Last Friday morning — warm and bright in the late summer sun — ushered in the Oglethorpe Class of 2027 and their families for the start of a new academic year. Aided by the tireless Petrel Moving Company, first-year students quickly settled into their residence halls, ready to begin Orientation.

Interim President McClymond with first-year students during Orientation Weekend

Orientation Weekend continued with exciting events for new Petrels, including a glowcade, movie night, games on the quad, inspirational speakers, food trucks, a reception and meet-and-greet with Oglethorpe’s Interim President Dr. Kathryn McClymond.

With returning Petrels back on campus, classes began in full on Monday — including the launch of the new MBA program. Students filled study rooms, spread blankets on the academic quad, bustled to class and reunited with friends.

An information tent staffed with returning Petrels helped their new peers find their way to class, provided snacks and offered a quick word of encouragement as the day began.

Returning Petrels help the newest Petrels get oriented on their first day of classes

On Wednesday, more than 70 student organizations tabled at the Student Activities Fair in the Turner Lynch Campus Center to help their fellow Petrels find the clubs and organizations that match their interests.

To close out the week, QuadFest, an outdoor festival to celebrate the completion of the first week of classes, will be held on the academic quad from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Come out to enjoy food, activities and carnival rides.

Next Friday, Sept. 8, first-year students will attend Convocation, an annual ceremony to officially welcome the new class of Petrels. Convocation includes the signing of Oglethorpe University’s Honor Code — the academic responsibilities students accept by becoming members of the Oglethorpe community and the procedures they will follow should that commitment to honesty be questioned. Every student signs this code.

Happy first week, Petrels!  See photos from move-in day: