We look forward to seeing you for

Welcome Day

including the

Fall 2025 State of the University address

We will again welcome our new students to campus with a full slate of "Welcome Day" activities, including the Fall State of the University address.

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

At various locations across campus

We will once again welcome our new students to campus with an expanded "Welcome Day" that more formally incorporates faculty and all staff into this wonderful new tradition.

Welcome Day Schedule:

• 8:30 a.m. – Check-in for Faculty/ Staff, outside Ben Shahn, across from the Fieldhouse

• 9:30 a.m. – Student Processional and Faculty/Staff Gauntlet, Pioneer Soccer Park 

• 10:00 a.m. – New Student Convocation, Sports and Recreation Center

• 10:45 a.m. – Faculty/Staff Workshop, Engaging Campus Pluralism: Working Across Differences, Sports and Recreation Center (Please note: staff from other divisions also welcome if they don’t have other meetings/commitments at this time.)

• 12:15 p.m. – Community Barbecue, Practice Field

• 2:00 p.m.  – State of the University Address, Shea Center 

To match the spirit of the occasion, faculty and staff are requested to wear the new 2025 'Will Power' T-shirt that will be available for campus pickup, along with khaki pants/skirts. Advance t-shirt pickup opportunities in the Hobart Manor Green Room are as follows:

🗓️ Wednesday, Aug. 20, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

🗓️ Thursday, Aug. 21, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

🗓️ Friday, Aug. 22, 2:00-4:00 p.m

❗️A reminder that, as with Commencement, attendance is required for all faculty and staff. Those with extenuating circumstances should notify their Deans/Supervisors now.

❗️Free parking is available in Lot 2 and the Parking Garage. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. in the covered area outside the Ben Shahn Center, across from the Field House. Please note, there is no parking in Lot 6 due to construction. Shuttle service to the Sports & Recreation Center will be available for those who need it.

To help us plan for food and other resource needs, please confirm your attendance using this link or the QR code below, and please continue to watch your email in the coming days for additional updates, including from Deans to their faculty.