It is an exciting time to be a parent or family member of a Blazer. Fall semester rejuvenates the campus with the addition of each new student. Two affinity programs have been plan to welcome your students to campus.

The Vulcan Materials Academic Success Center invites your students to participate in First Year Student Convocation on Tuesday, August 28 at 6:30 p.m. in Bartow Arena. First Year Students Convocation is the formal academic welcome to the UAB. Students will begin lining up for convocation at 5:45 p.m. outside of Bartow Arena. Upon entering, students will be greeted by a spirit chain made up of UAB faculty, staff, and upper-class students. During the ceremony, students will take the New Student Oath. University President, Dr. Ray L. Watts, and Provost, Dr. Pam Benoit, will address and welcome students during the matriculation ceremony. At the culmination of First Year Student Convocation, students will walk from Bartow Area to a ‘Trailgate’ featuring a picnic and entertainment at the Hill Student Center, where they will have the opportunity to mingle with staff members, upper-class students, and fellow members of the Class of 2022. First Year Student Convocation is an important milestone in the UAB experience.  Make sure that your students are part of these experiences.

We also recognize UAB is a big campus with many opportunities, activities and resources available for students to explore. The Blazer Welcome is a program meant to help students connect and become more informed about everything UAB has to offer. During a six-week period, there will be a number of social events and fun activities at various locations around the campus that students, especially incoming freshmen, are highly encouraged to participate in.

There will be a variety of happenings during those weeks, including everything from the Part-Time Job Fair to the Recstravaganza, which is why we advise your student to review the Blazer Welcome calendar and participate in the different events. For many, this will be the first opportunity to meet new friends and have learning experiences outside the classroom, which is why this is a useful and important opportunity for you student. More information about Blazer Welcome can be found online and also on the free UAB Mobile App, which is available both for iOS and Android devices.