The University of Minnesota Twin Cities will welcome new students to campus next week, including more than 5,900 students in the Class of 2022 and more than 2,000 new transfer students. Following two days of residence hall move-in on August 27 and 28, the U of M Twin Cities will kick off Welcome Week activities on August 29.
“Welcome Week at the U of M Twin Cities continues to be integral to students’ transition to life at the University of Minnesota,” said Beth Lingren Clark, associate vice provost for strategic enrollment initiatives in the Office of Undergraduate Education. “Each Welcome Week program is designed with intention and coordinated with various student success outcomes. Our goal is to help new students establish a sense of belonging in the University community so they can thrive at the University and beyond. We are excited to be expanding more Welcome Week events to transfer students this year.”
Now in its eleventh year, Welcome Week enhances students’ sense of belonging and contributes to first-year retention rates by equipping students with the knowledge and resources to make a successful transition from high school to collegiate life. This year, Welcome Week has broadened to include additional activities specific for transfer students, such as Transfer Student Welcome. This change encourages incoming transfer students to participate in key campus traditions, including Pride & Spirit and Late Night at the Mall of America.
Led by undergraduate Welcome Week volunteer student leaders, new students experience Welcome Week activities in small groups. Each of Welcome Week’s six days -- from Wednesday, August 29 to Monday, September 3 -- features a different focus. These include instilling collegiate pride and excitement, navigating the campus and its many resources, as well as engaging students with the campus and each other. More information and a complete schedule of Welcome Week activities can be found here.
Back-to-school media opportunities at the U of M Twin Cities campus include:
Thursday, August 23 - International Student Welcome
Welcome Reception with President Kaler and Football 101 | 3:30-6 p.m.
TCF Bank Stadium, Benton County Entrance
President Kaler, Mrs. Kaler and Goldy Gopher will be welcoming new international students to campus. Students will learn about Row the Boat, Goldy’s spinning head and a breakdown of football’s complicated rules—it is all up for discussion as the students get an in-depth look at the beloved American sport and the traditions that surround it.
Monday, August 27 | First Year Move-In
Residence Hall Move-In | 1-8 p.m.
President Eric Kaler and Mrs. Karen Kaler will be on hand this afternoon to help students move-in to their residence halls. They'll be available from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at the Superblock.
Tuesday, August 28 | Move-In Continued
Gopher Gear Up | 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union Bookstore
During Gopher Gear Up, students can stock up on Gopher apparel get ready for class with special savings on fall semester textbooks.
Student Free Store & Sustainability Stop | 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union Front Plaza
Student Free Store and Sustainability Stop, students can browse free furniture, supplies, shoes, clothes and more from the U of M's Pack and Give Back program.
How to Prepare for Winter | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bruininks Hall, Room 312
Winter in Minnesota can be a challenge — but there are also ways to make it fun and worthwhile. The U of M prepares our international students with this engaging workshop and fashion show to learn how to dress for Minnesota winters.
Wednesday, August 29 | Welcome U Day
Welcome to Welcome Week | 2:45-4 p.m.
Northrop Auditorium
Motivational speaker Jermaine Davis talks with students about about overcoming different life challenges and strategies to create an intention-filled first year of college.
Pride & Spirit | 8-9:30 p.m.
TCF Bank Stadium
The Class of 2022 and new transfer students will form a giant block ‘M’ on the field at TCF Bank Stadium that will be used as the 2018 incoming student picture. A pep rally featuring appearances by Men's Hockey Head Coach Bob Motzko, the Pride of Minnesota marching band and others will take place before the picture.
Students start to form block ‘M’ at 8:50 p.m., picture to be taken around 9:30 p.m.
Media must RSVP and enter using the Jackson County gate. The normal media entrance at Dodge County will not be open.
Thursday, August 30 | U of M Kickoff Day
New Student Convocation | 9:45-10:45 a.m.
3M Arena at Mariucci
This is the official welcome ceremony for the Class of 2022. Faculty members in full regalia will be present and President Kaler and Provost Hanson will deliver remarks to the incoming class at this high-energy event.
Media must RSVP and use the Fourth St. entrance (aka Sundet) for this event to be issued a credential.
Transfer Tailgate | 3:30-5:00 p.m.
Riverbend Plaza
Tailgate with new transfer students before the football game.
Football: U of M Gophers v. New Mexico State Aggies | Kickoff at 6:00 p.m.
TCF Bank Stadium
All first-year, undergraduate students – both freshman and transfer students – will receive a free ticket to the season opening game.
All new students will enter through Lincoln County entrance, which opens at 4:30 p.m. Media can film and interview students as they attend their first Gopher football game.
Friday, August 31 | Campus Exploration Day
Live like a Student | 10:30 a.m.; 1:15 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. sessions
Northrop Auditorium
U of M staff educate students for financial success during their college careers, such as creating a personal budget, protection against identity theft and taking out student loans.
Transfer Student Welcome | 9-9:30 a.m.
Northrop Auditorium
Vice Provost Robert McMaster will be welcoming first-year transfer students to the University of Minnesota.
Saturday, September 1 | Gopher It Day
Explore U | 1:30-4:30 p.m.
3M Arena at Mariucci
New first-year students – both freshman and transfer students – have chance to connect with student organizations and local vendors.
Late Night at Mall of America | 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Nickelodeon Universe and Sea Life
Incoming transfers students and the Class of 2022 visit the Mall of America after closing to ride roller coasters at Nickelodeon Universe and experience the Sea Life aquarium.
Sunday, September 2 | Twin Cities Day
Community Exploration | Various Times
Various Locations
New students can ride the transit system free to explore Cedar-Riverside, Nicollet Mall, Uptown, Minnehaha Park, St. Anthony Main or Downtown St. Paul.
U of M Twin Cities classes begin Tuesday, September 4.
For more information on Welcome Week: welcomeweek.umn.edu
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