22
August
2016
|
12:32 PM
America/Chicago

Welcome Week Kicks Off Fall Semester at UHD

The fall semester has arrived, and it brings a renewed sense of energy to the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) campus. New students will be embarking on new learning adventures, and others will be taking their final courses at the University. Regardless of their classifications, all Gators can take advantage of the many Welcome Week events coordinated this year through the Office of Student Activities in partnership with many other departments on campus.

Welcome Week is a tradition at UHD and helps students start off the semester on the right foot. The week of programming connects students with UHD departments, student organizations, clubs and administrators. Events also offer food and fun for students who have some time to spare between classes.

Welcome Week also provides UHD leaders an opportunity to hear directly from students. Such conversations are crucial to the growth of the University and to building relationships with students, said UHD Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Tomikia LeGrande.

"We're always interested in getting students' feedback," she said. "That's how we can make their UHD experiences better. We're able to learn about any barriers they're encountering at the university and in their personal lives. It's important that we can assist accommodating their needs and help them focus on their courses."

This week, students have opportunities to share their thoughts with Interim President Michael A. Olivas and UHD faculty members. Olivas will host "Chicken and Waffles with the President" at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23 and faculty will mingle with students during "Pizza with the Professors" at noon on Thursday, Aug. 25. Both of these events will be in the Girard Street Building's Welcome Center.

Welcome Week programming also is targeted toward students enrolled in evening classes. Late afternoon events include "Taco Tuesday." This event will offer students a quick snack before their nighttime classes. "Taco Tuesday" will run from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 23 in the Mural Area of One Main Building's third floor.

In addition to food, fitness factors into the week's events. Gators can explore the Jesse H. Jones Student Life Center's gymnasiums and fitness center during the "Sports and Fitness Open House" from 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Professional development events during the week include the "Gator Dash Resume Review," which begins at 11 a.m. and runs every day through Friday, Aug. 26 on the third floor of the One Main Building, and a Part-Time Job Fair at 11:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25 in the Career Development Center (S402 in the One Main Building).

"Welcome Week helps students become more engaged with our campus," LeGrande said. "We're able to connect with them and help meet their needs during this first week of classes, but they also can meet other Gators. It's about building a culture of community on campus."

Other events include movies, a photo booth, music and art. For a complete schedule of Welcome Week events, visit the Student Activities website.