Family Weekend
Sample Schedule
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Family Weekend Highlights
The following events will be held during Family Weekend 2009.
This site will be updated as more events are being added to the weekend!
A final schedule will be distributed during registration and check-in on Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, 2009.
Friday, October 23
10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.Registration and Check-In
Mary Graydon Center, Room 200
Stop by our hospitality room to pick up your registration packet, name tags, any tickets you have ordered, and the final schedule of events.
11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m.
What is an Arboretum, Anyway?
Meet in front of Bender Library
Rain Location: Mary Graydon Center, Room 1
Join AU's landscape architects and facilities staff on a 45-minute tour of AU's Arboretum and gardens. This educational walking adventure will introduce you to the wide variety of plants found within our award-winning campus grounds as well as provide some interesting historical facts about the university.
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Exhibits at the American University Museum
Katzen Arts Center
The museum showcases the best of local and international art. During Family Weekend, enjoy these exhibits: John Dreyfuss; Ron Haynie: Playing with Light; Australian Indigenous Art Triennial: Culture Warriors; and Paul Weinberg: Another Washington. For more information, go to www.american.edu/museum.
11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Lunch in the Terrace Dining Room
Mary Graydon Center
Join your student for lunch in the cafe. Students can treat family members using their meal plan (please note this does not apply to students on the Super Meal Plan), or guests can pay a special rate of $8.70 at the door.
11:30am - 12:45pm, 1:00pm - 2:15pm, and 2:30pm - 3:45pm
AU Neighborhood Bus Tour
Sign up at registration in Mary Graydon Center, Room 200
Discover the historical background behind interesting and popular sites in the neighborhood surrounding AU with representatives from the American University Library. Sites may include the former homes of Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon, Embassy Row, the National Cathedral, and Civil War forts. Space is limited and available only on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that tours fill up early. Sponsored by Friends of American University Library
12:45–2:00 p.m., 2:10–3:25 p.m., and 3:35–4:50 p.m.
Open Classes
Various Campus Locations
Sit in on a Friday afternoon class. A listing of the courses and their locations will be available in the hospitality room. If you would like to attend your student's class, please have him or her ask the professor for permission beforehand.
1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Films That Make a Difference
Newseum Documentary Theatre, 555 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20001 (tickets required)
Join award-winning SOC faculty and alumni at D.C.'s own Newseum (www.newseum.org) for an interactive discussion about documentary filmmaking. View clips of Academy Award-winning documentaries written, produced, and directed by SOC students and alumni and learn how the SOC is making its mark on the documentary filmmaking world. This one-hour presentation will be followed by a private tour of the museum's exciting collections by Newseum curators. Tickets ($15 per person) can be purchased through the online registration form and will be available at Newseum Will Call between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23. Tickets will be good for entry to the Newseum all day. Transportation will not be provided.
2:00–2:45 p.m.
Historical Walking Tour of Campus
Depart from Mary Graydon Center lobby
Explore AU's past with this historical walking tour through campus with staff from University Archives.
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Open Houses
Housing and Dining Programs invites families to meet their student's resident director and resident assistant in the lobby of their student's hall. Take this opportunity to ask questions, chat with our staff, and take a tour of the Nebraska and Centennial halls—the future residence of your upper class student!
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally Resource Center Reception for Families and Students
Mary Graydon Center, Room 201
Parents, families, and students are invited to a casual reception where they may meet other families as well as the Resource Center staff.
3:00–4:00 p.m.
ADHD and the College Transition Year
Mary Graydon Center, Room 203–205
Staff and students from the Academic Support Center will discuss ADHD, its impact during the transition year of college, and strategies for success, from both a student and university perspective. If you have questions about the presentation, please contact Kathy Schwartzat 202-885-3360 or asc@american.edu.
4:00–6:00 p.m.
Family Welcome Reception hosted by the AU Alumni Association
Mary Graydon Center, University Club
The AU Alumni Association welcomes you to Family Weekend and Alumni Weekend! Join us for refreshments and browse a showcase of the varied accomplishments of AU alumni, students, faculty and staff.
6:00 p.m.
Shabbat Services and Dinner
Kay Spiritual Life Center (tickets required for dinner)
Light Shabbat candles and join the Hillel community for either Reform or Conservative services. A kosher Shabbat dinner will be held in the McDowell Formal Lounge following services. Services are free; tickets for dinner must be purchased in advance ($50 per family; $20 for individuals). For more information or to register, please contact AU Hillel at 202-885-3127 or hillel@american.edu. Sponsored by AU Hillel.
7:00 p.m.
Women's Volleyball Match
Bender Arena (tickets required)
Cheer on AU's women's volleyball team as it takes on Patriot League rival Lehigh. Tickets can be purchased at the door ($5 for adults; $3 for senior citizens and children). Admittance is free for AU students with an AU ID.
8:00 p.m.
The Wild Party
Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre
Adapted from a book-length poem written in and about the Roaring Twenties, Andrew Lippa's Wild Party tells the story of one wild evening in the Manhattan apartment shared by Queenie and Burrs, a vaudeville dancer and a vaudeville clown. The two decide to throw a party to end all parties, and as the guests arrive, we meet an assortment of people living on the edge. Queenie and Burrs set out to make each other jealous, but their game erupts into violence. Presented by the Department of Performing Arts and directed by Gail Humphries Mardirosian. Recommended for mature audiences. Tickets must be purchased in advance at http://american.tix.com ($15 for general admission, $10 for AU faculty and staff and seniors, and $5 for AU students). For more information, please call 202-885-2587.
Saturday, October 24
6:30–7:30 a.m.: Registration8:00 a.m.: Start
American Classic 5K: Race for Humanity
Friedheim Quadrangle, (registration required)
Run or walk through AU's campus to support Habitat for Humanity in this eighth annual event. Every participant will receive a T-shirt, and prizes will be awarded. If you have any questions, e-mail americanclassic5K@gmail.com. Registration through the on-line form is required ($20 for students and under 18 and $25 for all others). Sponsored by AU's Team Running Heads.
8:00 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.
Family Weekend Registration and Check-In
Mary Graydon Center, Room 200
10:00–11:00 a.m.
The President's Welcome
Ward Circle Building, Room 1
American University's president, Neil Kerwin (BA '71), discusses his 40 years at AU as a student, teacher, parent, alumnus, and administrator and his vision for the future of the university.
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Classes without Quizzes
Various Campus Locations
Join some of our top faculty for an American University classroom experience. The "classes" and their locations will be listed in the final schedule of events available in the hospitality room.
11:00 a.m.
Make Your Own Art @ the Katzen
Katzen Arts Center, Kreeger Lobby
Join the volunteers of the American University Museum to make a hands-on art project inspired by the exhibition Australian Indigenous Art Triennial: Culture Warriors. Please try to arrive at 11:00 a.m. to receive instructions for the project.
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Exhibits at the American University Museum
Katzen Arts Center
See Friday, 11:00 a.m., for description.
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Reading Works: AU Alums and Literacy in DC
University Library, Mudbox Cafe, Lower Level
An event for the whole family. Come hear an AU alum read from her most recent children's book and participate in a conversation with the School of Education, Teaching and Health's faculty, alumni and partners on critical literacy questions in DC and beyond. This event will also feature the library's Larissa Gerstel Critical Literacy Collection. Bring your elementary aged children who can participate in the reading and age appropriate literacy-related activities lead by current AU students.
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
School of International Service: A Building for the Future
SIS Building
SIS Assistant Dean Joe Clapper will lead a discussion focused on the new SIS building. Topics will include the impact of the new building on AU; why the design of the building is essential to its function; and how green technologies are integral to making this building work.
12:00 - 1:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
AU Family Picnic
Woods-Brown Amphitheater (tickets required)
An AU tradition! Join other families and alumni in the amphitheater for lunch and live music. Enjoy pulled chicken, hot dogs, potato salad, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the online registration form ($14 per person). Student meal plans will not be accepted.
1:30–2:15 p.m. and 2:30–3:15 p.m.
Historical Walking Tour of Campus
Depart from Mary Graydon Center Lobby
Repeat of Friday, 2:00 p.m., tour.
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Open Houses with the Deans and Faculty
Light refreshments will be provided.
-College of Arts and Sciences—Katzen Arts Center, Rotunda
-Kogod School of Business— Kogod School of Business Building, New Student Lounge
-School of Communication— Butler Pavilion, Butler Board Room (sixth floor)
-School of International Service— School of International Service Building, Lounge
-School of Public Affairs— Ward Circle Building, Second Floor
2:00 p.m.
The Wild Party, presented by the Department of Performing Arts, Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, (tickets required)
See Friday, 8:00 p.m., for performance and ticket information.
3:00-4:00 p.m.
University College Reception
Hughes Formal Lounge
You are invited to join Program Associates in welcoming the parents and family members of UC students during AU's annual Family Weekend. Light refreshments will be served.
Learning Communities Reception
Anderson Conference Room
You are invited to join Community Associates in welcoming the parents and family members of Learning Communities students during AU's annual Family Weekend. Light refreshments will be served.
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Alumni Authors Panel
University Library, Mudbox Cafe, Lower Level
Join the Friends of AU Library for an engaging panel presentation with three published AU alumni authors from the School of International Service who will discuss their recent books and answer your questions.
3:00 p.m.
Men's Soccer Game
Reeves Field (tickets required)
Cheer on AU's men's soccer team as it takes on Patriot League rival Lehigh. Tickets can be purchased at the door ($5 for adults; $3 for senior citizens and children). Admittance is free for AU students with an AU ID.
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Private Gallery Tour for AU Legacy Families --UPDATED
American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center
Please join AU Museum curator and legacy parent Jack Rasmussen for a special gallery talk and tour of our current exhibitions, which include the paintings of much-beloved faculty emeriti Ron Haynie, Paul Feinberg's 'Another Washington', a showcase of Australian artists, and much more. The event is by invitation only and includes alumni parents and their current students, faculty and staff members whose children attend/attended AU, and alumni who have a close relative who currently attends or graduated from AU. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Rachel Mlinarchik at 202-885-5925 or mlinarch@american.edu.
3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
School of Public Affairs Leadership Program Reception
Mary Graydon Center, Room 245
The School of Public Affairs Leadership Program is inviting all associated students, alumni and family to join us for our annual Family and Alumni Reception. Come to reconnect with old friends, meet the Program's current students, enjoy light appetizers, and network with fellow leaders!
3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Past and Present: Multicultural Student Involvement
Mary Graydon Center, Rooms 4 and 5
Multicultural Affairs and Student Activities invite you to join us for a gathering of past and present multicultural student organizations. Learn about how alumni and students are exemplifying AU's motto of "Ideas into Action, Action into Service". Light refreshments will be served. RSVP to Multicultural Affairs at 202-885-3651 or ma@american.edu. Following the reception, we invite everyone to join us for the AU Gospel Choir concert.
4:00 p.m.
Women's Volleyball Match - UPDATED
Bender Arena (tickets required)
Cheer on AU's women's volleyball team it takes on Patriot League rival Lafayette. Tickets can
be purchased at the door ($5 for adults; $3 for senior citizens and children). Admittance is free
for AU students with an AU ID.
5:00 p.m.
A Gospel Extravaganza
Presented by the AU Gospel Choir.
8:00 p.m.
The Wild Party, presented by the Department of Performing Arts, Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, (tickets required)
See Friday, 8:00 p.m., for performance and ticket information.
8:15 pm
"Left, Right, and Forward: Party Leaders Turn to the Future"
Bender Arena (tickets required)
The Kennedy Political Union presents a discussion with the chairmen of the Republican National Committee and the Democratic Leadership Council – Michael Steele and Harold Ford Jr., respectively-moderated by James A. Thurber, Distinguished University Professor and director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies. A self-described Lincoln Republican, Steele served as lieutenant governor of Maryland from 2003 to 2007 becoming the first African-American elected to statewide office in Maryland's history. Ford served Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives for 10 years, is a news analyst for NBC and MSNBC and a visiting professor at Vanderbilt University. They will discuss the greatest issues facing America today including resurrecting our economic health and integrity, overhauling U.S. health care and education systems, and managing sustainable levels of government spending. Tickets can be purchased through the online registration form ($12 per family member). Admission is free for AU undergraduate students with a valid AU ID.
Sunday, October 25
Seatings at 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and noonSparkling Cider Brunch
Mary Graydon Center, University Club (reservations and tickets required)
Join us for a sumptuous brunch created by Bon Appetit, AU's on-campus dining service. Enjoy chive and cheddar cheese scrambled eggs made with farm fresh eggs, banana fritter pancakes, herb-roasted potatoes, applewood-smoked bacon, turkey and roast beef carvery, Virginia sparkling cider, and more! Tickets must be purchased in advance through the online registration form ($25 per person). Student meal plans will not be accepted.
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Brunch, Mary Graydon Center
Terrace Dining Room
Experience brunch the student way-in TDR. Students can treat family members to brunch using their AU meal plan (this does not apply to students on the Super Meal Plan), or families can pay cash ($9.90) at the door.
11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Exhibits at the American University Museum
Katzen Arts Center
See Friday, 11:00 a.m., for description.
1:30 p.m.
A Cappella Showcase
Kay Spiritual Life Center
Enjoy the sounds of AU's student a cappella singing groups – Dime A Dozen, On A Sensual Note and Treble in Paradise.
2:00 p.m.
The Wild Party, presented by the Department of Performing Arts, Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre, 4200 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, (tickets required)
See Friday, 8:00 p.m., for performance and ticket information.
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