OBU’s Continued Enrollment Growth Celebrated With New and Returning Students During Move-In Day

Move-In Day marks the beginning of Welcome Week, one of OBU’s longest-standing traditions.

Oklahoma Baptist University welcomed new and returning students to campus Aug. 22 during its annual Move-In Day, marking the beginning of Welcome Week and the start of a new academic year on Bison Hill.

As students and their families arrived at residence centers across campus, upperclassmen volunteers known as Welcome Week Workers, or Tri-Ws, greeted them with cheers and helped carry belongings into residence halls. The annual tradition provides a warm welcome while helping families navigate the transition to college life.

Kaitlyn Weston, a freshman from Mustang, will study Exercise Science and be a part of OBU’s cheer and STUNT teams. When she exited her car at the WMU Residence Center, she was welcomed with loud cheers.

“Everyone is acting crazy, so you really can’t be nervous,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting that, but they’re happy and that helps me so much. I really like this.”

Welcome Week Workers greet new students and their families during Move-In Day at Oklahoma Baptist University on Aug. 22.

Move-In Day serves as the official beginning of Welcome Week, a series of activities designed to help new students connect with one another, become familiar with campus and begin their OBU experience.

“Today makes me even more excited,” said Andrew Scott, a freshman from Edmond, who will major in construction management. “I was already excited because I know that OBU is a great place and I’m excited to see how God is going to work.”

New students and their families begin the academic year as they arrive on Bison Hill for Move-In Day.

It’s also a special day for parents. David Weese is from Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. His daughter Emma Weese is a freshman who will study elementary education.  David’s best friend moved to Oklahoma from Minnesota about five years ago. Since then, he and his family have been coming to visit. Emma likes the state and started looking at universities in Oklahoma, knowing she wanted to attend a faith-based school.

Their family was one of the early arrivals on Saturday, with a U-Haul in tow.

“It gives you so much excitement,” said David, who was wearing an “OBU Dad” T-shirt. “It lets you know that she is in good hands and in a place where there’s a community that cares and wants to be a part of her success.”

Upperclassmen volunteers assist students with unloading vehicles and moving belongings into residence halls across campus.

Throughout the day, students and families participated in orientation activities and information sessions before gathering for a time of prayer and farewell. Students then began Welcome Week events that will continue throughout the week.

Welcome Week activities include President’s Vision and Worship, Ka-Rip Wars, Serve Shawnee, The Walk and Spotlight on Shawnee.