For the past six years, Wolfpack Welcome Week has been bringing students together by providing events, free food and opportunities for campus involvement. This year’s events began Aug. 11 and will be completed this Saturday.

The African American Symposium kicked off activities last Wednesday, while Friday heralded the University’s first Hispanic Symposium.

The rest of the week consisted of RecFest, the Union Activities Board’s late-night Target run and freshmen Convocation.

Deb Luckadoo, campus activities director and chair of the Wolfpack Welcome Week committee, said there are several signature programs that take place during Wolfpack Welcome Week which help students get involved.

“Hopefully, the sense of connection will help them get involved in an organization or residential hall,” Luckadoo said. 

Luckadoo also said the committee has research that shows students feel more connected to the University after Wolfpack Welcome Week.

“The committee’s desired outcomes were for the students to meet new people, including upperclass students who become mentors to them and also for the freshmen to have a sense of belonging,” Luckadoo said.

The first Centennial Campus Welcome will take place at Monteith Research Center Plaza Aug. 18.

The day will also feature the Inner Residence Council and Interfraternity Council’s “Chillin and Grillin” event.

This will provide free food and music, headlining the ” Psuedo Blue and the Mystics” at Tucker Beach.

Andrew Stutts, a junior in parks, recreation and tourism management, said Wolfpack Welcome Week is important because students are coming out and gathering on campus.

“As a part of my fraternity, we want the new students to feel welcomed at this University,” Stutts said. “The more students we can get involved earlier, the more it will help them get the full experience of college.”

Thursday, UAB’s Black Students Board will host its Back to School Jam on Harris Field.

Ebonie Williams, UAB’s graduate assistant, said every year the Board takes an opportunity to showcase the groups, particularly African Americans and other student groups.

“We also do performances such as dancing and modeling and a lot of the national Pan-Hellenic associations do step performances,” Williams said.

“It’s also a way for students to learn about the resources that are available on campus and how they can get involved.”

Williams said this year the Black Students Board will be giving out free Chipotle and Jimmy Johns and also doing a school supply drive.

“It’s an annual event with a new spin,” Williams said. She said it is important to keep with tradition, but also to show the diversity of campus.

“All students will know that they are welcomed regardless of their ethnicity on this campus,” Williams said. “It’s definitely an opportunity to show a different part of our University.”

Friday night, UAB will host its annual Friday Fest, which will host its free concert headlining alternative band Lifehouse, along with free food and prizes.

Wolfpack Welcome Week will end with the University’s first Silent Disco at Tally Ballroom provided by  the IRC, UAB and Student Government.

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