UA Hosts Family Weekend

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — More than 3,500 family members of University of Alabama students will visit campus Friday, Sept. 20, through Sunday, Sept. 22, during the 2013 Family Weekend.

UA’s Office of First Year Experience and Parent Programs in the Division of Student Affairs will host the weekend to connect families with their students, other families, faculty, staff and administrators. Families from across the country will visit the campus.

“We are so happy to welcome so many parents and families to campus during this exciting time,” said Mary Alice Porter, coordinator of First Year Experience and Parent Programs. “This is an ideal time for family members to learn more about life at the Capstone while being immersed in an environment full of Tide pride and tradition.”

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. Colorado State football game on Saturday; and a brunch and exposition with Student Affairs at Fresh Food Co. in the Ferguson Center on Sunday morning.

Families are also taking advantage of the Women’s Resource Center’s third annual Chocolate Festival, where they can sample a variety of chocolate and learn more about women’s health.

Many colleges and departments on campus will host an open house or reception for families Friday to share information about their services. Some of the locations that will be open include the President’s Mansion, the Career Center, Veteran and Military Affairs, the Office of Student Conduct, the College of Communication & Information Sciences, the College of Arts & Sciences and the Culverhouse College of Commerce.

Families also have the opportunity to participate in a UA Community Service Center project, Families Helping Families: A Service Opportunity, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept 20. Registration is still open for families interested in serving in the UA community.

Families still have the opportunity to buy a la carte tickets to the Beach Bash and Student Affairs Expo & Jazz Brunch at the Family Weekend Check-In from 11. a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the Ferguson Center Ballroom. Chocolate Festival tickets will also be available at the door of the Chocolate Festival event in Gorgas Library, room 205.

On Friday, free parking will be available for visiting families all day in the lots near the soccer fields on University Boulevard. Shuttles will take families to drop-off areas near the Ferguson Center and the President’s Mansion as well as other locations. 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, email parents@ua.edu or phone 205/348-8404. To register for the Families Helping Families service event, visit http://bit.ly/RpzuYX.

The Office of First Year Experience & 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 strives to maximize each UA student’s learning experience.