Things kicked off with the annual Move-In Day where staff and upperclassmen converged on the residence halls to help freshmen lift boxes, find their way and settle into their new campus homes. The fledging Blazers and their families were then treated to free food, music and fun. Later that evening, the Hill Student Center opened its doors and let the students “takeover” with music, games and activities. Up in the ballroom, the UAB gamers gathered for their Welcomecon event where they played video games and engaged in digital play into the wee hours of the night.
On the first day of school, sophomores were feted with an event that launched the Division’s Second-Year Experience program. Students who are entering their second year at UAB will be supported with programs, events and initiatives specifically designed for their persistence toward graduation.
After the annual New Student Convocation, students enjoyed dinner underneath the stars at the HSC amphitheater. They even got to watch BlazeRadio host a live DJ Battle. During the Social Justice Advocacy Council Mixer hundreds of students showed interest in learning how to be empowered to make their community a better place. The International Welcome Party was a celebration our students’ varied home countries, their cultures and their foods. The Student Health and Wellness Center hosted an open house and introduced students to their many resources designed to support physical and mental wellbeing. Diningopoly was a fun activity that helped to acclimate students to the newly-renovated Commons Dining area as well as sample food and win prizes.
Students learned about the more than 200 student organizations and activities at the annual Student Involvement Fair. The Part-time Job Fair brought scores of local employers to campus to help our students find employment. Housing and Residence Life hosted a block party on the Commons plaza before the highly-anticipated Sam Hunt concert and then the next day partnered with Campus Dining for a free tailgate at the first UAB Football game.
Those were only a few of the activities hosted by Student Affairs as soon as students hit campus. And that’s just the beginning. Student Affairs has planned a year filled with events, lectures, educational opportunities to promote the transformation of our students.