Welcome Week was created to accommodate both residential and commuter students. As you review the schedule you will notice the timing for some events are different based on where you live. This is to maximize the time you spent on campus and at Welcome Week events.
You will receive a personalized schedule when you check in for Welcome Week. This schedule will outline specific events, times and locations based on your group assignment and your preferences from the online Event Selection.
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.- Residence Hall Move-In
If you’re living in U-sponsored, on-campus housing this fall, you’ll be able to settle into your residence hall. Housing & Residential Life will give you a specific time to move in when they send your housing assignment in early August.
10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Welcome Week Check-in
Once you’ve moved in, be sure to check in for Welcome Week. You’ll get your group assignment, your group leaders’ names, a detailed schedule, and freebies! More details can be found on the Welcome Week Check-In page.
5:00-7:00 p.m. - Dinner (Residential Students)
If you’re a residential student, this is your chance to try out the residential dining facilities.
4:30-6:00 p.m. – Kick-Off Meeting (Commuter Students)
You and other students your group will meet up with your Welcome Week leaders. You’ll get acquainted, go over the Welcome Week schedule, and learn what the University expects of you.
6:00-8:00 p.m. Dinner (Commuter Students and residents in University Village, Yudof & Wilkins)
Join your small group members and the Commuter Connection for dinner. Learn about resources available specifically for you during Welcome Week and your first-year.
7:30-9:00 p.m. – Kick-Off Meeting (Residential Students and residents in University Village, Yudof & Wilkins)
You and other students your group will meet up with your Welcome Week leaders. You’ll get acquainted, go over the Welcome Week schedule, and learn what the University expects of you.
10:00 p.m.-12:30 a.m. – After-Hours Target Run
Join your classmates for an after-hours run to Target! Pick up snacks or last-minute items for your room or apartment. Transportation is provided to and from Target.
7:00-8:30 a.m. - Breakfast
9:45-11:00 a.m. - New Student Convocation
At this official welcome to the University of Minnesota, you’ll hear from President Kaler and current students, and an introduction to the U of M’s history and traditions.
11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - College Day Activities & Lunch
Meet faculty and other students, and attend sessions that focus on the unique resources and opportunities available in your chosen college.
If you are a student in CSE, CFANS, CBS or CEHD you will be enrolled in a required class that includes Welcome Week activities.
5:00-7:00 p.m. - Dinner
7:00-8:00 p.m. - Free Time
Make sure you’re ready for classes! This is your time to take a break or spend time with other students in the Class of 2016.
8:30-10:00 p.m. - Jermaine Davis
Jermaine will share how to create an intentional first year of college and make it your own. For more information on Jermaine, visit www.jermainedavis.com.
10:00 p.m. - Fun Zone
Enjoy a variety of games, activities, and free snacks!
10:00 p.m. - Residence Hall Community Events
7:00-9:00 a.m. - Breakfast
8:30 a.m. - Small Group Meeting (All Students)
Start the day early with your small group to go over your rotation schedule for the day.
9:00-5:30 p.m. - Campus Exploration & Class of 2016 Cookout
You will spend the majority of this day with your small group learning to navigate the East Bank, West Bank, and St. Paul Campus. You will attend a variety of sessions geared to help with your transition to the University and the Class of 2016 Cookout. Here are a few program highlights for the day:
Live Like a Student: Learn how to live within your budget, how to stay out of debt, where to find cheap discounts on campus and other tips for financial success during your college career.
You at the U and What that Has to Do With Woo: This session will give you more insight into the StrengthsQuest initiative on campus and how knowing your strengths will make you successful at the U.
Interest Sessions: You will be able to identify two interest sessions in the online Event Selection to attend on this day. Select from sessions offered by campus departments who are here to help you have a successful first year.
Open Houses: Check out the Rec Center, STSS, Appleby Hall and the VoTech Building and learn what student services each area offers you!
5:00-7:00 p.m. - Dinner
6:00-8:00 p.m. - Commuter Student Reception
Join the Commuter Connection during your free time for free bowling, fellowship and fun!
7:00-8:00 p.m. - Free Time
8:30-10:00 p.m. - Pride & Spirit
Join the Class of 2016 for a night of Golden Gopher Spirit!
10:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. - Gophers After Dark Kick-Off
This U of M tradition provides free/low-cost events for students throughout the semester. Get hypnotized by a hypnotist, break loose on the dance floor, enjoy free food, and more!
10:00 p.m. - Residence Hall Community Events
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. OR 12:00-3:00 p.m. – Engagement Rotations
You will be assigned a time and specific rotation schedule for your group to attend some of the following events:
• Engagement Symposiums: Join your small group to learn ways to take action on a social issue.
• Service Project: Help a local organization achieve their goal.
11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. - Brunch
1:30-4:30 p.m. - Explore U-Involvement & Opportunity
Explore ways to get involved at this event showcasing campus student organizations and local businesses, while enjoying giveaways, food samples, and prizes!
4:30-7:00 p.m. - Dinner
7:00-9:30 p.m. - Free Time
9:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. - Late Night at Mall of America
Spend the evening on the rides at Nickelodeon Universe or exploring Sea Life Aquarium in the Mall of America.
10:00 p.m. - Residence Hall Community Events
11:00 a.m.-1:30p.m. - Brunch
12:00-4:00 p.m. - Community Exploration Trips
You and your small group will connect and explore Downtown Minneapolis, the Mill District, or Uptown and Calhoun Square
2:00-5:00 p.m. - Small Group Closure Meeting
Meet up with your small group one last time to reflect on and put an end to your Welcome Week experience.
3:00-10:00 p.m. - Residential Hall Meetings
University-sponsored residence halls will host a required, community-building meeting for you and your residential neighbors. Your Community Advisor will have details on when and where your floor will meet.
4:30-7:00 p.m. - Dinner
6:30-8:30 p.m. - Sorority & Fraternity recruitment Check-in & Orientation Sessions
This is your time to see what sorority and fraternity life is like at the U! Come see the wonderful leadership, scholarship, service and social opportunities the community has to offer! By participating in recruitment, you will have the opportunity to meet members of the Greek community and see the inside of each chapter house. In order to participate, please register for recruitment at www.BeGreek.org.
9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. - Evening Entertainment
Enjoy a variety of on-campus options.
10:00 p.m. - Residence Hall Community Events
11:00-1:30 p.m. - Brunch
12:00 p.m. - Free Time Activities
This is the last day of Welcome Week. Attend any sessions you missed earlier in the week, explore campus on your own, or prepare for your first day of class on Tuesday, September 4.
12:00-5:00 p.m. - Fraternity house tours
Be yourself, become your best, and see what fraternity life is like at the U! Check out the phenomenal leadership, scholarship, service and social opportunities the Greek community has to offer so you can make the most out of your college experience. By participating in house tours, you can meet the distinguished leaders that comprise the membership of the U's fraternities and get a firsthand look at the wide variety of chapter houses represented on and off University Ave. No registration is required.