Welcome to CWRU: What new students can expect during Discover Week
Before the first classes of the fall semester begin, Case Western Reserve University’s newest students have nine days to find their ways around campus, meet classmates, connect with resources—and start making CWRU feel like home.
Discover Week, CWRU’s week-long orientation program for new first-year and transfer students, began Aug. 15 and will continue up to the first day of classes, Aug. 24. The mandatory program is designed to help students acclimate to campus, build connections and learn about the people and resources that will support them throughout their time at the university.
The excitement began with move-in and check-in events over the weekend, supported by orientation leaders and staff volunteers. Today (Aug. 17), students will gather for some of the university’s signature welcome events, beginning with a clap-in on Case Quad followed by University Welcome and Convocation. Afterward, students will head to the New Student BBQ and Spartan-fest before gathering at DiSanto Field for the CWRU Tradition and Class Photo.
Throughout the rest of the week, they will have opportunities to learn about everything from academic programs to ways to get involved. Programming includes campus resource tours, academic receptions, meetings with pre-major faculty advisors and sessions such as CWRU 101, Mental Health Ally Training and Informed-U. Students also can explore campus offices and organizations through open houses, information fairs and a job fair for those interested in on-campus employment. See the full schedule of events.
What’s in store
In addition to the wealth of knowledge participants can gain about all things CWRU, Discover Week gives new Spartans a chance to explore beyond campus. On Aug. 19, Discover CLE: Serve and Explore will send students into the Cleveland community to volunteer and visit destinations around the city. That evening, A Night at the Museums will turn University Circle into an “Amazing Race”-style adventure, with students solving clues and completing challenges while getting to know the cultural institutions surrounding CWRU.
And there will be plenty of time simply to have fun and meet people. Events throughout the week include Sports-a-Palooza, Board Games & Bracelets, Casino Night, a Puzzle Picture Party and the NRV Round Up. On Aug. 22, the “Finding My People” series will give students smaller, interest-based ways to connect through activities ranging from a morning run and yoga to slow reading, LEGO building, crochet and card magic.
The week winds down with Sparti-Gras and an outdoor screening of How to Train Your Dragon before students have one more major opportunity to find their community: the Student Activities Fair on Aug. 23. Clubs and organizations from across campus will gather on Freiberger Field, giving new students the chance to ask questions, meet current members and find ways to get involved before classes begin.
Students should review the full Discover Week schedule for their required sessions, locations and the latest information. The 2026 schedule also includes a sensory guide identifying events that may involve large groups, social interaction, auditory stimulation, physical activity or longer walking distances, as well as programs with alternate participation options.
Want to learn some insider tips about CWRU? See these 10 things every CWRU student should know during Discover Week—from navigating the Leutner lunch rush to finding lesser-known study spots around campus.
