Launch: New Student Orientation - Fall 2026
August 20-23, 2026
Your next chapter at King starts here.
Welcome to King! Launch is designed to help new students get settled, make connections, and start the semester strong. Launch for Fall 2026 runs August 20-23, 2026, and this year’s theme is “Rooted in Christ” (Colossians 2:7).
Schedule
Thursday, August 20
-
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Residential Move-In
Various Residence Halls
- Pick up your t-shirt at the check-in station
- 9 - 11 a.m. — Last names A-M
- 12 - 3 p.m. — Last names N-Z
-
4 - 5 p.m.
Commuter Check-in
Student Center Complex
-
5 p.m.
Opening Ceremony
The Oval
-
6:30 p.m.
Family Dinner
The Oval & Dining Hall
-
8 p.m.
Launch Group Meet Up
The Oval
Friday, August 21
-
9 a.m.
Major Meet-up w/ Breakfast
Dining Hall
-
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Open Time
Campus offices open for final business.
-
12 - 1 p.m.
Family Lunch w/ President Tooley
Dining Hall
-
12 - 1 p.m.
Student Lunch
Student Center Complex Mezzanine
-
1 - 2 p.m.
Family Celebration Ceremony
The Oval
Families are encouraged to leave following the ceremony.
-
3 - 5 p.m.
Launch Group Meet Up
The Oval
-
5 - 6 p.m.
Dinner
Dining Hall
-
8 p.m.
Bristol Block Party
State Street (Downtown)
Saturday, August 22
-
9:30 a.m.
Serve Bristol (With your Launch Group)
Various locations
Meet on the Oval — grab & go breakfast available in the Dining Hall
-
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Welcome to the Oval Backyard BBQ
The Oval
-
2 - 3 p.m.
Launch Group Meet Up
The Oval
-
3 - 5 p.m.
Floor Wars!
Meet on the Oval
-
5 - 6 p.m.
Food Trucks & Dinner
Student Center | Dining Hall
-
6 p.m.
Church on the Dirt w/ The Altar Worship Band
The Oval
Sunday, August 23
-
12 p.m.
Lunch
Dining Hall
-
2 - 5 p.m.
Doe River Gorge
Hampton, TN
-
6 p.m.
Dinner
Dining Hall
-
7:30 p.m.
Opening Floor Meeting (Mandatory)
Residence Hall Floors
Dates and times are subject to change.
Miss a meal?
Dining Hall hours during orientation are 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 5 - 6:30 p.m.
New to Launch?
Read the full overview of Launch New Student Orientation.