Special Events Planned as Part of Fall Opening at UMass Amherst

August 30, 2012
Contact: 
Ed Blaguszewski
Contact Phone: 
413/545-0444
 
*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***
 
AMHERST, Mass. – The University of Massachusetts Amherst kicks off another school year as it welcomes 4,560 new students to the state’s flagship public university. The busy schedule of events through Labor Day are part of the New Students Orientation and First Week programs. Highlights include:

  • New Students Convocation, Friday, 9:45-11:15 a.m., Mullins Center. Students will be taught the university cheer, fight song and alma mater and also hear from Ernest Cline, author of this year’s common read, “Ready Player One.” Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy will address the incoming class.                                     

  • Athletics 101, Dinner and Class Picture, Saturday, 5-7:30 p.m., Mullins Center. The incoming class of 4,560 will meet with UMass athletes and coaches, and then gather for a really big class photo on the floor of the Mullins Center starting about 6:30 p.m.

  • Tend a Permaculture Garden, Franklin Dining Commons, Monday, 10 a.m.-noon. New students will get their first sampling of the university’s award-winning Permaculture Initiative when they gather to tend the community garden at Franklin Dining Commons.

  • Seafood stew world record attempt, Monday, 4 p.m., Haigis Mall near the Fine Arts Center. This welcome barbecue and seafood meal will attempt to set a world record by cooking up a 6,500-pound seafood stew.