Jacket Journey

What is Jacket Journey?

Save the date for Friday, August 15 – Sunday, August 17, 2025.

Jacket Journey is Howard Payne University’s new student welcome event  committed to supporting new students, both freshman and transfers, in their transition to campus. Participation is encouraged and free for all incoming HPU students. 

The events during this three-day orientation will provide opportunities for students to become better acquainted with HPU and with one another.

Jacket Journey Business Fair

The Jacket Journey Business Fair is an exciting opportunity for local businesses to help welcome our incoming students and families to Brownwood and show what our community has to offer. 

All students and families will have the opportunity to interact with the community during move-in on Friday, August 15 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Local businesses can register to have a booth in the fair here.

Jacket Journey 2025 Schedule

All incoming students received an email from Student Experience regarding move-in details.

All students will check into the HPU Wellness Center, and a full schedule with locations will be provided at check-in. 

9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.       New Student Move-In & Business Fair 

11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.        Lunch

1:30 p.m.                               First Sight: Meet your groups                                                                                     Parent Meeting

1:50 p.m.                               Line-up for Chime-In

2:00 p.m.               .               Chime-In

**Chime-In will be the last thing parents participate in. The rest of the schedule is for students only.

2:30 p.m.                               Stinger Groups

3:30 p.m.                               Color Groups

5:00 p.m.                               Cookout with Dr. Hines

7:00 p.m.                               Jacket Session I

8:00 p.m.                               Dorm Activities

9:30 a.m.                               Jacket Session II

10:15 a.m.                             Campus Tours

11:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.      Brunch

1:00 p.m.                              Group Photo

1:15 p.m.                               Jacket Session III

2:30 p.m.                              Alumni Ice Cream Social / Stinger Groups

3:15 p.m.                              Stinger Groups / Alumni Ice Cream Social

4:00 p.m.                               Church Social

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.         Dinner

7:00 p.m.                              Color Group Competition

8:00 p.m.                              Primetime

10:00 a.m.                             Worship / Church

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.       Brunch

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.         Afternoon Activity (Optional)     

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.         Dinner

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.         Street Party