UA Hosts Family Weekend, More than 3,000 Expected to Attend

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — More than 3,000 family members of University of Alabama students will visit campus during Family Weekend Friday-Sunday, Sept. 16-18.

The UA Office of Parent Programs, in the UA Division of Student Affairs, will host the 2011 Family Weekend with the goal of connecting families with their students, other families and faculty, staff and administrators at UA. Families from across the country will visit the campus.

“We have seen an overwhelming interest and positive response to the events planned for this year’s Family Weekend,” said Jessica Criswell, assistant director of Parent Programs. “This is the ideal time for parents and families to come to UA and experience what campus life is like for their student while also establishing a personal connection with the UA campus and family.”

A variety of events are planned, including a Beach Bash at the University Recreation Outdoor Pool on Friday night, a Family Tailgate before the Alabama vs. North Texas football game on Saturday and a brunch with Student Affairs at Fresh Food Company in the Ferguson Center on Sunday morning. Families are also taking advantage of the Tuscaloosa Alumni Chapter’s Rolling on the River with the Tide, a riverboat cruise down the Black Warrior River on Friday night.

Many colleges and departments on campus will host an open house or reception on Friday to mix and mingle with families and to share information about their services. Some of the locations that will be open include the President’s Mansion, the Career Center, the Student Recreation Center and Capstone International.

Families will also participate in a UA Community Service Center project, “Families Helping Families: A Service Opportunity in the Tuscaloosa Community,” Friday from 2-4 p.m.

Registration for a Family Weekend package that included eligibility to purchase football tickets to the Alabama vs. North Texas football game and a chance to win giveaways throughout the weekend was offered earlier this year.

On Friday, free parking will be available for visiting families from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in the lots near the soccer fields on University Boulevard. Shuttles will transport families to drop-off areas near the Ferguson Center and the President’s Mansion. Normal game day parking regulations will be in effect on Saturday, and parking will be open near the Ferguson Center Student Union on Sunday.

For more information about Family Weekend, or to view the full schedule of events, go to http://parents.ua.edu, parents@sa.ua.edu or call 205/348-8404.

The Office of Parent Programs supports the successful academic and social transition of new students into The University of Alabama community, as well as educates, provides resources and promotes continuous relationships among students, parents, families and the University.The Division of Student Affairs maximizes each UA student’s learning experience.