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About Welcome to the U

Welcome to the U is series of immersive opportunities during the first several weeks of the semester for students to explore the university its community, resources, values, and expectations through social events, community building, and leadership opportunities.

Through your active participation in Welcome to the U you will:

  • Engage with the campus community;
  • Connect with peers, student leaders, faculty, and staff; and
  • Foster healthy habits to start the semester off strong.

Spring 2025 Welcome to the U Events Schedule

Wednesday, January 29

Indoor Mini Golf
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom
Come play indoor mini golf in the Student Union Ballroom.
 
Transfer T-Shirt Swap
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Student Union, Room 471 a+b
Bring in a t-shirt from your previous institution to swap out for a new UMass t-shirt!
 
Hot Chocolate and Cookie Decorating
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cape Code Lounge
Enjoy some hot chocolate and decorate your own cookies!
 
Online Ready for the U Merch Pick-Up
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Student Union, Room 471 a+b
Come pick up your new UMass merchandise!

 
Glow-in-the-Dark Laser Tag
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom
Play glow-in-the-dark laser tag in the Student Union Ballroom.
 
Movie Night: The Wild Robot
7 p.m. –10 p.m.
Blackbox Theater
Join us in the Cape Cod Lounge to watch The Wild Robot. Popcorn, wings, candy, and beverages provided.

Friday, January 31

Battle of the Bands
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom
Come out and support local bands in the Western MA area. Food and swag will also be present at this event.
UMass Campus Expedition
1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Goodell Hall, Room 633
Calling all students new to campus! Ready for an adventure? Join the UMass Campus Expedition, a scavenger hunt designed just for you!
Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp
8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Bowker Auditorium
Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, original stars of RENT, team up in a brand new duo show celebrating thirty years of friendship and music. Student ticket prices: $20, $15.

Monday, February 3

Chapel Unplugged
4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Old Chapel
 
The Old Chapel transforms into a laid back coffeehouse with live music. Leave your phone at the door and connect with yourself and those around you!

Tuesday, February 4

Therapy Dog Hour
5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Stonewall Center, 403 Goodell Hall
Stop by to play with Mini, one of our cute therapy dogs.
 
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Trivia Night
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Pathways Center Thompson Room 128
Join other SBS students for pizza and trivia. Learn a little bit of history about SBS programs and alumni.

 
PondFire
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Campus Pond
Gather around fire pits by the Campus Pond for the first PondFire event of the spring semester.
 

Thursday, February 6

SBS Slime Night
6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Pathways Center, Thompson Room 128
Join your SBS peers for an evening of slime making. Meet new people, eat pizza, and connect with other SBS students.

Friday, February 7

LGBTQIA+ and Supporters Ice Skating
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Mullins Center Ice Rink
A free (including skate rental) event for LGBTQIA+ and allies.
 
Unfolding Convention by Jason Wolfe: Exhibition and Reception
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Augusta Savage Gallery
Jason Wolfe presents a body of bold abstract paintings created by unfolding the conventional form into the unknown.
 
Endea Owens and the Cookout
8 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Bowker Auditorium
 
Grammy and Emmy award-winning bassist Endea Owens and her band the Cookout bring their uplifting brand of jazz to the Bowker Auditorium stage.