• This is a photo of students at the Throm theme dinner at Impact.

    Stampede

    Energy group leaders, peer guides and student volunteers welcome first-year students to campus each year for Stampede.

  • This is a photo of students moving in during Impact.

    Stampede

    Learn about student organizations, service projects, social clubs and more.

  • This is a photo of the hypnotist that comes to Impact each year.

    Stampede

    The Hypnotist is an event you won't want to miss.

  • This is a photo of students working on a community service project during Impact.

    Stampede

    Your first day at Harding doesn't have to start with an 8 a.m. class.

  • This is a photo of students at the cookout on the Front Lawn during Impact.

    Stampede

    Take care of registration tasks and meet new classmates, teachers and friends.

  • This is a photo of students at the Throm theme dinner at Impact.

    Stampede

    Check the schedule regularly for updated activities and events.


As you move to campus to begin your college experience, join us for Stampede aug. 18-21, 2022.

Stampede is the second tier of the first year orientation process for incoming freshman and transfer students following Bison Bound. This weekend is jam packed with fun activities and entertainment.

We know how important it is to start your college career on a high note. That's why we are so fired up! Stampede will help you get off to a great start and make a lasting impression on your life at Harding. Approximately 200 upperclassmen will be there to answer all of your questions, help you get oriented to Harding University, and make sure you have a great time!


2022 Stampede Schedule

Thursday, Aug. 18

  • 8 a.m.-4p.m. — Stampede Registration, Benson Lobby
  • 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Harding Family Cookout, Registration tent
  • 6-8 p.m. — Dinner, Original Rock House
  • 8-10 p.m. — Glow Party/Games, Front Lawn

Friday, Aug. 19

  • 7:30-9 a.m. — Breakfast/Late Registration, Charles White Dining Hall
  • 9 a.m. — Roll Call, Front Lawn
  • 9:30-11 a.m — Energy Group Time, Energy Group Room
  • 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Service Project/Lunch, Energy Group Room
  • 1-2:30 p.m. — Service Project/Lunch, Charles White Dining Hall
  • 3 p.m. — Campus Activities Board, Anthony & Wright Administration Building
  • Movie/Free Time Building/On your own
  • 4-5 p.m. — Capture the Flag sponsored by Imago Dei, Front Lawn
  • 5-6 p.m. — Free Time
  • 6-7 p.m. — Themed Dinner: Campfire, Gin Creek
  • 8-10 p.m. — HU Spectacular, Benson Auditorium

Saturday, Aug. 20

  • 7:30-9 a.m. — Breakfast, Charles White Dining Hall
  • 9-10 a.m. — Devotional, Energy Group Room
  • 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Amazing Race, Front Lawn
  • 12-2 p.m. — Lunch, Charles White Dining Hall
  • 2-5 p.m. — Ignite Fest, Various locations
  • 5-6 p.m. — Free Time
  • 6-7:30 p.m. — Themed Dinner: Masquerade, Heritage Park
  • 8 p.m. — Hypnotist, Benson Auditorium
  • After Hypnotist — Late-night singing, McInteer Rotunda

Sunday, Aug. 21

  • 7:30-9 a.m. — Breakfast, Charles White Dining Hall
  • Various times — Church, Local Congregations
  • 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Lunch, Charles White Dining Hall
  • 2-6 p.m. — Free Time
    6-7:30 p.m. — Dinner + Video, Charles White Dining Hall

Sign up

Step 1: Have you been fully accepted?

Stampede is only open to those who are fully accepted to Harding University and are planning to attend in the fall of 2021. 

If you have been accepted to Harding University and haven't already registered for Bison Bound, please go to the Bison Bound information and registration page. If you have not completed the application process or are unsure of your admissions status, please contact your Admissions Counselor.

Step 2: Have you registered for Bison Bound?

Students who have registered for Bison Bound are automatically signed up for Stampede! Please sign up for Bison Bound if you have not done so.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Stampede?

Stampede is both a required and fun orientation program ( yes, both words can be used in the same sentence). This orientation program is designed to be an engaging, entertaining, and exciting experience. You will move into your official dorm, meet/reconnect with other incoming students, get free stuff, and start your Harding experience on a good note. Approximately 200 volunteer students will be there to answer all of your questions and help you get oriented to life on campus.

What do parents do at Stampede?

There is no parent schedule for Stampede. Parents are welcome to stay as long as they would like, but students will be busy with Stampede activities. Our suggestion is for parents to help their students move-in, spend a few more moments together, and then let them start their Harding experience.

When can I move into my dorm?

Find the move-in schedule for the residence halls at harding.edu/housing. If you are involved in a sport or an officially recognized university organization then you will need to check with the sponsor of that organization or sport for your move-in date.

Will I have free time to relax or finish setting up my dorm room before school starts?

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

What about meals?

All meals are provided during Stampede (see FYE fee). However, your DCB and Cafeteria Swipes will not be activated until the first day of classes. Make sure you wear your Stampede nametag. If you do not wear your nametag or if it is lost, you will not be able to eat in the cafeteria for free - you will have to pay for your meal. If you lose your nametag you may have it replaced for a small fee.

When do I find out what dorm I’ll be living in?

Housing assignments will be given to students the first week of August. You can find this information on Pipeline. If you have any other housing questions, please contact the Housing Office housing@harding.edu or 501-279-4358.

What if I am in a sport or music program?

Please pick up your nametag at Stampede registration (this will guarantee your free meals) and then attend the events you can.

What if I arrive late?

We understand unforeseen circumstances. In the case that you miss Stampede registration on Thursday, late registration will be open at 8am on Friday. If you miss both registrations, please call 501-279-4531 or email stampede@harding.edu

Who attends Stampede?

Stampede is required of all incoming freshman and transfer students. However, a few exceptions to this include those students involved in some of Harding's collegiate sports teams and official musical groups.

Because Harding has a strong and active choral program, a special Choral Stampede is organized for those intending to audition for Chorus or Concert Choir. For more information about Harding's choral program, go to www.harding.edu/music/ensembles.

Current Students

Co-Directors

Stampede/Bison Bound Co-Director

Interested in applying to be a Co-Director? Download the application pdf and return it to Student Center 236.

Energy Group Leaders

The Energy Group Leader application is now closed. If you are interested in serving as an Energy Group Leader, be on the lookout for applications in March or April. Applications will be available on our Instagram @HU_FYE or on here. 

Contact Us

Stampede is overseen by the University College and Office of the First Year Experience

501-279-4193

stampede@harding.edu

Harding Information: 501-279-4000

Admissions Office: 1-800-477-4407