Preview: Welcome Week 2019
The University of Tennessee’s annual Welcome Week is full of events aimed at new and returning students along with faculty and staff. Attendees can meet new people, learn about campus resources and engage in activities.
Welcome back to Rocky Top Vols, and greetings new Vols!
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is partnering with student organizations and local businesses to provide this year’s Welcome Week events and resources.
Welcome Week highlights include:
Caribbean Splash Jam
On Aug. 18 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Student Recreational and Fitness Center, also known as the TRECS, will host a Caribbean-themed party to welcome the class of 2023 and returning students. Taking a swim in one of the campus’s Olympic-sized pools are encouraged! This annual event will have free food, games, prizes and more. More information is available online.
Rocky Top Rally
Calling all Vols fans! There will be a welcome rally for new students at Neyland Stadium on Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. The Pride of the Southland Band and the Tennessee Spirit Squad will perform to pump up the crowd. Additionally, there will be guest appearances by Vols coaches and staff.
Torch Night
New Vols will meet in the Thompson-Boling Assembly Center and Arena on Aug. 19 for a night to learn about what it means to be a Vol. Starting at 6 p.m., students will take part in this new student rite of passage that traditionally dates back to 1925.
Slap The Rock
The Student Government Association, SGA, will host this annual event on Aug. 20 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. New Vols are encouraged to literally make their marks on a classic UT symbol, The Rock. Paint and other supplies will be provided by SGA.
Multicultural Student Life Welcome Back Celebration
The Frieson Black Cultural Center will host an open house on Aug. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees will learn about The Book Loan Program and ways to get involved with multicultural student organizations. Additionally, there will be live entertainment provided by students and giveaways from local community partners.
Howard Baker Center Ice Cream Social for Students
On Aug. 21 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy will host an ice cream social in the Toyota Auditorium. Students can learn about research and engagement opportunities through the center. Some of these opportunities include the Public Policy Analytics Minor, Baker Scholars, Baker Ambassadors, the Washington Program and the Diplomacy Lab. This event is free and open to all students.
Student Health “Well”come Back Cookout!
The Student Health Center will hold a cookout on Aug. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will take place on the front lawn of the Student Health Center and will include free lunch, giveaways and games for students. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available as well. The opportunity to meet the staff and learn about their services is encouraged as well.
Pride Center Fall Open House
Students, faculty and staff are welcome to visit the Pride Center on Aug. 23 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for its annual open house. Attendees will meet the Pride Center’s staff and learn about the resources they offer. More information is available online.
Student Engagement Fair
On Aug. 23 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., students can walk along the Pedestrian Walkway and learn about over 200 student organizations and local community partners. Also, the organizations and partners will provide students with information about what they do and how to get involved with them in the coming school year.
Vol Night Long
Vol Night Long will follow directly after the Student Engagement Fair, from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., in the Student Union Plaza. The Campus Events Board is hosting this event and will continue to do so throughout the year. The CEB will provide attendees with free food, giveaways and activities all night long.
Edited by Maddie Torres and Ainsley Kelso
Featured image by University of Tennessee, courtesy of Creative Commons
