‘Welcome to the U’ Ushers in New Academic Year for UMass Amherst Students
New and returning students arrived on campus with great enthusiasm over the past week, with move-in for the fall semester starting last Thursday and classes getting underway this Tuesday, Sept. 6.
New this year is “Welcome to the U,” an ongoing series of events, leadership opportunities and community building programs for students to explore the university. The full schedule of events through this Saturday can be found online at umass.edu/newstudent/fall-welcome or through the My UMass app, available for Apple or Android devices.
With vaccination requirements and related COVID-19 testing protocols in place, the new academic year includes face-to-face instruction, full residence halls and an extensive set of student events and activities.
Highlights of Welcome to the U included:
Frosh Fest (Thursday, Sept. 1, Student Union and surrounding areas): Activities included musical performances, mini-golf, family rock painting, ice skating and more.
Kickoff Carnival (Thursday, Sept. 1, Student Union South Lawn): Students attended a classic carnival with food, inflatables and music.
New Student Ice Skating (Friday, Sept. 2, Mullins Center Practice Rink): New students reserved spots on the ice and stayed cool while making new friends.
Athletics 101 (Friday, Sept. 2, McGuirk Alumni Stadium): Students gathered to catch the UMass spirit with UMass Athletics featuring inflatables, a swag swap, lawn games, music and more.
New 2 U Tag Sale (Saturday, Sept. 3, Newman Center Café): At this drop-in event, students shopped sustainably for new or gently used futons, lamps, TVs and more at affordable prices.
Dear World x Many Voices (Saturday, Sept. 3, Mullins Center): The university’s Many Voices event got an update this year as it paired with Dear World, a three-part community building that took place throughout the day. Dear World x Many Voices included performances and conversations about all the differences that together make UMass a strong and inclusive community.
New Student Convocation (Sunday, Sept. 4, Mullins Center): Students received an official welcome from campus leadership and the Minuteman Marching Band.
UFest (Sunday, Sept. 4, Goodell Lawn): Games, music, campus departments, food and fun took place throughout the day.
Pond Fire (Friday, Sept. 9, 4-9 p.m., Campus Pond): Students can gather by fire pits around the campus pond to enjoy good company, music and s’mores.
