A host of UMBC fall traditions kick off August 24 with the start of Welcome Week, a series of events that bring the UMBC community together at the start of the semester. It's also the perfect way for new students to meet friends and become involved on campus.

Welcome Week highlights include Convocation, the formal opening of the academic year at UMBC, on Tuesday, August 27 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Retriever Activities Center. This is a special opportunity for faculty, staff and administrators to march in the academic procession and to welcome students to the UMBC academic community. New students will be pinned and President Freeman Hrabowski will address the community. Last year's Presidential Teaching Professor, Lynn Zimmerman, will make brief remarks in keeping with the theme, "The Life of the Mind."

After the ceremony, faculty and staff are invited to attend the annual faculty/staff picnic in the open area between A & B wings of Academic IV. The picnic is a great opportunity to meet new colleagues joining the UMBC community this year. (Please note: the deadline to RSVP to the faculty/staff picnic is Wednesday, August 21.)

Student-oriented Welcome Week events include a kick-off carnival and concert with SNL comedian Dean Edwards.

Welcome Week is just the beginning! Fall Frenzy begins on September 1 and runs throughout the month. Offices and departments across campus will host a variety of events for students. In addition, be sure to save the dates October 4 through 6 and October 20 through 27 respectively for Family Weekend and Homecoming week. Insights will post information on these events as it becomes available.

"These banner fall events provide a great opportunity for all members of the UMBC community -- students, faculty, staff, alumni, family members and community partners -- to come together to celebrate in the UMBC experience," says Patty Perillo, director of student life. "They are festive, community-building events which help to elevate and synergize the spirited, connected and caring community we have at UMBC. They also serve as important and vibrant traditions for our campus, which will remain for years to come."

For more information:

Welcome Week: http://www.umbc.edu/welcomeweek

Campus Life: http://www.umbc.edu/campuslife/