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WELCOME WEEKEND
Every first-year student participates in a 3-day weekend filled with activities for students and families to get acquainted with the University. Activities range from moving into your dorm and a Welcome Mass to Moreau class sessions and the iconic DomerFest. This will be your first time meeting your fellow freshman Lyonites, and there is a Lyons WW crew of co-captains and committee members who are so excited to welcome you for your first weekend on-campus as a Domer!
INTRODUCING...YOUR CAPTAINS!
Courtney Smith
Hi Lyonites!! My name is Courtney and I’m a rising junior from Houston, TX. I am studying Global Affairs with minors in Foundations of Business and Musical Theatre. Some of my favorite things to do at Notre Dame are spending time with the Lyons Hall community, taking trips to the Grotto, and playing intramural sports. I can’t forget to mention Cafe J runs with friends before class or football season either, of course. I am so excited to be a co-captain on the Welcome Weekend team this year, and I can’t wait to meet everyone in August!
Maya Parafiniuk
Hi! My name is Maya Parafiniuk, and I’m a rising junior pursuing a double major in Strategic Management and Psychology. I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO! Around campus, I enjoy grabbing coffee with friends and walking around the Raclin Art Museum, stopping by adoration in COMO, and working out. I’m very excited to be your Welcome Weekend captain, and I cannot wait to meet y’all! Please feel free to reach out to ask me any questions you may have this summer. See you in August!
Maggie Matvey
Hi my name is Maggie Matvey and I am a rising junior studying global affairs and economics. I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina but I have been living aboard in Hong Kong and now Singapore for the past seven years. On campus I am involved in the Student Policy Network, the Kellogg Developing Researchers Program, ND Bridge, Serving in Europe, and this semester I will be a Moreau Peer Leader. Last year, I was the Lyons Hall Chief of Staff under the Lyons Co-presidents. I also love to run, spend time outdoors, and travel. Also if you want to play pickleball or talk about books, LMK! I am super excited to be a co-captan for the Lyons Hall St. Andre Committee, and I can’t wait to meet all of the new Lyonites!
INTRODUCING...YOUR COMMITTEE!
Adalia Duckworth
Claire Glen
Emma Shutich
Rose Worth
Lillian Vanderbeek
Ana Clara Rocha Boselli
Madi Cain
Paige Templet
Claudia Abram
Melanie Bertsch
Ava Tuohy
Caroline Cure
Evelyn Finn
Eve Linnell
Caroline Deacon
Guadalupe Perera Rondon
Catherine Morrissey
Madison Debrow
Kaylee Phillips
Hayley Nguyen
Caroline Murphy
Zaria Swain
Remi Zoubek
Natalia Téllez
Natalie Idzerda
Maeve Geishauser
SCHEDULE
Notre Dame will release the WW schedule for 2026 on the official website for the weekend: welcomeweekend.nd.edu. Check your email closer to August for more updates about move-in, registration, and events. This year, WW will take place from Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Official move-in dates:
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Transfers/Gateways: Thursday, August 20, 2026
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First Year Students: Friday, August 21, 2026
visit Home Under the Dome (via Inside ND) for more information on campus housing
ADVICE
As exciting and thrilling as Welcome Weekend is, it can be overwhelming, too. Here is some advice from Lyons upperclassmen about how to thrive over your WW. . .
"You’ll meet a lot of people so put most of your energy into connecting with the people in your dorm so that you don’t get too overstretched and overwhelmed."
"Attend everything! This may seem like a given, but it's so essential that you are taking advantage of every opportunity possible to connect with your new classmates."
"Value sleep! It's difficult to do because there are so many weekend activities (often later at night). While it's important to attend everything, make sure you're still getting sleep so you are well-rested and can make the most of each day."
"It is so important to introduce yourself to everyone. Also, make an effort to remember names."
"After activities are over, take time with your roommates and go over expectations/things shared vs. not shared after getting comfortable with each other."
"You will be meeting so many people from all different dorms. Go out of your way to connect with everyone around you."
"Be prepared for the weekend! Remember that classes start on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, so have your backpack ready for that first day of classes because there is not much downtime over the weekend."
"Remember that there is not a lot of downtime during Welcome Weekend. It may be frustrating at first that you cannot set up your dorm room but value the thrills of the weekend and live in the moment!"
