University of Oregon: Week of Welcome begins with two days of move-in
With the 2022-23 academic year quickly approaching, the University of Oregon is preparing for the arrival of the Class of 2026 with events and traditions to mark this milestone in students’ lives.
Week of Welcome, also known as WOW, is five activity-filled days leading up to the start of classes on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
“Partners across campus collaborate to present Week of Welcome and set the stage for the new academic year at UO,” said Cora Bennett, director of student orientation programs. “From the class photo and Flock Party to convocation and the College Block, Ducks will experience vibrant events, activities and programs designed to solidify the connection new Ducks have with the academic experience, campus life, resources, clubs and organizations, and, of course, other Ducks.”
Residence hall move-in will be spread over two days to lessen the impact on campus and local traffic. Most students will move in on Thursday, Sept. 22, or Friday, Sept. 23, depending on their assigned arrival date and check-in time. About 3,700 students are anticipated to arrive over those two days, in addition to those who will have moved in earlier in the week.
To ease congestion experienced in previous years, families who arrive early will be pointed to an auxiliary parking lot until their assigned time. After residents unload their belongings and receive their room keys, drivers will be directed to park at Autzen Stadium. Shuttles will transport family members back to campus so they can help their students get settled.
To assist students and families and speed up the move-in process, volunteers can sign up for Unpack the Quack. Participants will receive a T-shirt and a campus meal voucher.
Once Ducks have landed in their new homes, some of the most cherished WOW traditions will kick off on Friday night, including the class photo in Autzen Stadium and fun activities at Duck N2 the Rec.
University convocation returns on Saturday morning for the first time since 2019, with the Flock Party to follow on the EMU Green.
Sunday morning’s schedule begins with a pep rally at Hayward Field, to be followed by the Ducks taking on Stanford in women’s Pac-12 volleyball at noon.
On Monday the focus will be on academic support and student services. The College Block event introduces new Ducks to university resources that can contribute to their success. Tours also will be offered to help students locate their classrooms before classes begin on Tuesday.