for All Students
The Nest, second floor of Conrad Commons
5:30 p.m.
Dinner
Conrad Student Commons
6:30 p.m.
Scavenger Hunt
Lobby, Brandt Center
8:00 p.m.
Party on the Quad
The Quad
Wednesday, August 26
7:15 a.m.
Optional Pickleball Open Play
NNU Pickleball Courts (between Olsen and Track)
9:00 a.m.
Continential Breakfast
*Please bring your laptop (or other device) for the 9:00 a.m. session.
Conrad Student Commons
9:30 a.m.
Launch Session 4: “How to Do College”
*Please bring your laptop (or other device)
Walden Hall, Conrad Student Commons
11:30 a.m.
Brunch
Conrad Student Commons
12:45 p.m.
Depart for Boise
Brandt Center parking lot (south side)
1:30 p.m.
Boise River Float Experience
*More information will be shared at Launch Session 3: (Tuesday night)
4:45 p.m.
Chick-fil-A Dinner in the park
7:00 p.m.
Free Time/Rest
7:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Hangout Space for All Students
The Nest, second floor of Conrad Commons
8:45 p.m.
Launch Session 5: First Timeout
*Hosted by Campus Ministries; worship led by NNU Collective
Walden Hall, Conrad Student Commons
10:00 p.m.
Late Night Snacks
Front Porch of Conrad Commons
Thursday, August 27
8:30 a.m.
New Student Breakfast
Conrad Student Commons
9:00 a.m.
Returning Student Move-In
*Available All Day
9:30 a.m.
Campus and Local Activities
*Students will be able to “choose their own adventure” to explore various activities at NNU or in Nampa or meet with their academic advisor. Signups will take place at breakfast.
11:30 a.m.
Lunch – New Students eat with Faculty from their academic department
Conrad Student Commons
*Following lunch, students and faculty will walk to Launch Session 6 locations
1:00 p.m.
Launch Session 6: Academics 101
Students will be dismissed from lunch to the following locations:
Biology – Room 204, Thomas Science Center
Business – second floor lobby, Helstrom Business Center
Communication – Room 201, Wiley Learning Center
Computer Science/Math – Room 241, Thomas Science Center
Criminal Justice – TBD, Williams Hall
Deciding/Undeclared – students are encouraged to attend an academic area of interest following the gathering
Digital Media/Art – Room 013 (Design Room), lower level of Fine Arts Building
Education: Elementary – Room 139, Wiley Learning Center
Education: Secondary – students are encouraged to attend their content area (ex. Biology) for the first two sessions; the third session will be in Room 140, Wiley Learning Center with the Education department
Engineering – Room 115, Thomas Science Center
English – Room 201, Wiley Learning Center
History/Political Science – Room 107, Williams Hall
Exercise Science (Kinesiology) – Room 213, second floor of Johnson Sports Center
Music – Room 222, second floor of Fine Arts Building
Nursing – first floor lobby, Old Student Center
Psychology/Pre-Counseling/Sports Psychology – Helstrom Business Center
Religion/Philosophy – Room 103, Williams Hall
Social Work – first floor lobby (Social Work department), ESWC
2:30 p.m.
Career Readiness Workshop and New Student Picture
Swayne Auditorium, Brandt Center
3:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hangout Space for All Students
The Nest, second floor of Conrad Commons
5:30 p.m.
“Welcome to the Block” — Dinner
All Students Invited, also NNU Employees and their Families (by RSVP)
The Quad
6:30 p.m.
Line Dancing for New and Returning Students
The Quad
Friday, August 28
7:30 a.m.
Optional Jog/Run with NNU Employees
Meet at Jesus Statue, The Quad
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Community Fair
*All Students, Faculty and Staff Invited!
Under the Tent, The Quad
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Student Involvement Pop-up
*All Students, Faculty and Staff Invited!
The Quad
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Advising Sessions for New and Returning Students
*Drop in; some departments may have signups for specific time slots
Building Locations by Academic Department
- Biology – Thomas Science Center
- Business – Helstrom Business Center
- Chemistry – Thomas Science Center
- Communication – Wiley Learning Center
- Computer Science/Math – Thomas Science Center
- Criminal Justice – Williams Hall
- Deciding/Undeclared – CASA, Peterson Learning Commons
- Digital Media/Art – lower level of Fine Arts Building
- Education: Elementary – Wiley Learning Center
- Education: Secondary – Wiley Learning Center
- Engineering – Thomas Science Center
- English – Wiley Learning Center
- History/Political Science – Williams Hall
- Exercise Science – Johnson Sports Center
- Music – main floor of Fine Arts Building
- Nursing – Thomas Science Center
- Psychology/Pre-Counseling/Sports Psychology – Helstrom Business Center
- Religion/Philosophy – Williams Hall
- Social Work – ESWC
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Campus Offices open for finalization, including IT Help Desk located in Peterson Learning Commons
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch at The Dex (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free-Time/Rest
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner at The Dex (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
7:00 p.m.
Student Event hosted by Residential Life
The Quad
*Off campus students (commuters) are invited to participate
Saturday, August 29
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Brunch (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
3:00 p.m.
SGA Mess on the Lawn (wear white)
Ford Hall Lawn
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Dinner (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
Sunday, August 30
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Brunch (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Dinner (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
8:00 p.m.
SGA Root Beer Fest
The Quad
Monday, August 31
First Day of Classes
Beginning of Regular Meal Schedule in The Dex
Parent/Family/Supporter Schedule
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
Please review your student’s group assignment below, as it determines your student’s arrival time. Group assignments are based on your student’s housing assignment. If your student’s group assignment (A or B) does not work for you, please email studentdevelopment@nnu.edu.
Group A— 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. — Students in Culver Hall: rooms 201-212 and 301-325; Dooley Hall: rooms 200-243; Sutherland Hall: rooms 201-237; Students with A-L last names living in additional residence halls or off-campus.
8:30 a.m.
New Student Check-In (Student Group A – Step 1)
Lobby, Brandt Center
8:30 a.m. (runs until 1:30 p.m.)
Campus Resource Booths (Student Group A – Step 2)
From the Check-In table, connect with your Admission Counselor and visit the resource booths
9:00 a.m.
Residence Hall Move-In (Student Group A – Step 3)
**We encourage you to visit the NNU Bookstore and Mailroom following move-in.
————
Group B— 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. — Students in Culver Hall: rooms 102-124 and 213-224; Dooley Hall: rooms 100-145; Sutherland Hall: rooms 102-130; Students with M-Z last names in additional residence halls or off-campus.
10:00 a.m.
New Student Check-In (Student Group B – Step 1)
Lobby, Brandt Center
*Please park your car and walk to the Check-In tent to begin your day
10:30 a.m. (runs until 1:30 p.m.)
Campus Resource Booths (Student Group B – Step 2)
From the Check-In table, connect with your Admission Counselor and visit the resource booths
10:30 a.m.
Residence Hall Move-In (Student Group B – Step 3)
**We encourage you to visit the NNU Bookstore and Mailroom following move-in.
————
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Commuter Student Check–In
Brandt Center
1:00 p.m.
First Generation Student & Family Reception
*A first-generation student is defined as one who did not have parents graduate with a Bachelor’s degree.
Walden Hall, Conrad Commons
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Journeys Hangout
Journeys Basecamp, Conrad Commons
2:00 p.m.
Commuter Student Welcome Reception
East End of Leah Peterson Learning Commons (first floor)
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Presentation: Things to do in the Boise Valley
Upstairs, Conrad Common
3:00 p.m.
Family Reception for NNU Alumni Parents, Pastors, Missionaries, and their new students
Walden Hall, Conrad Commons
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Presentation: Learn about Campus Resources
Upstairs, Conrad Common
4:00 p.m.
Drop-In Academic Department Meet and Greet
See Specific Locations Below
*Students and Families welcome!
- Biology – Second Floor Lobby, Thomas Science Center
- Business – Second Floor Lobby, Helstrom Business Center
- Chemistry – Second Floor Lobby, Thomas Science Center
- Communication – Comm Arts & Science Offices, 119 Wiley Learning Center
- Computer Science/Math – Second Floor Patio, Conrad Commons
- Criminal Justice – Front of Williams Hall (outside)
- Deciding/Undeclared – Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA), Peterson Learning Commons
- Digital Media/Art – Lower Level of Fine Arts Building
- Education: Elementary – Student Lounge, 115 Wiley Learning Center
- Education: Secondary – Student Lounge, Wiley Learning Center
- Engineering – First Floor Lobby, Thomas Science Center
- English – Comm Arts & Science Offices, 119 Wiley Learning Center
- History/Political Science – Front of Williams Hall (outside)
- Exercise Science (Kinesiology) – Hall of Fame, second floor of Johnson Sports Center
- Music – Main Floor Lobby of Fine Arts Building
- Nursing – First Floor Lobby, Old Student Center
- Psychology/Pre-Counseling/Sports Psychology – First Floor, Helstrom Business Center
- Religion/Philosophy – First Floor Lobby, Williams Hall
- Social Work – First Floor Lobby, ESWC
5:30 p.m.
Dinner
Conrad Student Commons, please enter through front entrance
*New Students and Families Invited; new student meal plan begins
7:30 p.m.
Meeting for Parents of New Student-Athletes
Main Gym, Johnson Sports Center
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Food and Drink (available for purchase)
The Bean (NNU’s coffee shop), Peterson Learning Commons
8:00 a.m.
Student Financial Services: Financial Aid and Student Accounts Drop-In
Lobby, Brandt Center
9:00 a.m.
Continued First-Year Student Check-In
Admissions Welcome Center, Conrad Student Commons
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Hangout Space for All Students
The Nest, second floor of Conrad Commons
9:00 a.m.
Parent/Family/Supporter Meeting
Swayne Auditorium, Brandt Center
*This session is intended ONLY for Parents/Family/Supporters (no students)
10:00 a.m.
New Student and Family Brunch
*Family members are encouraged to attend
Conrad Student Commons, please enter through front entrance
11:00 a.m.
New Student Celebration – We are Nighthawks
*Traditional scarf ceremony and family members are encouraged to attend
Swayne Auditorium, Brandt Center
12:30 p.m.
Family Goodbyes & Send Off
*Parents/Family/Supporters depart by 1:30 p.m.
Returning Student Schedule
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
9:00 a.m.
Returning Student Move-In
*Available All Day
5:30 p.m.
“Welcome to the Block” — Dinner Provided
All Students Invited, also NNU Employees and their Families (by RSVP)
The Quad
6:30 p.m.
Line Dancing for New and Returning Students
The Quad
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
7:30 a.m.
Optional Jog/Run with NNU Employees
Meet at Jesus Statue, The Quad
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Community Fair
*All Students, Faculty and Staff Invited!
Under the Tent, The Quad
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Student Involvement Pop-up
*All Students, Faculty and Staff Invited!
The Quad
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Advising Sessions for New and Returning Students
*Drop in; some departments may have signups for specific time slots
Building Locations by Academic Department
- Biology – Thomas Science Center
- Business – Helstrom Business Center
- Chemistry – Thomas Science Center
- Communication – Wiley Learning Center
- Computer Science/Math – Thomas Science Center
- Criminal Justice – Williams Hall
- Deciding/Undeclared – CASA, Peterson Learning Commons
- Digital Media/Art – lower level of Fine Arts Building
- Education: Elementary – Wiley Learning Center
- Education: Secondary – Wiley Learning Center
- Engineering – Thomas Science Center
- English – Wiley Learning Center
- History/Political Science – Williams Hall
- Exercise Science – Johnson Sports Center
- Music – main floor of Fine Arts Building
- Nursing – Thomas Science Center
- Psychology/Pre-Counseling/Sports Psychology – Helstrom Business Center
- Religion/Philosophy – Williams Hall
- Social Work – ESWC
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Campus Offices open for finalization, including IT Help Desk located in Peterson Learning Commons
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch at The Dex (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Dinner at The Dex (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
7:00 p.m.
Student Event hosted by Residential Life
The Quad
*Off-campus students (commuters) are invited to participate
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Brunch (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
3:00 p.m.
SGA Mess on the Lawn (wear white)
Ford Hall Lawn
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Dinner (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Brunch (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Dinner (for students with meal plans or who purchase meal)
Conrad Student Commons
8:00 p.m.
SGA Root Beer Fest
The Quad
MONDAY, AUGUST 31
First Day of Classes
Beginning of Regular Meal Schedule in The Dex
Additional Information
HELPFUL PHONE NUMBERS
Admissions (Undergraduate)……………………………………..208.467.8000
Campus Bookstore………………………………………………….208.467.8416
Campus Safety……………………………………………………….208.467.8911
Campus ID Cards (ITS)……………………………………………..208.467.8111
Career Development ……………………………………………….208.467.8767
Center for Academic Success & Advising (CASA)……………208.467.8463
Financial Aid…………………………………………………………..208.467.8638
ITS Help Desk…………………………………………………………208.467.8111
Learning Commons Service Desk/Library……………………..208.467.8607
Mailroom……………………………………………………………….208.467.8340
Nighthawks Central …………………………………………………208.467.8642
Registrar……………………………………………………………….208.467.8548
Retention and Persistence………………………………………..208.467.8402
Student Accounts Office…………………………………………..208.467.8596
Student Life Office…………………………………………………..208.467.8643
University Counseling Center …………………………………….208.467.8466
University Medical Clinic…………………………………………..208.467.8428
HOURS OF OPERATION DURING LAUNCH WEEK
The Bean (NNU’s coffee shop)
Leah Peterson Learning Commons
Tuesday, August 19, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Friday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
NNU Campus Bookstore
Old Student Center
Monday, August 18, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 19, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 20, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, August 22, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
NNU Mailroom
Old Student Center
Monday, August 18, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 19, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 20, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 21, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, August 22, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
WIFI GUEST LOGIN
Network: NNU Guest
Register for WiFi with your name
IT Help Desk: 208.467.8111
NNU SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook – northwestnazarene
Instagram – nwnazarene
#mynnuhome
MATH PLACEMENT
Contact the CASA office (casa@nnu.edu or 208.467.8463) if you need to take a math placement test. The test is free of charge for incoming students. It takes about an hour. An appointment is required. CASA is located in the Peterson Learning Commons.
*Based on the Launch schedule, you are encouraged to schedule an appointment during one of the following blocks of time:
- Monday, August 24 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Thursday, August 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, August 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.





