McDaniel College welcomes the Class of 2026

McDaniel College welcomes over 550 first-year and new transfer students as part of the Class of 2026.

New student orientation kicks off at move-in on Thursday, Aug. 18.

• View the new student orientation schedule and move-in information.  

Note:  A one-way traffic pattern will be in effect on move-in day with vehicles entering McDaniel College’s campus from West Main Street at the stadium entrance. Students’ check-in and pick up their dorm room keys from Gill Center. 

Move-in traditions include:

• All first-year students “ring in” the academic year at Old Main bell located in Memorial Plaza on Friday, Aug. 19, following the official welcome for the Class of 2026 during Introduction Convocation. Watch the livestream here starting around 3:40 p.m. on Aug. 19.
• On Saturday, Aug. 20, students participate in the Westminster Welcome where they are officially greeted by representatives from the City of Westminster, including local community partners, businesses, and restaurants. The students are led by McDaniel President Julia Jasken on a walk from McDaniel’s campus through Ward Memorial Arch to the Carroll County Public Library, Westminster Branch. President Jasken along with Westminster Mayor Mona Becker and Christina Ogle, Branch Manager for the Carroll County Public Library, Westminster Branch, will provide brief remarks.

Sophomores, juniors, and seniors return to campus on Saturday, Aug. 20, and Sunday, Aug. 21.

Classes at McDaniel begin Monday, Aug. 22.