Welcome to Harding!
Aug. 13-15, 2026
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 on Aug. 12 at 5 pm on the Front Lawn. Stampede officially kicks off on Aug. 13 at 2 pm
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 before the 2 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!
Stampede Schedule
Thursday, August 13
2:00 pm - Stampede Opening Session | Benson Auditorium
2:15 pm - Information Session: Student Involvement | Benson Auditorium
3:15 pm - Breakout Sessions | Various locations; will leave the Benson Auditorium as a group
4:00 - 6:30 pm - Free Time
6:30 - 8:00 pm - Dinner: Dress like your hometown! | University Dining Hall
8:00 - 11:00 pm - Intramural Field Festivities: Inflatables, lawn games, free snowcones, and more!
Friday, August 14
9:00 - 10:30 am - Breakfast | University Dining Hall
10:30 am - Devotional | Benson Auditorium
11:00 am - Information Session: Academics 101 | Benson Auditorium
11:45 am - Breakout Session (by major) | Various locations; will leave the Benson Auditorium as a group
12:30 - 2:00 pm - Lunch | University Dining Hall
2:00 pm - Information Session: Know Your Campus | Benson Auditorium
3:00 - 4:30 pm - Building Open House: Walk your schedule, open your mailbox, and visit the library!
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Free Time
6:30 - 8:00 pm - Dinner: Dress in your favorite color! | University Dining Hall
8:00 pm - 12:00 am - Front Lawn Festivities: Lawn games, movies, and a silent disco!
Saturday, August 15
10:30 am - 12:00 pm - Brunch | University Dining Hall
12:00 pm - Devotional | Benson Auditorium
12:30 pm - Information Session: Student Life + Social Clubs | Benson Auditorium
1:30 pm - Breakout Sessions + Group Activity | Various locations; will leave the Benson Auditorium as a group
4:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Free Time
6:30 - 8:00 pm - Dinner: Dress Western!
8:00 pm - Hypnotist | Benson Auditorium
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