UA Presents Week of Welcome 2013

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s Division of Student Affairs will host Week of Welcome 2013 from Friday, Aug. 16 to Thursday, Aug. 29.

The two-week series, featuring more than 50 events, is designed to help first-year and transfer students transition to academic and student life at the Capstone by learning about campus life and the Tuscaloosa community.

WOW planning committee member Averie Armstead, a graduate student from Birmingham, said this year’s goal was to help each new student find a home away from home at UA.

“We have events geared toward all students to help them get connected to the UA family, as well as meet their needs and interests as they engage with others,” Armstead said.

The kick-off will be a carnival-style event at Coleman Coliseum Sunday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m., featuring a pep rally for students with University of Alabama cheerleaders, the Yell Crew and Big AL. After the pep rally, the Coliseum concourse will open, filled with activities, vendor tables and free food. Outside the Coliseum, the event will feature two zip-lines, bumper cars, a dunk tank, photo booth and other fun activities.

Various campus departments and student organizations will have tables set up to provide information about groups and activities for incoming students. The tables will also include games in which guests can participate for a chance to win prizes.

“We are truly excited to kick off this year’s Week of Welcome with this event,” said LaToya Scott, assistant director of The Ferguson Center Student Union.  “WOW has become an annual tradition here at UA, and we want to welcome incoming students and make sure they feel connected to the campus and community.”

Local sponsors and restaurants will provide free food, giveaways and prizes to guests.

Another highlight of WOW is the New Student Convocation, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. in Foster Auditorium. University administrators will be on hand as the Class of 2017 takes the Capstone Creed.

“Every year our students look forward to getting connected and becoming an official member of the UA family at the New Student Convocation,” Scott said. “We invite all new freshmen and transfer students to participate in this momentous tradition of our University.”

Each attendee will receive a lapel pin signifying their commitment to the Capstone Creed. Current students who have shown superior academic excellence and civic responsibility will be pinned by respective college deans on stage at the event.

A reception will follow outside the auditorium in the Malone-Hood Plaza.

For more information on WOW 2013, or for a full schedule of events, visit www.wow.ua.edu. Join the conversations about WOW on various social media sites by downloading the WOW 2013 Guidebook app, following @UAWOW on Twitter and liking the UA WOW Facebook page.