The University of Minnesota Twin Cities will welcome over 6,200 freshmen and close to 2,000 new transfer students next week. Following two days of residence hall move–ins on August 26 and 27, the U of M Twin Cities will kick off Welcome Week activities on August 28.
Now in its 12th 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 to life on the Twin Cities campus. This will be President Joan Gabel’s first Welcome Week since officially becoming the University’s 17th president earlier this summer.
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 28 to Monday, September 2 — 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 about Welcome Week can be found here.
Highlights include:
Thursday, August 22 - International Student Welcome
Welcome Reception with President Gabel and Football 101 | 3:30–6 p.m.
TCF Bank Stadium, Benton County Entrance
President Gabel and other campus leaders will welcome new international students to campus, with remarks beginning at 4:30 p.m. During Football 101 (5:30–6 p.m.), students will be introduced to American football’s complicated rules and Gopher game day traditions. Goldy will also show off some of his fan–favorite tricks as the University's new Global Gophers get an in–depth look at the beloved U.S. sport and the traditions that surround it.
Tuesday, August 27 | Move–In
Residence Hall Move–In | 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
President Gabel is scheduled to help students move into the four–residence hall area on the Minneapolis East Bank campus between Harvard Street S.E. and Oak Street S.E. from 11 a.m.–noon.
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 and get ready for class with special savings on fall semester textbooks.
Student Freestore & Sustainability Stop | 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union Front Plaza
During Student Freestore & Sustainability Stop, students can browse free furniture, supplies, shoes, clothes and more from the U of M's Pack and Give Back program.
RecWell Open House | 9:30 p.m.–midnight
University Recreation and Wellness Center
RecWell’s open house is a chance for new students to learn what RecWell has to offer. The facility features a wide variety of fun and challenging fitness equipment, an Olympic–size pool and plenty of areas to hang out with friends.
Wednesday, August 28 | Welcome U Day
Welcome to Welcome Week | 2:15–3:15 p.m. and 4–5 p.m.
Northrop
Motivational speaker Jermaine Davis will speak with students 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
Freshmen and new transfer students will form a giant block ‘M’ on the field at TCF Bank Stadium that will be used as the 2019 incoming student picture. A pep rally featuring appearances from President Gabel, the Pride of Minnesota marching band and others will take place before the picture.
Students start to form the block ‘M’ at 8:50 p.m. with the picture taken around 9:30 p.m.
Media must RSVP by Wednesday, August 28 at 4 p.m. and enter using the Jackson County gate. The normal media entrance at Dodge County will not be open.
Thursday, August 29 | 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 freshmen. Faculty members in full regalia will be present as President Gabel and Executive Vice President and Provost Karen Hanson deliver remarks to the incoming class.
Media must RSVP by Wednesday, August 28 at 4 p.m. and use the Sundet/4th Street entrance for this event to be issued a credential. Doors open at 8:45 a.m.
Transfer Tailgate | 5:30–7 p.m.
Riverbend Plaza
Tailgate with new transfer students before the football game.
Football: Minnesota Gophers vs. South Dakota State Jackrabbits | Kickoff at 8 p.m.
TCF Bank Stadium
All freshmen and new transfer students will receive a free ticket to the season opening game.
All new students will enter through the Lincoln County entrance, which opens at 6:30 p.m. Media can film and interview students as they walk to TCF Bank Stadium to attend their first Gopher football game.
MAC Dance | 9:30 p.m.–midnight
McNamara Alumni Center
Stop by the dance party at the McNamara Alumni Center where students can show off their Golden dance moves.
Friday, August 30 | Campus Exploration Day
Transfer Student Welcome | 9–9:30 a.m.
Northrop
Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Robert McMaster will welcome new transfer students to the U of M Twin Cities.
Zero Waste Lunch | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union Great Hall and St. Paul Student Center North Star Ballroom
This event, which has big taste and no waste, provides an engaging opportunity for students to develop their recycling habits at the U of M Twin Cities.
Sustainability Action & Academic Survival in Action Open Houses | 12:15–3:30 p.m.
Ruttan Hall
Take part in sustainability trivia and activities, win prizes and discuss world–renowned research with the sustainability leaders who are trying to solve our planet's most urgent environmental problems.
Student Events & Entertainment Showcase | 8 p.m.–midnight
Coffman Memorial Union
This event showcases how students can get involved in fun programming offered during the academic year. Students also can pick up their free Pride & Spirit poster.
Saturday, August 31 | Gopher It Day
Explore U | 1:30–4:30 p.m.
3M Arena at Mariucci
Freshmen and new transfer students have a chance to connect with student organizations and local vendors.
Classes begin Tuesday, September 3.
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