Jam-packed with nearly 100 hours of activities and events aimed at new and returning students, Welcome Week kicks off Tuesday at UT Dallas.
An educational and social celebration of university life, the festivities are the culmination of months of planning by an array of student groups and departments from across campus.
Rec 'n' Wild is a perennial Welcome Week favorite.
The week starts with University Convocation, a special ceremony for incoming students that marks the beginning of their academic careers at UT Dallas. Other highlights will include a T-shirt swap, the Cometville Carnival, the Breakfast Bonanza, Rec 'n' Wild and the Texas Party.
Even though fun will be the word of the week, the annual tradition is also meant to help students focus on the year ahead, said Kecia Baker, assistant dean of students.
“We hope all the events get Comets excited about the upcoming year, both in terms of activity and academics,” she said. “This year we’re doing larger-scale events, and we’ve added programs and events at different times throughout the days in hope that even more students will find something that works around their class and work schedules.”
Plus Comet Cruiser bus service will be extended Saturday evening so more students can attend the popular Texas Party.
“The last shuttle from campus to DART rail will leave at 10:15 p.m.,” Baker said. “We know students living off campus want to be able to attend the party, so we arranged for the Cruiser to operate a little later that night.”
Following is a partial list of activities for Aug. 23-30. For a complete list of events, visit the Welcome Week website.
WELCOME WEEK 2011
Tuesday, Aug. 23
University Convocation and Kick-off BBQ
Activity Center Gym and Student Union Mall, 4–7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 24
Cometville Carnival, Student Union Mall, 2:30–4:30 p.m
Join Temoc for food, Maui Wowi smoothies, face painting and more.
Thursday, Aug. 25
Rec 'n' Wild, Softball Field #1, 2–5 p.m.
Water games, sports, snacks and more.
Friday, Aug. 26
Battleship, Phase 8 Pool, 5:30 p.m.
A life-size version of the popular board game.
Saturday, Aug. 27
Texas Party, Student Union, 7–10 p.m.
Live bands, bull riding and a midway. Special guest: the voice of Big Tex.
Sunday, Aug. 28
Dive-in Movie, Phase 8 Pool, 9–11 p.m.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" with popcorn and drinks provided.
Monday, Aug. 29
Greek Chill, Student Union Mall, 6–8 p.m.
Free lemon and strawberry chills, music and fun.
Tuesday, Aug. 30
Root Beer Floats, Student Union Pub Patio, 5–6 p.m.
First 500 attendees will receive a free UT Dallas root beer mug.