When students arrive on the University of Arkansas campus, they have a lot of activities to get involved during the first week before classes start. Students move in and A-Week activities begin with New Student Welcome Bash and typically end with the New Student Pep Rally, all before the first day of classes.
Move-In
The fall semester always starts with the student Move-In process. It is quite a feat for the equivalent of a small town of people to move onto campus in just a few days. University Housing and Student Affairs staff, and volunteers from the campus and local community, make the process as smooth as possible for everyone involved by helping students move items from their cars to their rooms.
A little more than 6,200 students, mostly freshman, moved into campus residence halls in just a few days.
“University Housing contracted with several off-campus apartment complexes to house students this year, as we have in previous years,” said Christopher Spencer, assistant director for marketing and strategic communications for University Housing. “There are roughly 1,200 beds being used in these off-campus agreements and a little more than 6,200 beds in our on-campus housing units.”
New Student Welcome & Cookout
Hundreds of students gathered on the Arkansas Union Mall for the New Student Welcome and Cookout on August 19. Mason Berres, associated student government president, spoke to the crowd of students gathered at the event.
“Starting college is like opening the door to a world of opportunities, challenges, and growth. It’s a place where you’ll discover who you are, make lifelong friends, and develop the skills and knowledge that will shape your future. But I want you to remember that your time here is more than just classes and exams. It’s a journey of self-discovery and transformation,” Berres said. “You may feel nervous or uncertain right now, and that’s completely normal. Everyone here was once in your shoes, wondering what lies ahead. My advice to you is simple: embrace every experience, be open to learning from those around you, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.”
Jeremy Battjes, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, offered some advice to the incoming freshmen during the welcome event as well.
“Welcome Class of 2028!! I thought I might offer a couple suggestions on how to make the most of your freshman year,” Battjes said. “Manage yourself, your time, and your studies. Develop time-management skills, develop your priorities, explore what we have to offer, and work hard… Ask for help. You will run into a problem every now and then. Everyone does. Please reach out to your fellow students, faculty, staff and administrators for help… Get involved. I encourage you to get involved in campus life and the many things this great university has to offer. Have some fun outside of your studies and get the most out of your four years here. This is a very special time in your life that will go by fast.”
Graduate Student Orientation and Welcome
Student Affairs joined the Graduate School and International Education to welcome new and returning graduate students to campus during an orientation and welcome back bash.
“We had more than 300 students participate in Graduate Student Orientation,” said John Post, director of communications and marketing for Graduate School and International Education. “Our graduate students reported it was a wonderful event where they met encouraging people who helped them have a great start to the semester.”
Battjes also addressed these graduate students and encouraged them to be engaged in campus life.
“The role of a graduate student can be complex. You’re a student, but in some cases you are also a researcher or teacher. If you have an assistantship, you may also feel like a staff member at times. As you stand on the brink of your graduate studies, it’s natural to feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety,” Battjes said. “As you embark on this graduate journey, remember that engagement is not just a strategy for academic success; it’s a path to building resilience. Embrace every opportunity, connect with your community, and approach challenges with an open and proactive mindset.”
Bid Day
The Chi Omega Greek Theater fills up with hundreds of potential new sorority members the Saturday before classes start each year during Bid Day at the end of Sorority Recruitment. This year was no different with 2,138 women registered for recruitment, making it the second largest recruitment registration in U of A history. Out of those women registered, 2,052 bids were distributed, for a retention rate of 96%, the highest retention rate in U of A Panhellenic recruitment history.
“We also added a new sorority this year,” said Carissa Kelly, associate director of Greek Life. “Alpha Phi has joined us this fall and will welcome their first new member class at the U of A on September 8.”
New Student Pep Rally
A-week usually ends with the New Student Pep Rally in Don. W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, as students learn the cheers and traditions ahead of the first Razorback football game. This year a thunderstorm moved through just in time to postpone the event, which was held the following Sunday night.
“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” said Trisha Blau, associate director for Student Involvement & Leadership. “It takes a lot of work, coordination and collaboration to make it happen, but so worth it when those students fill the student section and get excited. The whole night culminates in the traditional Big-A photo, with all the students forming a giant A on the football field, just like the band does at home games. It is an amazing tradition to be part of each year.”
This is just a small sample of the dozens of events and programs that were available to students after they got to campus during A-Week. Other events included Taste of Fayetteville, mixers at The MC, Arkansas Union tours, coffee with ASG and so much more. Check out the carousel of images below.
