Global Bears Week
Global Bears Week is Baylor's International Orientation, a program which provides information, activities, and opportunities for incoming international students to meet other new and current international students.
Fall 2026 Global Bears Week will take place from August 17-20, 2026. See below for the schedule.
Monday, August 17th
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Check-In, Sid Richardson Lobby
All new students are required to come to the Center for Global Engagement office in person during this time to check in. The check-in process will take approximately 30 minutes.
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM Graduate School Orientation, Hurd Welcome Center
Graduate Students Only. We encourage you to attend the Graduate Student Orientation hosted by the Graduate Student Association. This orientation is highly recommended, but is NOT hosted by our department and not officially part of Global Bears Week activities.
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Welcome Dinner, Cashion 506
This dinner is a chance to meet all of the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) staff, as well as other new students. Dinner is provided for all new students and their families.
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Meet Your Ambassador Groups, Cashion 506
All students are assigned to Ambassador groups, a small group led by the Global Ambassadors (current Baylor students). Here you can meet other students, exchange numbers, and ask any questions that you have so far.
___________________________________________________________________________
Tuesday, August 18th
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Breakfast with Ambassadors, Dining Hall To Be Announced
Breakfast is provided for all new international students.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Campus Tours, Departing from Sid Richardson Lobby
These ambassador led tours will highlight specific buildings and resources you may need. Bring some water and your course schedule to identify where your building and classes will be!
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Family Reception, Cashion Lobby
All parents, spouses and other family members are invited to join us for this family reception hosted by Dr. Mark Bryant, Director of ISSS. This is a chance to enjoy refreshments, meet other families, and be encouraged by ISSS staff members.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Undergraduate Activities Preview, Location To Be Announced
Learn about different ways to get involved this semester, as well as the various events created specifically for International students. Also, learn about Baylor sports and how to get students tickets to sporting events.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch with Ambassadors, Dining Hall To Be Announced
Lunch is provided for all new international students.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Walmart Shopping Trip, Meet in Sid Richardson Lobby
This is an opportunity for students to go to Walmart to shop for any food, household items or other supplies you may need. All students must sign-up ahead of time to have a spot on the Walmart Trip:
Sign Up Here
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Green and Gold Dinner, Cashion 506
Our favorite Global Bears Week tradition! Come enjoy a formal meal, meet faculty and staff from around campus, and have a chance to meet and take photos with Baylor President, Dr. Linda Livingstone. Semi-formal or your culture’s traditional celebratory dress is encouraged.
___________________________________________________________________________
Wednesday, August 19th
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Breakfast with Ambassadors, Dining Hall To Be Announced
Breakfast is provided for all new international students.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM International Resource Fair, Cashion Lobby
Over 20 resources from on and off campus are at this event to provide you with resources and information, and answer any questions. Resources range from Baylor departments to community resources to various banks and phone companies.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Graduate and Undergraduate Lunches
Graduate Student Lunch, Location To Be Announced
Graduate students get the chance to listen to a panel of experts from the Graduate School including faculty, current students, and administrators on topics such as how to navigate the many responsibilities of being a graduate student.
Undergraduate Student Lunch, Location To Be Announced
This session will provide undergraduate students with helpful tips and advice for entering the US classroom. Led by Debra Wainscott of the International Student and Academic Support office.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM J-1 Exchange Student Meeting, Sid Richardson 231
This meeting is REQUIRED for J-1 Exchange students only.
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Dinner - "Navigating US Culture" Panel, Bobo Spiritual Life Center
Enjoy dinner while getting to hear from a panel of Ambassadors about their experiences adjusting to the US, understanding US culture and finding a home here at Baylor.
___________________________________________________________________________
Thursday, August 20th
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Breakfast with Ambassadors, Dining Hall To Be Announced
Breakfast is provided for all new international students.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM Finance and Employment Workshops, Bobo Spiritual Life Center
These workshops are essential for all students, specifically any students planning to work on campus at any point during their time at Baylor.
Understanding Baylor Finances - Baylor One Stop will be here to talk about paying your Baylor Bill, scholarships and more
Working on Campus - Student Employment will be here to talk about applying for jobs, filling out your I-9, and applying for Social Security. This workshop is important if you already have a job or are looking to get one.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Closing Snack Hour, Sid Richardson Lobby
The final event of Global Bears Week - join us for a taste of Texas snacks, and come back each month for our International Snack Hour, where we feature snacks from a different country or region of the world each month.
___________________________________________________________________________
END OF GLOBAL BEARS WEEK EVENTS
Click the campus map below to find building locations.