Editor’s Note: Emily Navarro is a fourth-year graphic design major. She serves on the Young Life leadership team and works as a graphic designer for ASB, as well as a staff member at the Ryan Library. After graduation, she hopes to step into a role within the graphic design industry and either remain in San Diego or move to Dallas, Texas, as she follows where her creativity and calling lead her. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of The Point.
We’ve all been through it — the whirlwind of Point Loma Nazarene University’s Welcome Week. Before I dive in, I want to acknowledge the faculty, staff and students who pour countless hours and resources into making this week happen. I recognize it’s a massive undertaking. That said, I believe it’s time we rethink how we welcome new students to campus.
As a fourth-year student, I remember my first year when we had just a “Welcome Weekend.” We moved in on Friday, immediately attended a welcome ceremony, said goodbye to our families and finished with a dorm ice cream social. I’ll be honest, I didn’t even make it to the welcome ceremony. The nerves and anxiety were overwhelming, so much so that I puked my first night. Saturday brought four or more events, and Sunday was no different.
Leaving for college is already daunting. Students arrive on campus already asking themselves difficult questions: “What will I study? Will I make friends? Can I handle the workload? What if my roommate and I clash?” These worries are enough without adding the pressure of constant, high-energy programming that pushes students out of their comfort zones before they’ve even had a chance to breathe.
Here’s the thing: Not everyone is meant to be a “Hooligan” right out of the gate. And that’s OK.
For the past four years, I’ve been a Young Life leader where we create events like pickleball club, pumpkin patch nights and pizza on the cliffs, and lead small groups where we dive into scripture and life together. This has given me the privilege of connecting with students across all grade levels. One student, who identifies as an extrovert, told me they hated Welcome Week and were anxious and overwhelmed. They were ready to start classes and get into a routine. A fourth-year psychology major shared that she, too, almost threw up from the amount of anxiety and stress on move-in day.
What surprised me most? Faculty and staff are aware of this issue, yet the schedule has only expanded. PLNU has increased the number of days dedicated to Welcome Week from three in 2022 to a full week in 2025, adding more stress to an already stressful transition.
I’m not suggesting we eliminate all programming and leave students isolated in their rooms. Instead, we need a balanced approach that honors different personality types and needs. Here are some ideas:
- Keep the opening ceremony with PLNU’s president, but end the evening with a simple hall prayer.
- Give students breathing room to meet naturally instead of scheduling five events every single day. Consider alternative programming like guided prayer walks, where older students lead small groups of five freshmen around campus — getting to know them, guiding them and helping ease their stress.
- Host a sunset social with student bands and mocktails for a low-key, no-pressure evening.
- Offer worship by the sea at Sunset Cliffs, where students can gather in faith and feel comfortable being themselves.
At PLNU, we’re different, and that’s our strength. Jesus calls us to be different from the world. Students chose PLNU over larger state schools for a reason. Let’s honor that by creating a welcome experience that reflects who we’re called to be, not who others think we should be. Let’s build community through gentleness, not exhaustion.
