Navigating the Transition: A Comprehensive Guide to the Rhodes College Academic Calendar for the Class of 2029
The journey to higher education is a significant milestone, and for the incoming Class of 2029 at Rhodes College, a well-structured academic calendar is the roadmap to a successful and enriching experience. This guide provides an in-depth look at the key dates, events, and opportunities that will shape the beginning of their academic careers, ensuring a smooth transition and a strong foundation for their time at Rhodes. From the initial welcome to crucial academic preparations, every element is designed to foster a sense of belonging and equip students with the resources they need to thrive.
Welcoming the Class of 2029: A Warm Introduction to Rhodes College
Rhodes College extends a heartfelt "Welcome home, Lynx!" to the Class of 2029, marking the eager anticipation for the commencement of the 2025-2026 academic year. The institution is committed to fostering a sense of community and belonging from the very first day. Central to this welcoming process is "Welcome Week," a comprehensive, campus-wide celebration meticulously designed to help all new students, affectionately known as Lynx, feel at home. This immersive experience is scheduled to run from Thursday, August 14, to Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Participation in Welcome Week is not merely encouraged but is expected of all incoming students, as it is instrumental in ensuring a successful and seamless transition into college life. While specific details regarding the Welcome Week schedule will be disseminated shortly, the overarching goal is to provide a supportive and engaging introduction to the Rhodes College environment.
For international students, the transition begins even earlier. New International Students are slated to move in on Monday, August 11, 2025. Rhodes College recognizes the unique needs of its international community and is dedicated to facilitating a smooth adjustment. Consequently, additional information tailored to their specific requirements, including specialized orientation schedules and comprehensive support services, will be provided to ensure their integration is as effortless as possible.
The college bookstore will operate with extended hours during this period, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, to assist students with their academic needs.
The Crucial First Days: Move-In and Initial Engagements
The official move-in for the majority of the Class of 2029 will take place on Monday, August 11, 2025, with specific time slots being communicated individually. Students are urged to adhere to their designated move-in times to ensure an organized and efficient process. The day's activities are structured to ease the transition:
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- 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Move-In begins, with students arriving at their allocated times.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: A communal lunch will be offered at the Burrow Refectory and King Hall, providing an opportunity for students and families to connect.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Commuter Students are invited to check in at the Burrow Refectory and Hyde Hall to learn more about Welcome Week activities specifically tailored for them.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: A crucial session for "Enrollment Forms Make-ups" will be held in Briggs Hall. Students who have not yet completed all necessary forms are strongly encouraged to attend to finalize their enrollment before Welcome Week commences.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The first "PA Session" will take place in various classrooms. This session offers an invaluable opportunity for new students to meet their Peer Assistants (PAs) and gain insights into what to expect during Welcome Week.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: A dedicated "Parent & Supporter Session" will be held in the McNeill Concert Hall. Parents and supporters are invited to join the Deans of Student Life for an informative session designed to address their questions and concerns.
- 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM: A shared "Dinner and Parent/Supporter Goodbyes" will be held at the Burrow Refectory, providing a final opportunity for families to connect before students fully immerse themselves in college life.
- 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM: For students interested in connecting with the Jewish community, a "Hillel Welcome Dinner" will be hosted at the Burrow Refectory and Hyde Hall. This event offers a chance to meet current Hillel students, the Hillel director, and representatives from the Memphis Jewish Federation.
Day Two: Academic Convocation and Essential Orientations
The second day of Welcome Week, Tuesday, August 12, 2025, is focused on formal introductions and essential information sessions:
- 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM: Breakfast will be served at the Burrow Refectory.
- 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM: The "Academic Convocation" will take place in the McNeill Concert Hall. This significant event is an annual tradition that officially marks the beginning of the new academic session and serves as the formal welcome to the Class of 2029, a timeless Rhodes tradition.
- 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: A "Class of 2029 Photo" will be taken at the Frazier Jelke Amphitheater, capturing this momentous occasion.
- 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM: Lunch will be provided at the Burrow Refectory.
- 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM: "PA Meeting #2" will be held in various classrooms, offering further opportunities for students to connect with their Peer Assistants.
- 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM: The "Lynx Life 101 Session" in the Bryan Campus Life Center (BCLC), McCallum Ballroom, will feature Nicole J. Johnson, Vice President for Student Life. She will share valuable tips and strategies for a successful transition to Rhodes, followed by an introduction to the various offices that will be present at the upcoming Resource Fair.
- 2:15 PM - 3:20 PM: The "Rhodes Resource Fair" will be held in the BCLC, Multi-sports Forum. This fair is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about a wide array of support services, including Student Accessibility Services, Academic & Learning Resources, Rhodes Express, Student Outreach & Support, Student Engagement, Student Inclusion & Diversity, Student Counseling, Student Health & Wellness, The Chaplain, ADHD/Executive Function Coaching, and ROTC.
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: For students considering health-related careers, the "HPA - Health Professions Advising" session is scheduled in the BCLC, McCallum Ballroom. This session will provide an overview of services, discuss upcoming programming, assist in developing a graduation timeline, and allow students to meet their advisors.
- 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM: Two concurrent sessions cater to specific academic interests. The "Mock Trial and Pre-Law Session" in Buckman Hall, Blount Auditorium, will feature Law School Admissions Advisor Anna Eldridge discussing the pre-law path at Rhodes and providing information about the award-winning Mock Trial Team. Simultaneously, a "Transfer Student Information Session" will be held at The Refectory, Hyde Hall, designed to connect transfer students with departmental liaisons and ensure they feel prepared for their first year.
- 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Students interested in education careers can attend the "Teacher Licensure" session at Frazier Jelke - A. This session will highlight the unique urban, justice, and equity focus of the Educational Studies department and its various pathways. Also at 4:30 PM, "Exploring Entrepreneurship" will be held at Frazier Jelke - B, introducing the Rhodes College Entrepreneurship Program's foundational experience.
Day Three: Academic Exploration and Community Building
Wednesday, August 13, 2025, continues the focus on academic planning and community engagement:
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The "Class of 2029 Brunch" at the Burrow Refectory offers a relaxed setting for students to interact with President Jennifer Collins and their Peer Assistants.
- 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM: "F1 Sessions" for Ancient Mediterranean Studies (AMS), Life, & SEARCH will take place in various locations: AMS in Frazier Jelke - A, Life in Barret 051, and SEARCH in BCLC, McCallum Ballroom. These sessions are designed to provide detailed information about chosen F1 sequences, allow students to meet professors, and address any remaining questions.
- 1:00 PM - 3:45 PM: A crucial "Green Dot Training & Health and Wellness Session" will be conducted in multiple locations, including Buckman Hall, Blount Auditorium; Frazier Jelke-C; Frazier Jelke-B; and the BCLC McCallum Ballroom. This session emphasizes the importance of community care through the Green Dot Program and introduces Rhodes' Health and Wellness Services.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: A "R Class Photo" will be taken at Troutt Quad.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner will be served at the Burrow Refectory.
- 7:15 PM - 9:45 PM: A "Mobile Shell Concert" on the Barret Lawn promises an evening of entertainment, bringing a taste of Overton Park to campus.
Day Four: Academic Advising and Course Preparation
Thursday, August 14, 2025, marks the official start of Welcome Week and shifts the focus towards academic advising and course preparation:
- 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM: Breakfast is available at the Burrow Refectory.
- 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM: For students interested in Greek life, a "Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) Meet & Greet Breakfast" will be held in Buckman Hall, Blount Auditorium.
- 9:45 AM - 11:45 AM: "PA PowerPoint Party" in various classrooms will feature Peer Assistants sharing their best tips and tricks for navigating life at Rhodes.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch will be served at the Burrow Refectory.
- 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: "Group Advising" sessions will take place in various classrooms.
- 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM: "Individual Advising" sessions offer students a dedicated opportunity to meet with their Liberal Arts Advisor for personalized guidance and to address any outstanding questions.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The "First-Year Seminar (FYS) Class Meet-UP" will allow students to meet their FYS instructor in their designated classroom, providing an introduction to the upcoming semester's curriculum and expectations.
- 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM: A make-up session for "Individual Advising" is available for those who could not attend earlier.
- 4:15 PM - 5:15 PM: The "Language Placement Session" in various classrooms is crucial for students who have taken language placement exams. Language faculty will discuss curricular and co-curricular opportunities and answer questions about placement results. Importantly, students who scored at the 202 level or above on their placement exam must attend this meeting if they wish to schedule follow-up testing to fulfill the college’s F10 requirement.
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