Simpson University

A Christ-centered learning community

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new students

The Edge – A Wilderness Adventure

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Start your Simpson story on the trail. The Edge is a week-long wilderness expedition for incoming students — spend eight days in a small group of 6–10 new Red Hawks, backpacking through the mountains of Northern California, taking on the thrills of whitewater rafting, and building lifelong friendships around the campfire. You’ll arrive on campus for Welcome Weekend already knowing a close group of friends, already stronger for the challenge, and already one class closer to finishing your first semester.

The week makes up the majority of Wilderness Journey Practicum, a 3-credit course that counts toward Simpson’s new Ascent general education curriculum — so your fall semester starts a little lighter.

Quick facts

  • Who is welcome: Incoming Simpson students (no outdoor experience required)
  • The week: Arrive on campus Aug 21 → backpacking Aug 22–24 → whitewater rafting Aug 25–26 → debrief Aug 27 → back to campus Aug 28 for Welcome Weekend
  • Credits earned: 3 credits (Wilderness Journey Practicum), counts toward Ascent Gen Ed
  • Gear: Backpacks, sleeping bags, and expedition equipment provided — just bring your own clothing and footwear
  • Safety: Led by trained wilderness guides; high perceived risk, much lower actual risk

Contact Scott Barnett or your admissions counselor to claim your place on the trail.

Registration Coming Soon

Red Hawk Summer

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An overnight experience designed for incoming undergraduate Simpson University students. Red Hawk Summer gives you the chance to connect with future classmates, explore Redding and the surrounding area, and get a head start on your college journey. You’ll meet admissions counselors, experience your future dorms and student life activities, and enjoy an afternoon at Whiskeytown Lake.

Register now!

Explore the full schedule and view the packing list to get ready.

New Student Orientation

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New Student Orientation is a three-day experience to kickoff your life as a Red Hawk! This event is mandatory for incoming first-time freshman and transfer students. This is when new students will move into dorms, complete pre-semester tasks, and connect with other students, faculty, advisors, and university leaders before classes begin. Many first-time student forms can be completed before welcome weekend.

Weekend Highlights:

  • New Student Move In
  • Family Farewell & Dedication Service
  • Campus Life Events
  • Day of Service
  • Local Church & Simpson Worship

Full Schedule

Any further questions, about welcome weekend, registration, or the upcoming semester, can be directed to your Admissions Counselor – or call Admissions (530) 226-4600.

For more details, visit our NSO page here.

Scholarship Summit

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Simpson University proudly presents the Scholarship Summit, a celebration of academic excellence, leadership, and student achievement. This special event brings together our scholarship finalists — who are invited to participate in a day of presentations, networking, and recognition — to share their stories and accomplishments. While only contestants receive formal invitations, everyone is invited to attend and cheer on these outstanding students as they showcase their talents and pursue opportunities that will help shape their futures. Come be part of an uplifting community experience and support the next generation of scholars. For full event details and contestant information visit our Scholarship Summit page.

New Student Orientation

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New Student Orientation is the official kickoff to your Red Hawk experience! This three-day orientation is mandatory for incoming first-time freshman and transfer students. It helps build community, complete pre-semester tasks, and connect with fellow students, faculty, advisors, and university leaders before classes begin. Many first-time student forms can be completed before welcome weekend.

Any further questions, about welcome weekend, registration, or the upcoming semester, can be directed to your Admissions Counselor – or call Admissions (530) 226-4600.

For more details, to register, and to view the schedule, visit our NSO page here

Red Hawk Summer

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A day-long experience designed for incoming and prospective Simpson University students. This immersive event gives you the chance to connect with future classmates, explore Redding and the surrounding area, and get a head start on your college journey. You’ll meet admissions counselors, get helpful info on financial aid and advising, and enjoy fun outings around Shasta County.

Register now!