Niagara University will welcome its freshmen and transfer students to campus during Move-In Day on Friday, Aug. 25, beginning at 8 a.m.

Dozens of orientation assistants will assist the new NU students in carrying items to their residence halls as the institution kicks off its 2017 New Student Orientation, which continues throughout the weekend.

The Class of 2021 will officially be welcomed to the campus community during the university's 15^th Annual New Student Convocation at 2:30 p.m. in the Gallagher Center, which is followed by the annual Walk to Whirlpool State Park beginning at 4:15 p.m.

Starting from St. Vincent's Hall, NU freshmen and transfer students, along with members of the university's faculty, staff and administrators (including the Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president), will travel down the Niagara Scenic Parkway's pedestrian pathway to the state park, while being welcomed along the way by various university departments.  When students arrive at the park, they enjoy a barbecue picnic, games, music and unrivaled views of the Niagara Gorge. This is the seventh consecutive year that Niagara University has presented the activity in conjunction with New Student Orientation.

Weekend activities conclude with a fireworks celebration on Sunday at 10:30 p.m.

Classes commence Aug. 28.

To view the schedule for New Student Orientation, please visit www.niagara.edu/new-student-orientation.