The beginning of the Fall 2022 semester means another record number of new students on campus this and along with that comes a week full of traditions and activities to keep them all entertained. The week before school starts is known across the hill as “A-Week.”
This week of events is designed to aid incoming first-year students in their transition from high school to college by providing programming focused on student success, both in and outside of their classroom experience. “A-Week” begins right after students move-in, and each day focuses on a specific theme related to student success. Themes include academic success, personal wellness, campus involvement, spirit and tradition, belonging, and community.
“A-Week” also aims to connect incoming students with both new and upperclassmen Razorbacks. Incoming students are placed in “A-Teams” that are led by an upper-class mentor who leads them through discussions and events related to daily topics.
Monday, Aug. 15th kicked it all off. The day was filled with tours of campus as well as open houses from a plethora of different programs. This day focused on academic success, so it was only fair to encourage the freshman class by finishing it off with the New Student Welcome Cookout. The evening included fresh barbecue, juicy watermelon, and inspiring speeches from the New ASG (Associated Student Government) president, Lauren Loften and Interim Chancellor Charles Robinson.
Tuesday focused on belonging and after a tour of the Arkansas Union and lunch with the Volunteer Action Center, the annual Snow Cone Mixer brought students together from countries all over the world. The long summer day ended with the animated flic, Despicable Me 2 playing at the Greek Ampitheater on the south side of campus. Along with fresh-popped popcorn, caricature drawings, and other swag, students could take a load off and bond over little yellow minions in blue overalls.
Wednesday was all about personal wellness and even when the weather turned rainy, students were able to find plenty to do. A religious fair with catered food welcomed students of all faiths to come and mingle together over friendly conversation and tasty bites. As the rain cleared and people made new friends, Oakley, one of the campus K-9 dogs showed up to help lift spirits even more. The snuggly pup was there providing cuddles to anyone in need or maybe even missing their own dog they had to leave at home.
Anyone still dodging the intermittent rain showers was able to join in at the Student Tech Center in the Union for “Level Up!.” Students here could test their skills against fellow gamers on a wide variety of different systems and bond with future teammates (or opponents) at the same time. As the day passed, you could find other newcomers hanging in hammocks or possibly taking e-scooter tours of campus.
The weather did decide to play nice for the main event of the evening, Taste of Fayetteville. This event is an A-Week favorite and provides students with samples from a number of local restaurants and caterers. Paired with tasty treats and more free swag, students were also privy to live music set up on the Greek Theater provided by the local dueling piano bar.
If the pups, games, and food were not enough to satisfy the energy of the incoming class, there was also the first ever Glow Fun Run. The 5k race was entirely on campus, accompanied by music, and lit up by glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark paint.
Thursday was a day for University of Arkansas traditions and took students from Old Main all the way to Razorback stadium. After a well-played tournament of kickball, the students made their way back to the Greek Theater for the Beacon Ceremony which was celebrated with glow-sticks, new acquaintances, and a grand finale of colorful fireworks.
Friday’s theme was involvement and the main event, and a fan favorite among razorbacks, was Cardinal Nights, a late-night program full of fun, food and laughs. Loud music and inflatable attractions filled the Union Mall where new students played games, stuffed their own plush animals, and dined on free sandwiches from the local sub shop, Pickelmans.
Saturday included trips to the farmers market, a chocolate tasting and some additional tours, but it was Sunday that everyone was truly excited for. The New Student Pep rally took place in the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback football stadium where students learned all the important cheers, chants, songs, and dances. They also met the mascots and heard from the coaches about everything they had to look forward to this year. As always, the night wrapped up with all the newcomers making their way to the field where, along with the band, they formed a giant “A” and had their picture taken that will forever immortalize their freshman year at the University of Arkansas.
To the class of 2026, we all wish you the best of luck. Go Hogs!
Photos by Shane White
