UA’s Week of Welcome for New Students Includes Convocation, Service

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s Week of Welcome, opening the fall semester for students, will feature a kick-off party Sunday, Aug. 17; a day of service and a new-student convocation Tuesday, Aug. 19; and the Get on Board day Thursday, Aug. 28.

Week of Welcome, organized by UA’s University Programs office, offers more than 55 events designed to usher in first-year and transfer students to the UA community.

“WOW has grown in popularity over the last several years,” said Steven Hood, interim vice president of student affairs. “Incoming students look forward to our signature events, and we work hard to make sure it gets bigger and better each year by offering opportunities to make our students feel a part of our community.”

The kick-off party will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, in Coleman Coliseum. This year’s theme is X-Games. Activities include a skydiving simulation, zip lining, a BMX bike show, X-pogo stunt team show and a bungee run. UA departments and student organizations as well as local Tuscaloosa businesses will have promotional tables set up.

The new-student convocation will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Foster Auditorium. The event inducts new students into The University of Alabama. All new freshmen and transfer students are welcome to attend. The class of 2018 will be able to take the Capstone Creed and hear from UA officials and upperclassmen. Students will be given an Alabama script “A” lapel pin and are invited to a reception with live music and refreshments at the Malone-Hood Plaza after the ceremony.

“I think new student convocation helps students feel connected to the University,” said Brittney Lee, a senior majoring in public relations. “It feels official, and it emphasizes the importance of their academic careers. It’s also a great way to meet faculty members and make new connections.”

In addition, the Ripple Effect Freshman Day of Service will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19. Sponsored by UA’s Center for Sustainable Service and Volunteerism, Ripple Effect offers freshmen and transfer students a chance to help the community at different locations around Tuscaloosa.  Students will begin registering at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Ferguson Center Plaza and then disperse for work from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Get on Board Day will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, along Seventh Avenue on the UA campus. Student organizations, campus departments, area businesses and community agencies will set up booths on Seventh Avenue for students to peruse.

For a full schedule of WOW 2014 events, visit www.wow.ua.edu. Keep updated on Week of Welcome on social media sites by downloading the 2014 Guidebook app, following @UAWOW on Twitter and Instagram and liking the UA Week of Welcome Facebook page.