Bulldog Orientation Experience
Transitioning into university life is challenging. The Bulldog Orientation Experience is designed to help students meet that challenge.
The Bulldog Orientation Experience is composed of two separate experiences: Bulldog Beginnings and Bulldog Orientation. It is Texas Lutheran University’s dynamic introduction to campus life, thoughtfully designed to guide students through a confident and successful transition into their academic journey.

It provides a welcoming environment to build meaningful connections, embrace new experiences, and become an engaged member of the TLU community.
Bulldog Beginnings is a special event for incoming students. It's a great way to get an inside view of academics, campus life, and the next steps in transitioning into TLU.
Two programs will be held in the summer- one on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and a second on Friday, July 24, 2026. Students can choose to attend either session.
What to Expect at Bulldog Beginnings
- A strong focus on setting students up for a successful academic experience
- Opportunities to meet current and future Bulldogs
- Guidance on adjusting to a new environment and campus life
- Introduction to campus involvement, resources, and community connections
- Chances to meet and interact with faculty and staff who will support you throughout your journey
Students may register through their Student Status Page. Registration opens in May 2026.
Orientation Checklist
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Things to do before you attend Bulldog Beginnings
Students must have completed their New Student Registration Form (NSRF) by May 31, 2026, to register and attend the June Bulldog Beginnings Session.
Students must have completed their New Student Registration Form (NSRF) by July 12, 2026, to register and attend the July Bulldog Beginnings Session.
This ensures that attending students will have received their course schedule for the upcoming semester and will be prepared for optional Advising Appointments during the event.
- To access and complete the NSRF, students must submit both their enrollment deposit and proof of meningitis vaccination through the Student Health Form on their Student Status Page.
- It is strongly encouraged to complete TLU’s Housing Application (on- or off-campus) before attending. Once a student has a course schedule, their billing statement will be prepared. Completing TLU’s Housing Application ensures that a student's bill accurately reflects their costs for either living at or commuting to TLU.
- Students are strongly encouraged to submit the FAFSA or TAFSA for Fall 2026-2027 with TLU’s school code 003641 to receive their Financial Aid Offer and Estimated Out-of-Pocket Cost Summary. We encourage students to review their Financial Aid Offer and Estimated Out-of-Pocket Cost Summary before attending, as financial aid staff members will be available for questions.
Bulldog Orientation
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Friday, August 21- Saturday, August 22
We're so excited to welcome you to TLU, Bulldog!
Bulldog Orientation is a two-day mandatory program for all incoming first-year and transfer students. Bulldog Orientation starts on Move-In Day, Friday, August 21. Throughout this experience, students gain familiarity with the campus, discover ways to get involved, learn about valuable campus resources, and connect with fellow new students and student leaders.
Stay tuned for more details
Summer Orientation Zoom Series
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Resources for Parents & Families
Date: June 1, 2026 & July 13, 2026
Date: June 1, 2026 & July 13, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Link: https://zoom.us/j/92908297006?pwd=emao1O4ADQTx4kr8DbN7EleV4uSxeV.1
Please note: Each Zoom session requires a password for entry. The password for each session can be found in the email sent about that specific Zoom session.
TLU understands the important role parents and families play in student success. We want to ensure you are equipped with the resources available to continue to support your student as they transition into their first year of college. Join us to learn more about the variety of resources available for parents and family members, including TLU's web resources, events, monthly parent emails, the parent handbook, as well as Bulldog Beginnings & Bulldog Orientation.
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Resources for Parents & Families of First-Generation College Students
Date: June 2, 2026 & July 14, 2026
Date: June 2, 2026 & July 14, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Link: https://zoom.us/j/91359415157?pwd=jbbxboETjzcFOMyPyUmWwzE0StS9lO.1
Please note: Each Zoom session requires a password for entry. The password for each session can be found in the email sent about that specific Zoom session.
With more than 50% of the TLU student body composed of first-generation college students, we understand many common challenges students may face throughout their college experience. Join us to learn how parents can play a supportive role in their student's life by working with TLU staff members. The session will also highlight the resources available to our first-generation students, including the Living and Learning Community (LLC), First Gen mixers to network with faculty, staff, and alumni, the pinning ceremony, and specific study sessions.
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Exploring Interests & Careers
Date: June 3, 2023 & July 15, 2026
Date: June 3, 2023 & July 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Link: https://zoom.us/j/97094664503?pwd=JjpaRillO1CE8g9IyzG3KZQWyNbt8C.1
Please note: Each Zoom session requires a password for entry. The password for each session can be found in the email sent about that specific Zoom session.
Join Dr. Kyle Wych, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Dr. Pamela Ray, Director of Service Learning, and Kelsey Cruz, Director of Career Development, as they showcase opportunities for students to explore interests and how to use those experiences to inform and enhance their career choices. We will highlight online resources like Connect@TLU, Give Pulse, Big Interview, and Handshake that students can begin exploring over the summer.
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Living on Campus & Fall Move-In
Date: June 4, 2026 & July 16, 2026
Date: June 4, 2026 & July 16, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Link: https://zoom.us/j/99624391617?pwd=6jBK6omkDKzdwvXSaPdZ3ixlWDg4gm.1
Please note: Each Zoom session requires a password for entry. The password for each session can be found in the email sent about that specific Zoom session.
Join Dr. Kyle Wych, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, for a discussion on what you need to know about living on campus and what to expect at move-in day on Friday, August 21. Dr. Wych will also review resident policies and take questions from attendees.
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Counseling & Accommodations at TLU
Date: June 5, 2026 & July 17, 2026
Date: June 5, 2026 & July 17, 2026
Time: 12:00-1:00 pm
Link: https://zoom.us/j/99803981324?pwd=1qGCsXOVfnNztO5M70LbLbXSaSyZ4Q.1
Please note: Each Zoom session requires a password for entry. The password for each session can be found in the email sent about that specific Zoom session.
Join our Director of Counseling and Accommodation Services, Sarah Westerfield, for an overview of available counseling services, strategies for supporting student well-being, and accommodation resources for diverse learning and personal needs. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of how the institution partners with families and their students to ensure holistic success.
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Streamlining Student Financial Services
Date: June 10, 2026 & July 21, 2026
Date: June 10, 2026 & July 21, 2026
Time: 6:00-7:00 pm
Link: https://zoom.us/j/96149095091
Please note: Each Zoom session requires a password for entry. The password for each session can be found in the email sent about that specific Zoom session.
Join our Student Financial Services team for a general overview of financial aid, payment options, scholarships, loans, and important next steps before the semester begins. This session is designed to help students and families feel prepared for orientation and enrollment.
Hotel Reservation Information
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TownePlace Suites by Marriott Seguin
TLU has worked with TownePlace Suites by Marriott Seguin to secure a discounted rate for parents and families during Bulldog Beginnings & Bulldog Orientation weekend.
Rate of $102.00 + tax for a Studio King Suite, based upon availability. To make reservations, parents will need to contact the hotel directly to request the TLU Parent Orientation Rate.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Seguin
Address: 2732 Jay Rd, Seguin, TX 78155
Phone: (830)-379-2400
Call TownePlace Suites by Marriott Seguin for Reservations.
Contact Us
Sierra Smith, M.S.
Please contact Sierra Smith in Student Affairs for all information regarding First Year Students, Veteran Students, Transfer Students and First Generation Students.