January 13-23, 2025
Week of Welcome (WOW) is designed to celebrate the start of a new term, welcome the USA community back to campus, and connect students to the people, places, and groups that drive relationships and belonging at South. Whether it's the moment our new students set foot in the Mitchell Center for Casino Gras or Convocation to programs like Get-on-Board Day or JAGSTRAVAGANZA, we have designed a schedule full of academic and social events to highlight our exceptional campus community.
Our goal is to help you get connected and make sure your time at South is phenomenal. You will have the opportunity to meet students across a wide range of areas, learn about student organizations, and discover opportunities to connect with faculty in learning experiences ranging from the classroom to the Gulf of Mexico. We look forward to meeting you at one of these opening events. Welcome to South Alabama!
Things to do during Week of Welcome
Need help finding your class or student resource? Have questions about your first semester as a Jag? Looking to make connections with other students? Stop by a help tent and ask a fellow Jag for assistance!
7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Week of Welcome
The College of Engineering will welcome our students with donuts, music, and encouragement
to start the Spring semester! Stop by the West entrance of Shelby Hall from 8:00am
- 9:30am to feel the good vibes!
Health Simulation Building
8 am - 9:30 am
UTeach South’s STEM Hot Chocolate Bar: Where Science Meets Sweetness!
Warm up this winter with a deliciously scientific twist on your favorite hot chocolate!
Join UTeach South for a hands-on experience at our STEM Hot Chocolate Bar, where you'll
mix, measure, and experiment with the tastiest elements of cocoa.
Earth and Life Science Building 025
10 am - 12 pm
Popcorn and the 'Feature Presentation': Simulation
Students visiting the College of Nursing and College of Allied Health Professions
can pop over to Health Simulation for the 'Feature Presentation': popcorn and a tour
of Health Simulation.
Health Simulation Building
2 pm - 3:30 pm
CCF Cookout
A cookout with food and games. It’s to meet everyone involved in CCF, the officers,
and find out more about what our organization is about.
SGA Pavilion
7 pm - 10 pm
Cocoa With Computing
The faculty and staff in the School of Computing will be serving hot chocolate in
Shelby Hall. Stop by and enjoy a cup!
Shelby Hall Atrium
9 am - 1 pm
Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories INTO Light Project Alabama Exhibition Opening
The Into Light Project, a national non-profit, creates public exhibitions of original
portraits and individual stories of people who have died from the disease of drug
addiction in locations around the country. Their mission is to change the conversation
about drug addiction through the power of original art and story. Our exhibition,
entitled Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories, consists of 40 original graphite
portraits of people who have died from drug addiction/poisoning in Alabama.
USA Archaeology Museum
10 am - 4 pm
Spring Social
Join us for the Spring Social hosted by Jaguar Productions! Enjoy live music, delicious
mocktails, and great company as we celebrate the start of the semester with fun vibes
and fresh energy. Don’t miss the chance to kick off spring with your fellow Jaguars!
Student Center Terrace
1 pm - 3 pm
Coffee from Starbucks/ Aramark, crafting tables, and connections with campus student organizations.
1 pm - 3 pm
Level Up: Thriving in College Through Service, Academics, Social Life, and Resources.
"Level Up: Thriving in College Through Service, Academics, Social Life, and Resources"
is a dynamic and interactive workshop designed to empower students to enhance their
college experience. This event highlights four fundamental pillars of success: service,
academics, social engagement, and resource utilization. The workshop aims to equip
students with practical strategies to balance these key areas effectively, ultimately
enriching their overall college journey.
Student Center Meeting Room 205
1 pm - 2:30 pm
Hot Chocolate and Hot Takes: Ask Geology, Geography, Meteorology, and Biology anything
Geology, Geography, Meteorology, and Biology faculty will host an Ask Us Anything
session where students can ask questions about classes, research if a hot dog is a
sandwich, or any other questions they want to get our perspective on. We will have
Hot Chocolate and toppings available to enjoy while you ask questions and listen to
the discussions.
Life Science Lecture Hall
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Cozy Cocoa & Campus Cheers with the College of Education and Professional Studies
Shake off the winter blues and craft your perfect cup of cozy with our fully loaded
build-your-own hot chocolate bar with sweet toppings and mix-ins.
University Commons - Lobby Area
10 am - 11:30 am
Duck, Duck, Global USA
Duck in to Meisler Hall to enjoy snacks from around the world and learn more about
the different divisions within Global USA. Whether you are interested in Study Abroad
or meeting fellow Jags it would be a quacking mistake to miss this event!
Meisler Hall - 2nd Floor
10:30 am - 1 pm
The Center for Educational Accessibility & Disability Resources will be hosting a Winter Meet and Greet. Please come meet some of our staff for some sweet treats & learn any information regarding CEADR. See you there!
11 am - 1:30pm
Cozy Hot Cocoa Bar and Jaguar Cheers
Shake off the winter blues and craft your perfect cup of cozy with our fully loaded
build-your-own hot chocolate bar with sweet toppings and mix-ins. Swing by University
Commons - Lobby Area on Thursday, January 16 between 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. for a
dose of warm vibes to kick-start a successful Jaguar semester!
Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Lobby
12 pm - 2:30 pm
Pre-Health Day
An interactive event where students will get to network with professional health graduate
programs, faculty of masters programs, and pre-health clubs and organizations on campus!
MCOB 2nd Floor Lobby
2 pm - 4 pm
Frozen Dreams
Join Jaguar Productions for a frosty adventure at Moulton Tower! Glide across the
ice skating rink, zoom down the Snowzilla tubing slide, enjoy warm food and hot chocolate,
and capture the moment with personalized photo snow globes. It’s going to be an unforgettable
winter celebration – don’t miss out!
Moulton Tower
5 pm - 8 pm
Join us as we dive into the new semester with "fish food", freebies, and hands-on crafts that’ll make a splash!
11:30 am - 2 pm
Learn S'more About Study Abroad
Join the Study Abroad Office for an informational session and s'mores! Meet study
abroad advisors and alumni, learn about programs and funding opportunities!
SC Terrace
12 pm - 1 pm
Chill & Chat: Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program Info Sessions
The Study Abroad Office will be hosting a series of info sessions for our faculty-led
programs. Chat with the professors leading programs and learn more about what their
programs are about. The schedule of info sessions is available in the Study Abroad
website.
SC Terrace
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
CEADR's Ice Cream Social
Join the Center for Educational Accessibility & Disability Resources (CEADR)
Student Center Mall
11:00 am - 2 pm
Join Jags4Jed in the Student Center Mall to share why mental health matters to you! Grab fresh popcorn and learn strategies for managing stress.
11 am - 1 pm
UTeach South Open House
Stop by to learn more about UTeach South, an exciting new program for STEM majors!
Meet our faculty, chat with our current students, and enjoy some snacks as you discover
ways to elevate your impact and inspire change in STEM with UTeach South. Ask our
advisor about the program's flexible entry points and how you can explore STEM education
while earning free college credit by enrolling in EDU 125. We look forward to seeing
you!
Earth and Life Sciences Building (ELSB) Suite 25
11 am - 3 pm
Title IX: What’s the Scoop?
Meet your Title IX team as you swing by between classes, and learn about its significance
in ensuring equity in education. This relaxed setting offers the perfect opportunity
to absorb valuable information while treating yourself to something tasty.
Outside Title IX Office
12 pm - 2 pm
Sweet Treats with SSWO!
Grab an afternoon sweet treat in the Humanities courtyard while learning what the
Social Work profession is and how to get involved with the Student Social Work Organization.
We can’t wait to see you
Humanities Courtyard
12 pm - 2:30 pm
Fun and Games With the College of Education and Professional Studies
A welcome event where you can visit with CEPS administration and instructors while
networking with other students. Have some fun in the sun playing lawn games, posting
selfies and enjoying frosty treats. Test your program knowledge and snag some swag.
Open to all students.
On the lawn at the Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Building
2 pm - 4 pm
Mens Basketball Game vs. Troy
Get ready for an epic night of hoops! Join us as the
South Alabama Jaguars face off against the Troy
Trojans in a thrilling men's basketball game. Don’t miss
this chance to cheer on your team, feel the excitement
of the crowd, and show off your school spirit!
Mitchell Center
3 pm - 6 pm
Transfer T-Shirt Swap
New transfer students are welcome to stop by the Student Center mall and swap a shirt
from their previous institution for a new USA t-shirt.
Student Center Mall
8:30 am - 12 pm
Level Up: Thriving in College Through Service, Academics, Social Life, and Resources.
Level Up: Thriving in College Through Service, Academics, Social Life, and Resources"
is a dynamic and interactive workshop designed to empower students to enhance their
college experience. This event highlights four fundamental pillars of success: service,
academics, social engagement, and resource utilization. The workshop aims to equip
students with practical strategies to balance these key areas effectively, ultimately
enriching their overall college journey.
Student Center Meeting Room 205
1 pm - 2:30 pm
How well do you know the Biomedical Library? Stop by our table to learn about how we can support your research and study needs. We support students, faculty, and staff with a range of materials from both our physical and online library.
8 pm - 10 pm
New Year, New Headshot
Hey Jaguars! 📸🎉 Swing by Career Development to snag a free professional headshot,
munch on some popcorn and cookies, and score the perfect free outfit for your next
big opportunity in the Jaguar Clothes Closet. Don’t miss out!
Academic Services Center Lobby
1 pm - 3 pm
Hot Cocoa Conversations with Advising
Come get a free cup of hot chocolate and talk with your advisor!
Academic Services Center
1 pm - 3 pm
Button Giveaway with OMS
The Office of Military Services will give away buttons to students
Academic Services Center
1 pm - 3 pm
Nationally Competitive Study Abroad Scholarships Workshop
The Study Abroad Office is hosting a workshop on Nationally Competitive Study Abroad
Scholarships! These scholarships include The Gilman Scholarship Program, the Freeman-Asia
Scholarship, and the Boren Awards. We will be going over eligibility requirements,
how to compose a competitive essay and helpful tips on the application process.
SC 203
12 pm - 1:15 pm
Frosted Paws and Pendants!
Stop by the CAE (2nd floor of the Marx Library) to make bracelets, create flags, and
refresh with SYE at the CAE! Get your paws on some winter magic! Join us at Frosted
Paws and Pendants to craft your own bracelets and flags that sparkle as much as your
personality. Warm up your creativity, chill with friends, and leave with something
totally unique—just like you. Don’t miss this paws-itively fun event! Resources on
tutoring, personal development, and growth will be available!
Center for Academic Excellence
1 pm - 4 pm
Join the Pack
Ready to unleash your creativity and elevate your skills? Join Jaguar Productions
at our Join the Pack Workshop! Explore media, event planning, and entertainment production
while connecting with peers and committee members at South Alabama. Open to all students—no
experience needed! Grab a friend and join us for an exciting afternoon of creativity,
learning, and networking. Refreshments provided!
SC Terrace
3 pm - 5 pm
Glow Night at the Rec
Come join Campus Recreation and Wellness for glow climbing at the rock wall and a
glow fitness class, followed by our dodgeball tournament.
Student Recreation Center
5 pm - 9 pm
Game Night at the School of Computing
Join us for a night of fun! We'll have video games, board games, and more!
Meet representatives from our student organizations.
Snacks provided!
Shelby Hall, Room 2119 and in the Atrium
5 pm - 8 pm