New UT Dallas students will officially start their academic journey at University Convocation on Sunday. President Richard C. Benson, Provost Inga Musselman and other senior administrators will formally welcome all students to UT Dallas for the start of the fall semester.
The University of Texas at Dallas will greet new and returning students with two full weeks of welcome back events. Convocation will officially kick off the University’s 50th anniversary, and the following days will include water rides, a carnival, poetry jam, comedy show and plenty of food.
Weeks of Welcome activities will begin Sunday, Aug. 18, with the formal University Convocation, which marks the start of the academic journey for new students and launches the anniversary celebration with special activities.
UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson will deliver the welcome address for Convocation, which highlights the University’s history and traditions. Provost Inga Musselman will explain the traditions of academic regalia and the singing of the alma mater. Freshman, graduate, transfer and international student speakers and new Student Government president Ayoub Mohammed will also welcome students to the academic year.
After Convocation, students can participate in a Welcome Back Bash at Chess Plaza and a block party at the Northside complex on Synergy Park Boulevard, with live music, video-game trucks, free food and obstacle courses.
The University’s Weeks of Welcome will continue through Aug. 30 and include a luau, a retro cardio dance party, volunteer expo, silent disco, movie night featuring Avengers: Endgame and more free food. The University’s 50th anniversary theme will be incorporated throughout the events.
“The first few weeks of the semester are a key time for building the UT Dallas community, showcasing our school spirit, and engaging students to encounter new experiences and friendships. We are excited to bring the Weeks of Welcome events,” said Tineil Lewis, assistant director of student life programs.
Rec N’ Wild will feature water rides, games and treats on Thursday, Aug. 22, at the intramural softball field. Students can participate that evening in a silent disco, a dance-club experience while wearing wireless headphones, in Recreation Center West.
Jaboukie Young-White from “The Daily Show With Trevor Noah” will headline a comedy show in the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building Lecture Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
During Weeks of Welcome, campus departments and offices will provide free food including ice cream, breakfast goodies and cookies.
