It’s the beginning of a new school year like no other.
But as usual, The University of Alabama is rolling out the welcome wagon with WOW, or Weeks of Welcome, a series of fun programs — many virtual — focused on helping incoming students transition to campus life. Events run throughout the month, ending on Aug. 27.
“This year is obviously a little different,” said Paige Acker, assistant director of University Programs. “Our mission is to foster community and maximize student development through campuswide events. Although we’re not gathering in large groups, our mission hasn’t changed.
“We’ve created a calendar that includes small, in-person events, virtual events and hybrid models with both.”
Acker said they’ve identified six key engagement areas for WOW 2020 that they believe will create a well-rounded experience for students. The programs scheduled for WOW fit within these six categories:
- Academic success
- Community and connection
- Diversity, equity and inclusion
- Health and wellness
- Self-exploration
- Transition to UA and Tuscaloosa
Some of the primary events featured are the virtual Script A, WOW Launch Night and UP on Demand.
To create this year’s Script A, students are invited to upload photos of themselves that will be formed into a digital mosaic, Acker said. The color of the photo determines its placement in the mosaic.
Once the Script A is completed, it will be printed, framed and displayed in the Ferguson Student Center.
Students have until Aug. 18 to submit photos, which can be done in three ways:
- Post a photo to a public Instagram or Twitter account using #UAWOW2020 in the caption and photo will automatically be sent to the mosaic.
- Upload photos directly.
- Visit the mosaic site and click the “add photo” button in the top right corner.
WOW Launch Night is a free virtual event on Aug. 17, 5-9 p.m. that will use Hopin, an online events platform, that allows students to enter virtual breakout rooms to speak to department representatives live, participate in a virtual scavenger hunt, engage in trivia or watch live entertainment.
“It’s like walking around a large-scale event except you’re doing it virtually,” Acker said.
Acker said students will receive emails with information on how to register for WOW Launch Night.
UP (University Programs) on Demand is a new event series that will feature something different each week such as a reading, a watchlist, a do-it-yourself project or a motivational message. It will take place Aug. 25-28 and continue throughout the semester.
“By participating with WOW you will have a great start to the UA experience and if you’re a returning student it will give you a good glimpse to resources available and opportunities for connection for fall 2020,” she said.
A full list of WOW events can be found on UP’s website.