selecting this link - Orientation and First-Year Programs - University ...

Why Welcome Week?You already attended New Student Orientation, so why do you need toattend Welcome Week? We know that when students attend Welcome Weekthey are more confident when starting classes because they have had time tomeet friends, navigate campus, and get settled.August 31-September 5, 2011At Orientation you……met with an academic adviser…met your classmates in small groups…became familiar with campus…learned the academic and social expectationsof the University…were introduced to involvement opportunitiesAm I required to attend?Yes, all first-year students are required toattend and fully participate in WelcomeWeek activities. These activities aredesigned to prepare you for your first year.You won’t want to miss out on getting ajumpstart on your college experience! Ifyou are in CEHD, CFANS, CSE or CBSyou will be enrolled in a class that requiresWelcome Week activities as part of yourcourse content.At Welcome Week you will……reconnect with your adviser and meet faculty members…build friendships with your classmates…become an expert in navigating campus…demonstrate these expectations…sign up for student groups and other engagementopportunitiesAction ItemsMark your calendar for Welcome Week:Wednesday, August 31 -Monday, September5, 2011. Plan family vacations and workschedules accordingly. You will be busy fromearly in the morning until late at night.Complete the Welcome Week EventSelection between July 20-August 17.Take the StrengthsQuest assessment byAugust 1 and complete your strengthsassignment before Welcome Week. Contactstrengths.umn.edu with questions.Visit www.welcomeweek.umn.edu for a list ofwhat to bring, more highlights, and answers toyour questions.Continue to check your U of M email fordetails about these items and other importantmessages from the University.

Make Welcome Week Your Own:GREETINGS FROMKICK-OFF DAY!WednesdayAUG 31While some events at Welcome Week are requiredof all students, you will have the opportunity topersonalize your schedule with the Welcome WeekEvent Selection. Beginning July 20, you will be able toindicate your preferences for some events. Here is aglimpse into what is planned for you:Wednesday, August 31: Kick-Off Day!Residential Students(all residence halls, Yudof, University Village& Wilkins)You will receive an assigned move-in date(August 30 or August 31) and time from Housing& Residential Life in the beginning of August.Afterwards, you will check-in for Welcome Weekin the Great Hall of Coffman Memorial Union(if you live in Bailey Hall, you can pick up yourmaterials in the lobby of Bailey Hall). You willwant to get settled, say good-bye to your parentsand eat dinner (dining halls will be open between5-7pm) before your Community Advisor escortsyou to your Kick-Off Meeting at 7pm. There youwill meet your small group and Welcome WeekLeaders.Pick-up snacks or last-minute items for your roomor apartment at the Target Run later that night!Commuter Students(off-campus apartments, permanent residences)You will receive a mailing in mid-Augusthighlighting commuter specific events duringWelcome Week and throughout the first year.Check-in for Welcome Week in the Great Hallof Coffman Memorial Union between 1:30pm-3:45pm. Welcome Week Leaders will help youfind your Kick-Off Meeting at 4:30pm. There youwill meet your small group and Welcome WeekLeaders. Dinner is provided at the CommuterPicnic from 6-8pm, be sure to indicate yourattendance in the online Event Selection.Pick-up snacks or last-minute items at the TargetRun later that night!GREETINGS FROMCOLLEGE DAY!ThursdaySEPT 1CONVOCATIONPride & SpiritThursday, September 1: College Day!In the morning, President Kaler will welcome you, the Class of 2015,at New Student Convocation. Afterwards, you will have lunchand meet faculty and staff in your college of enrollment who willintroduce you to the unique qualities of your college. Later thatnight join the Class of 2015 in creating a human “M” on the field ofTCF Bank Stadium during Pride & Spirit! You’ll get a copy of thisphoto later in the semester. End the evening at Fun Zone whereyou can learn the Tango, play laser tag, and eat free snacks!www.welcomeweek.umn.edu

Personalize Your ScheduleFriday, September 2: U of M Day!Spend the day with your small group! Learn the Campus Connector routesand attend sessions on issues, resources, responsibilities and your strengthsrelated to your transition to the U. You can chose some sessions that interestyou when you complete the online Event Selection. Enjoy lunch at the Classof 2015 Cookout. Later in the evening Jermaine Davis will summarize howto make your first year of college your own! Spend the late night at GophersAfter Dark. This U of M tradition provides free/low-cost on-campusentertainment activities and food for students throughout the semester.GREETINGS FROMGophers After DarkINVOLVEMENT &Explore ULate Night At Mall of AmericaSaturday, September 3: Involvement & Engagement Day!Take action on a social issue or help a local organization achievetheir goal. Your small group will be assigned to one of many differentengagement opportunities to make a difference. You can preferencethe type of activity you want on the online Event Selection. Getinvolved with student groups and local businesses later in the afternoonat Explore-U where you can also sample food items and win greatprizes! For evening entertainment, Nickelodeon Universe has beenrented out just for U of M students. Spend a late night at the Mall ofAmerica on the rides and exploring the Sea Life Aquarium!Sunday, September 4: Community Exploration Day!It’s time to get off campus! Expand your knowledge of the Twin Cities andexplore the community. Visit Downtown Minneapolis, the Mill District, theUptown area, or catch the Gopher soccer game with your small group. Yoursmall group will be assigned to one of these activities, however, you canpreference the type of activity you want in the online Event Selection. Closeout your Welcome Week experience by reflecting with your small group onelast time at the Closure Meeting. Spend the evening relaxing, playing boardgames at the Library or joining in some intramural sports to wind down yourSunday night.COMMUNITYPreparingFOR CLASSESMondaySEPT 5Monday, September 5: Prepare for Classes!Spend this day resting and making sure you are prepared forclasses. Some student groups will be hosting optional eventson campus for you as well.

ORIENTATION & FIRST-YEAR PROGRAMS315 Coffman Union300 Washington Avenue S.E.Minneapolis, MN 55455Have more questions? Ask Us!Orientation & First-Year Programs612-624-1979 or 1-800-234-1979Nonprofit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDMinneapolis, MNPermit No. 155The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunityeducator and employer. Printed on recycledand recyclable paper with at least 10 percentpostconsumer material.If you have a documented disability and would liketo request a sign language interpreter, captioning, oralternative formats for publications and/or events,please contact Disability Services at 612.626.1333 (v/tty) or ds@umn.edu no later than August 8, 2011.Greetings FromSave the date!August 31-September 5, 2011