Pre-Welcome Week Programs

TCNJ offers an optional but impactful experience for all incoming students, including new transfers and traditional first-years! These 4-day, 3-night programs welcome students to campus early and offer a broad range of leadership and personal development in addition to meaningful community building and social activities!

This year, we are hosting three tracks: Operation BeWell, Operation First Scholars, and Operation Justice & Equity. Each track has focused workshops, activities, and conversations that allow students to dive into their passions before the semester begins.

Details

Dates: Sunday, August 17 – Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Students living on-campus will move into their residence hall on Sunday, August 17. All participants will immediately roll into Welcome Week activities (which run Thursday, August 21 – Monday, August 25). The first day of class is Tuesday, August 26.

Cost: Range from $400-450 (scholarships are available for certain programs)

The application will go live in May. Fill out the interest form if you want to learn more!

Interest Form: 2025 Pre-Welcome Week Programs

Details for each program can be found below:

Operation BeWell

Operation BeWell is a four-day, three-night interactive program introducing students to recreation and wellness opportunities at TCNJ! This program’s aim is to encourage new friendships & develop meaningful experiences through active, fun, and educational activities! Students will also learn to navigate on-campus resources to feel more comfortable with seeking valuable support (such as Student Health Services) and academic locations before classes begin. Want to take a step towards living a wellness-based life at TCNJ? Join us as we explore various ways to grow and stay well as part of the Lions Pride!

Activities may include guided workouts, kayaking, hikes, team bonding activities, and interactive & informational sessions on self-esteem and mindfulness. There will also be lots of time to have fun with other pre-welcome week program participants! These activities include game nights, movie nights, arts & crafts, and other recreational programming.

Operation bewell flyer

Questions? Email: recwell@tcnj.edu or visit the Operation BeWell website.

Operation First Scholars

This program will prepare First-Generation students to successfully navigate the journey of being the first in their families to attend college! Workshops and activities will cover a broad range of topics from learning about support services at TCNJ to getting involved on campus, all while building a community with other First-Generation students and staff.

The College of New Jersey | Commencement

Questions? Reach out to Romina Generali at: generalr@tcnj.edu.

Operation Justice & Equity

This program is designed to enhance the cross-cultural experience for participating students at TCNJ! Throughout the four days, you’ll participate in a series of activities that help you gain a stronger understanding about equitable leadership skills, communication, and understanding of personal experiences. We prepare students for the transition into college in dealing with culture shock, imposter syndrome, and self-advocacy. Participants will walk away with a greater sense of purpose while strengthening their critical thinking and community network. Hosted by the Office of Intercultural Affairs within the Division of Inclusive Excellence.

  • Community Development- Build an instant and sustainable community of friends to help ease the transition into college life as a first-year and new transfer student!
  • Equitable Leadership- Strengthen your understanding about identities, power dynamics, and advocacy to become a thoughtful and inclusive leader.
  • Critical thinking- Learn how to navigate through challenges and problem solve using TCNJ resources and professional networks.

“As a first year student, it is very overwhelming to enter a stage of independence in which no young adult is truly prepared for. Operation Justice & Equity allowed me to have the tools, such as special connections with student facilitators/faculty and early exclusive access to the campus, which made this transition much easier. To add the cherry on top, OJE gave me the skills to become an advocate for myself and others, which I realized to be very crucial in college settings. The community I built and skills I strengthened because of this program are priceless and I would do anything to go through it again.”

Questions? Email: inclusion@tcnj.edu or visit the Operation Justice & Equity website.