Launch into Lander is your official Welcome Week - a high-energy kickoff to #LifeAtLander! Starting on Move-In Day, enjoy a full week (and more!) of exciting events, activities and opportunities to connect with peers and campus partners, explore Lander's campus and celebrate the start of your Lander journey. Get ready to make memories, meet new friends and dive into everything campus life has to offer.
August 12-16, 2026
Activities
Wednesday, August 12
Ice Cream Social & Karaoke
5:00–7:00 p.m. | Bearcat Lounge and CC Commons
Cool off from the heat of move-in day by building the ultimate ice cream sundae, meeting your fellow Bearcats, and grabbing the mic for karaoke (or just cheer everyone else on). It's the perfect way to start making friends before classes begin.
Thursday, August 13
Campus Safety & Resource Fair + Movie Night
2:00pm – 8:00pm | PEES Gym and Auditorium
Meet some of our clubs and organizations and community safety partners, play games, win prizes, enjoy live music, and learn how to stay safe during your time at Lander. Stick around for a movie night in the Auditorium to close out the evening.
Friday, August 14
Launch into Lander
8:00am – 8:00pm | Finis Horne Arena
Required for all new and transfer students. Please bring your Student ID with you. We will be taking attendance throughout the day.
Friday is one of the biggest days of your first semester, and you don't want to miss it! Wear the Launch shirt you receive at move-in and join us for all the fun.
You’ll:
- Meet university leaders
- Learn everything you need before classes begin
- Meet students and faculty in your academic college
- Take the official Class Photo in front of Laura Lander Hall
- Experience our Lander Launch tradition
- Finish the day with a BBQ and Pool Party
Attendance is required, but more importantly, this is where you'll meet classmates, discover ways to get involved, and officially become part of the Bearcat community.
Saturday, August 15
All Student Pool Party
1:00pm | Lander Pool
Make a splash at the pool as we kick-off the school semester in one of Lander’s most beloved spots!
Sunday, August 16
Bearcat Creed Signing Ceremony
3:00pm | Finis Horne Arena
The Bearcat Creed Signing Ceremony invites incoming students to reflect on what it means to become a member of the Lander University community. Through the shared commitments to Respect Deeply, Act Courageously, and Belong Fully, students will affirm their responsibility to uphold the values of the Bearcat community. The ceremony will conclude with each student signing the Bearcat Creed as a symbol of their commitment to one another and to Lander.
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