The University of South Alabama officially kicks off the beginning of its 50th Anniversary year this weekend with a number of back-to-school events including JagFest 2012, which features Move-In Day, a campus fair and the president’s dinner buffet.

As a special treat this year, students and their families will be given commemorative 50th Anniversary T-shirts and decals as students move to campus this weekend.  The commemorative giveaways will feature USA’s new 50th Anniversary logo highlighting Moulton Tower, a central landmark and gathering place for the University. USA will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a host of activities throughout the year, beginning this fall and ending in May 2013. 

Following Move-In Day on Saturday, USA will have approximately 3,000 students residing at the University this fall. This number includes the Grove.
             
Classes at USA begin on Monday, Aug. 20.

Upcoming USA back-to-school events include:

Saturday, Aug. 18, JagFest (activities all day)

Move-in Day
9 a.m.-1 p.m., (media time) Stokes, Epsilon, Delta and Beta-Gamma residence halls
USA President Gordon Moulton, faculty, staff, alumni and student organizations and administrators welcome and help new students move into residence halls.

Campus Fair
5-6:30 p.m., Mitchell Center Concourse
The Campus Fair features more than 125 campus, corporate and non-profit vendors. Refreshments are provided and door prizes are given away.

President’s Dinner Buffet
5:30-7 p.m., Mitchell Center Arena
Faculty, staff, administration, new students and their families are invited to the President’s Dinner Buffet hosted by USA President Gordon Moulton.

Jaguar Marching Band Dress Rehearsal/Game Day Simulation-Open to the media
5 p.m., Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Director of the USA Jaguar Marching Band Ward Miller will be available to discuss the upcoming band season with the media. Nearly 250 band members will perform this season.

Wednesday, Aug. 22, USA Get on Board Day

12-2 p.m., Mitchell Center Concourse
This program is the premier fall recruiting event for student organizations. Over 90 student organizations will be attending this event in efforts to recruit new members and engage students in campus activities.

Thursday, Aug. 23, Kickoff Celebration Hosted by Wintzell’s Oyster House

6:30-7:30 p.m., Eastern Shore Centre Fountain
You can meet Head Coach Joey Jones, the Jaguar Cheerleaders and SouthPaw. Photos will be taken and autographs will be given. This event is free and open to the public. The ticket staff will be on-site to answer any questions regarding season tickets, single game tickets, away games, parking passes and shuttles. Wintzell’s Oyster House happy hour will feature $5 appetizers and half price dozen oysters.

Sunday, Aug. 26, Football Fan Day

5-7 p.m., Mitchell Center Waterman Globe        
Come out and meet Head Football Coach Joey Jones and the Jaguar football team for Fan Day 2012. This event will feature an autograph session with the coaches and players. All fans are encouraged to bring memorabilia to be signed and cameras to take photos of your favorite Jaguar players and SouthPaw with the Jaguar Cheerleaders. This event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, Aug. 29, National Pan-Hellenic Council Recruitment Event
7 p.m., Stokes Hall Classroom

Wednesday, Aug. 29, Jaguar Football Pep Rally
7 p.m., Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza

Thursday, Aug. 30, Jaguar Football

First 2012 Season Game
~Noon-Tailgating-Ladd-Peebles Stadium (Lott Street gate opens at noon and Virginia Street gate opens at 3 p.m.) 
~4:10 p.m., Jaguar Prowl-Coaches and players walk south side of Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
~6:30 p.m., Jaguars vs Texas-San Antonio at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, Mobile.

Thursday, Sept. 6, USA National Alumni Association Annual Meeting
5:30 p.m., at the USA Faculty Club

Sunday, Sept. 9, Shelby Hall Dedication
3 p.m. at Shelby Hall
The new building will house the College of Engineering and School of Computing. USA students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to attend.

Individual and season South Alabama Jaguar football tickets can be purchased by visiting www.usajaguars.com, or call (251) -461-1USA.

For more information on registration or readmission for former USA students, visit the USA Registrar’s Office online at www.southalabama.edu/registrar or call (251) 460-6251.

New students interested in applying for admission to the University can get information by visiting the USA Office of Admissions, online at www.southalabama.edu/admissions or by calling (251) 460-6141.