HORNET Welcome to
COUNTRY
DESU.EDU/WELCOMEDAYS August 20 – 24, 2025
WELCOME TO HORNET COUNTRY – DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY!
To help make your transition to college life as smooth as possible, please refer to the “Welcome Days” website often and check your student email regularly! Remember to dress comfortably and bring some water and snacks for move-in. Be prepared for inclement weather as you move into your new home!
We want your MOVE-IN experience to be simple and stress-free. Preparation starts before you arrive to the campus, with you reviewing email information, virtual meetings, completing your “to-do” list, getting packed, and so much more!
Arriving at 1200 North Dupont Highway (DSU) will be a new experience for you. Have fun with the adventure and try not to be overwhelmed. Plan to take pictures to document this exciting step of your college career.
First, inside your “Move-In” Packet, you will find an armband. This will give you entry into all events during Welcome Days, except for the SGA LOCK-IN (Beach Party DSU!). This armband will 1) identify your swarm (group) for the week and weekend, plus 2) allow you to enter the café (with ID) and events that were designed for you! Your armband must be worn for the entire 5 days of Welcome Days, so please place it on your arm and hold tight to it!
Next, our check-in process is designed for efficiency! Once cleared, you will receive an envelope with campus map, “Welcome Days” schedule, swarm armband and all pertinent information for a smooth transition. Remember, each student has a specific time for movein, and you must honor that time.
Lastly, you MUST have a FASTPASS or Blue Clearance Slip to move in. If you have not received one, please follow the instructions at desu.edu/welcomedays to receive clearance.
Bank of America Building and Martin Luther King Jr. Student Center Parlors
Please follow the Move-In Schedule.
MLK Student Center
The DSU Bookstore and Post Office will be available. Check out the books, DSU merchandise, and supplies from the bookstore and if you need postage, the DSU Post Office will be available for mailbox assignments.
You must have your Delaware State ID Card to enter the Dining Hall. 4:30 PM –
You must have your Delaware State ID Card to enter the Dining Hall. 7
All residents in University Housing will be required to meet with their Residence Director to go over building policy, conduct, procedures, rules and other important information.
Swarms will be in competition to gain their team points. Who will be the best “DSU HORNET Swarm” for 2025??? Will it be Swarm A, B, C or D???? Your SGA Student Leaders will guide you to the events. THURSDAY, AUGUST 21,
Conrad
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Bank of America Building and MLK Parlors
Please follow the Move-In Schedule.
9 AM – 4 PM DSU Bookstore and Post Office
MLK Student Center
The DSU Bookstore and Post Office will be available. Check out the books, DSU merchandise, and supplies from the bookstore and if you need postage, the DSU Post Office will be available for mailbox assignments.
Conrad Hall
You must have your Delaware State ID Card to enter the Dining Hall.
4:30 PM – 7 PM
Conrad Hall
You must have your Delaware State ID Card to enter the Dining Hall.
7 PM – 8:30 PM Residential Education Hall Meeting Campus Wide **MANDATORY**
All residents in University Housing will be required to meet with their Residence Director to go over building policy, conduct, procedures, rules and other important information.
9 PM – 11 PM Outdoor Games
DSU Practice Field
Swarms will be in competition to gain their team points. Who will be the best “DSU HORNET Swarm” for 2025??? Your SGA Student Leaders will guide you to the events.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22,
7 AM – 9 AM
2025
Conrad Hall
You must have your Delaware State ID Card to enter the Dining Hall.
9 AM – 10 AM “Hornets Community Meeting”
**MANDATORY**
All Swarms must attend the Hornet Community Meeting (Opening Session) hosted by the Student Government Association and University Departments. The opening session will give you an overview of events and activities for the upcoming days plus make you excited about being a Hornet at Delaware State University!
10 AM – 12 PM
“Let’s Get Connected!” Memorial Hall
**MANDATORY**
Delaware State University prides itself on its use of technology and resources for students to stay connected and engaged in and out of the classroom. Small presentations will be given to remind students of the services available plus allow you to associate a name with a face. You will hear from the following departments below plus more!
Information Technology
Residential Education
Athletics
Student Employment
Student Government Association
Library Services
Student Experience
Career Services
Spiritual Life
GAME SHOW TIME! Now that you have heard the presentations, let’s play a game! Swarms will go “head-to-head” in competition and compete to win points! In the interactive game show, you could individually win a prize such as a laptop, computer, sweatshirts, gift cards and more!
**REMEMBER, THIS IS A MANDATORY EVENT FOR ALL NEW STUDENTS.**
MLK Student Center
Tabling Session hosted by University Departments and Services to support your academic and personal success at DSU!
Center for Access and Academic Success
Spiritual Life
Registrar’s Office
Counseling Center
Information Technology
Career Center
Public Safety
Library Services
Conrad
You
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Title IX
Student Health Services
Campus Conduct/Campus Civility
Wellness and Recreation
Bookstore
Student Experience
Athletics
Student Health Promotions
your
– 4:30 PM “CODE RED!”
Memorial Hall
**MANDATORY**
Delaware State University’s health and well-being departments would like to create a strong culture of safety with a goal of preventing incidents, conduct issues and illnesses. Small presentations will be given to remind students of the services available plus allow you to associate a name with a face. You will hear from the following below plus more!
DSU Police Department
Dean of Students
Office of Judicial Affairs
Counseling Center
Center for Disability Resources
Health Services
Title IX
Safe Space Coalition
GAME SHOW TIME! Now that you have heard the presentations, let’s play a game! Swarms will go “head-to-head” in competition and compete to win points! In the interactive game show, you could individually win a prize such as a laptop, computer, sweatshirts, gift cards and more!
You must attend Friday’s mandatory sessions to receive your “Beach Party DSU” armband. This armband will give access to the SGA Lock-In Party. Remember, no attendance, no armband, NO entry into the SGA Lock-In!
4:30 PM – 7 PM Dinner
Conrad Hall
You must have your Delaware State University ID Card to enter the Dining Hall.
5:45 PM – 9 PM “Career Services Event”
Memorial Hall
The Professional Pregame is the Office of Career Services’ Inaugural Signature freshman kickoff event, designed to introduce incoming students to the career development resources, support systems, and alumni success stories that will shape their professional journey. Hosted by the Office of Career Services, this interactive experience combines entertainment and empowerment through a motivational speaker series, alumni panel, and career-themed games, and a DSU Pride Social Hour. Your support and sponsorship will help create an engaging, purpose-driven welcome that sets the tone for students to pursue success from day one.
11 PM – 1 AM DSU Midnight Games
University Village Field days include challenges and engaging activities for a fun experience. From Blind Man’s Volleyball to Wheelbarrow Race, join us for a few challenges, competitions and fun!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23, 2025
10 AM – 12 PM Commuters Welcome and Tours!!!
MLK Student Center
It’s your time Commuters! DSU will host a welcome for you in the MLK Student Center! We will offer tours of the campus and information about services.
AM Hip Hop Workout
Memorial Hall
Join us as we get a hype dance cardio routine that can be treated as a workout or just to have some fun! Please wear your workout clothes to this exciting event! Breakfast bars, fruit and water will be provided.
11 AM – 1:30 PM Brunch
Conrad Hall
You must have your Delaware State ID Card to enter the Dining Hall.
1 PM – 2:30 PM Freshman Class Election Information (MLK)
MLK Student Center
(Optional) For those interested in making a change for the Class of 2029 and want to be in leadership positions such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Mister and Miss Freshman, this meeting is for you! Please arrive on time and be prepared to get your SGA Freshman Class Application. (Business Dress is required!)
3 PM – 4:30 PM “Squad Goals with Real Talk!”
MLK Student Center
(Optional) “Squad Goals” is a panel of student leaders about life at DSU. Our Welcome Days Leaders are seasoned DSU students. Your Welcome Weekend Leaders will help guide you throughout the rest of the weekend and upcoming week. Don’t forget to ask them questions; they LOVE questions!
4:30 PM – 7:30 PM Dinner
Conrad Hall
You must have your Delaware State ID Card to enter the Dining Hall.
7 PM – 11 PM SGA “LOCK-IN”
Memorial Hall
(SPECIAL ARMBAND IS REQUIRED!)
“Lock In” with your Student Government Association for the evening! It’s time to celebrate and PARTY!!! THEME: Beach Party DSU!!!!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24, 2025
11 AM – 12:30 AM Freshman Class Election Information (MLK)
MLK Student Center
(Optional) For those interested in making a change for the Class of 2029 and want to be in leadership positions such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Mister and Miss Freshman, this meeting is for you! Please arrive on time and be prepared to get your SGA Freshman Class Application. (Business Casual is required!)
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM Brunch
Conrad Hall
You must have your Delaware State ID Card to enter the Dining Hall.
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM University Class Prayer
MLK Student Center
Join the Department of Spiritual Life for enlightenment and positivity as we pray for a peaceful and productive Fall Semester! Plus, learn about the “Sting Service” offered on Sundays!
3 PM – 6 PM Caribbean Party
Stadium Practice Field
Join us for a day party where it will be exciting music and color powder to throw! Remember to wear old clothes!
4:30 PM – 7 PM Dinner
Conrad Hall
You must have your Delaware State ID Card to enter the Dining Hall.
Prepare for your first day of class!
Good luck!
MISSION STATEMENT
Rigorously leverage a proud HBCU legacy and commitment to excellence in every field of human endeavor to enhance the recruitment and preparation of talented professionals to contribute to a sustainable, global community.
VISION STATEMENT
Delaware State University strives to become America’s most diverse, contemporary HBCU by expanding its capacity to provide a life-changing, high-quality, low-cost education to 10,000+ students; continuing our efforts to achieve R1 “very high research activity” status; and having a significant, measurable impact on the social, technological, and economic challenges that face our State, the nation, and the world.
CORE VALUES
Community, Integrity, Diversity, Scholarship, Outreach, Contemporary
DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ALMA MATER
Hail Alma Mater! Thy children greet Thee
Greet Thee with loyalty, love, strength and truth
Here in Thine ancient halls, o’er Thy plains so verdant
Thou art our guide in the pathways of youth.
From the broad world without, come Thy sons and daughters
Bearing our laurels to lay at Thy shrine
E’er shall we heed Thy call. Ne’er shall we fail Thee
Loved Alma Mater, God bless Thee and Thine.
–Pauline Williams LeCompte ’26 –Music by Alexis Lvov, 1833
UNIVERSITY FACTS
Mascot: The Hornet
University Colors: Columbia Blue and Red
PRESIDENT
Dr. Tony Allen
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
Please
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