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Summer Stampede

First Year Guides welcome new students to campus each year at Stampede.

Welcome to Harding!

Aug.14-16, 2025

Stampede is Harding’s new student orientation and welcome weekend designed to help new students settle into college life, connect with peers and become familiar with all the campus has to offer. 

Registration begins in Aug. 16 at 10 a.m. in the Benson Auditorium lobby, and the weekend kicks off at 1 p.m.

Throughout the weekend, students will meet fellow classmates, walk through their class schedules, find chapel seats, set up their laundry app and hear from important offices and programs that support student success. There will also be helpful info on campus traditions and opportunities like social clubs.

Each day is thoughtfully balanced with time to explore, rest or connect with others, so students are encouraged to attend each session to get the most from their experience. Evenings are packed with fun, including inflatables, a silent disco and a longtime Harding favorite — the Saturday night hypnotist.

Please note: Stampede is a student-only experience. We ask that parents say their goodbyes prior to the 1 p.m. kickoff on Thursday.

Stampede concludes Saturday night, giving students all day Sunday to relax and get ready for their first day of classes on Monday.

We can’t wait to welcome you to campus and help you launch your Harding journey with confidence and excitement!

Frequently Asked Questions

Stampede is an orientation program that is both required and fun (yes, both words can be used in the same sentence). It is designed to be an engaging, entertaining and exciting experience. You will move into your official residence hall, meet or reconnect with other incoming students, get free stuff and start your Harding experience on a good note. Approximately 75 volunteer students will be there to answer all of your questions and help you get oriented to life on campus.

Stampede is required of all incoming freshmen and transfer students. However, a few exceptions to this include those involved in some of Harding's collegiate sports teams and official musical groups.We are working with your directors and coaches to ensure you do not miss important information as you begin your college experience.

No. Parents are welcome to stay as long as they like, but students will be busy with Stampede activities. We suggest that parents help their students move in, spend a few more moments together and then let students begin their Harding experience.

All students are invited to participate in our official Move-In Day. If you are involved in a sport or an official University organization, you will need to check with your sponsor for early move-in dates.

There is free time built into the Stampede schedule including each afternoon and all day Sunday. We recommend using this time to make any last minute shopping trips to finish organizing your room and take your first college nap.

All meals are provided during Stampede. Simply show your Stampede wristband when you enter The Caf, and you will be all set. Please note that entrance to The Caf without a wristband will not be allowed. If you lose it, you may have it replaced for a small fee. Your meal plan (DCB and Caf swipes) will be activated on Sunday to be used for Sunday dinner. 

Contact Information


Stampede
501-279-4193
stampede@harding.edu