Welcome Weeks
Sample Schedule
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Welcome Weeks 2009
American University Washington, D.C.
Saturday, August 15 – Wednesday,
September 2
Below are descriptions of some upcoming activities and events for Welcome Weeks 2009 to help you get acclimated to the campus, get involved, and begin your AU journey.
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Saturday, August 15
Move-In Begins
9:00 a.m.
Residence Halls
Bring your driver’s license or your AU ID to the front desk of your residence hall to check in and get your room key. Public Safety officers will be on hand to direct traffic and to provide you with a move-in parking pass. You may park in front of your residence hall for 30 minutes to unload your car. Once you’ve unloaded, you’ll need to move your car to the Nebraska Avenue Parking Lot across from main campus.
Use Your EagleBucks Today
You may use your EagleBucks to eat in the Terrace Dining Room, at any on-campus food vendor, and at many off-campus locations. Meal plans are in effect starting with
dinner on Sunday, August 16.
International Student English Test (undergraduate and graduate international
students)
1:00–5:00 p.m.
Ward Circle Building, Rooms 3–4
All international students whose native language is not English are encouraged to take AU’s English Assessment Test. Your results will help us support your academic success at AU. Questions? Contact International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at x3350 or mroehm@american.edu. Please note that the English test for students in the abroad@AU program will be held on a different day.
3:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Room 200
Join us for light refreshments and meet other parents of first-year students. Representatives from Housing and Dining Programs, the Office of Information technology, and the Office of the Dean of Students will be on hand to answer questions about meal plans, housing, and technology.
Global Café: Ice Cream Social for International Students (All international students)
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Main Quad in Front of Kay Spiritual Life Center
Relax with a bowl of ice cream and meet new friends (immediately following the English test). For more information, see www.american.edu/ocl/isss.
Sunday, August 16
Move-In Break
10:00 a.m.–Noon
McDowell Hall Formal Lounge
The Alumni Association and the Parents Leadership Council invite students and parents to take a break from moving in with some light refreshments. We look forward to
welcoming you the AU family.
University College Orientation and Opening Reception
10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Various Locations
University College students and their parents are invited
to the launch of the 2009–10 University College program. We ask students to join us at 10:00 a.m. in the amphitheater for a brief welcome by their program associates. Parents and family members are invited to join students at 12:30 p.m.
in the amphitheater for refreshments and remarks by the vice provost for undergraduate studies, the assistant vice president of campus life and dean of students, and the director of general education. You will have an opportunity to meet professors, other students in the University College, and the program associate assigned to your seminar.
International Student Orientation Check-In (undergraduate and graduate international students)
1:00 p.m.
Ward Circle Building Lobby
If you’re an international student, you will attend this orientation to learn about immigration rights and responsibilities, become familiar with the U.S. academic system, and meet your new international classmates and many of the people on campus who are here to support you in your studies and life in the United States. The check-in is followed by sessions from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., with dinner served at 6:00 p.m. The program continues on Monday. If you have questions, contact International Student and Scholar Services at x3350 or visit www.american.edu/ocl/isss.
Parent and Family Reception
2:30 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Room 200
Join us for light refreshments and meet other parents of first-year students. Representatives from Housing and Dining Programs, the Office of Information Technology, and the Office of the Dean of Students will be on hand to answer questions about meal plans, housing, and technology.
Meal Plans Begin with Dinner
Terrace Dining Room (TDR)
This is the first day that you can use your new AU meal plan in TDR.
Wings and Water Ice
9:00–11:00 p.m.
McDowell Hall Formal Lounge
Join people from all around campus for wings, Rita’s Water Ice, and lots of fun! Come with your new roommate, meet up with friends, or just swing by to see who’s hanging out. Sponsored by Student Activities, Student Government, and the Residence Hall Association.
Monday, August 17
Freshman Service Experience (FSE) Orientation Check-In
8:00–9:00 a.m.
Mary Graydon Center Lobby
If you did not participate in a New Student Orientation program this summer and you’ve registered for FSE, you will join other students to complete this one-day, fast-track orientation program. At check-in, you’ll receive a copy of the FSE schedule, an FSE T-shirt, and your name tag. This program will conclude in time for the FSE opening ceremony at 4:00 p.m.
First-Year Fundamentals Check-In
Noon–1:45 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Room 200
If you are a first-year student who did not attend one of the summer orientation programs, this program will help you prepare for the coming semester. You will have the opportunity to meet other new students, get your AU student ID, take your placement examinations, meet with your academic advisor, confirm your class schedule, make adjustments to your meal plan, purchase your books, and more. At check-in, you’ll receive a copy of the schedule for Monday and Tuesday. If you haven’t yet registered for this program but are planning to participate, please contact New Student Programs at x3303.
Parent and Family Orientation Check-In
Noon–1:45 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Room 200
This program is open only to parents and family members of first-year students who have pre-registered and who did not attend a parent and family orientation over the summer. Participants will receive the final schedule and an information folder during check-in.
Tuesday, August 18
First-Year Fundamentals Continues
All Day
Various Locations
Parent and Family Orientation Continues
All Day
Various Locations
Transfer Transitions Check-In
7:30–8:30 a.m.
Ward Circle Building Lobby
If you are a transfer student who did not attend one of the summer orientations, this program will help you prepare for the coming semester. You will have the opportunity to meet other new students, get your AU student ID, take your placement examinations, meet with your academic advisor, confirm your class schedule, purchase your books, and more. At check-in, you’ll receive a copy of the schedule. If you haven’t yet registered for this program but are planning to participate, please contact New Student Programs at x3303.
International Student Off-Campus Housing
10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
ISSS, Butler Pavilion, Room 410
If you’re an international student looking for off-campus housing, stop by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for resources to guide you through the process. We have housing guides, computers, phones, maps, and more. For more information, call ISSS at x3350.
Kay Spiritual Life Center Open House
9:00–10:30 p.m.
Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge (Lower Level)
Join us for a fun and interactive introduction to the many faith-based communities that find a home at the Kay Spiritual Life Center. You’ll have a chance to meet some of AU’s great chaplains and students from the Interfaith Council. Refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, August 19
Quad after Dark
8:30–11:00 p.m.
Main Quad
From the comfort of campus, learn about all the fun activities you can do in D.C. The quad will be turned into a carnival with inflatables, games, prizes, treats, and plenty of valuable D.C. information. Sponsored by Student Activities, Student Government, and the Residence Hall Association.
Thursday, August 20
Mandatory Floor Meetings
8:00 p.m.
Your Floor
Join other students who live on your floor and your resident assistant (RA) to review last-minute details about living on campus. Required for all new residents.
Pick Your Flick Movie Night
10:00 p.m.
Woods-Brown Amphitheater (Rain Site: Tavern)
An annual tradition! You chose the movie—now join us for the 2009 Pick Your Flick winner. Enjoy free popcorn, candy, and refreshments and answer trivia questions to win prizes. Make sure to bring a blanket to sit on. Sponsored by Student Activities and the Student Government’s Student Union Board.
Friday, August 21
Class of 2013 Assembles
10:00 a.m.
Main Quad
The incoming class will gather on the quad to line up for the convocation processional. Refreshments will be served and a Class of 2013 gift distributed. Bagpipers will lead students from the quad to Bender Arena at 10:45 a.m.
Opening Convocation
11:00 a.m.
Bender Arena
The entire AU community is invited to join President Neil Kerwin, the administration, and the faculty as we open the academic year and formally welcome the Class of 2013. The ceremony will include remarks by President Kerwin, Student Government President Andy MacCracken, and Scholar-Teacher of the Year Mieke Meurs.
Internationalizing Your Education at AU
1:00 p.m.
Ward Circle Building, Room 2
Learn about the exciting ways that you can add an international component to your education. Discussion will be led by Sara Dumont, director of AU Abroad.
Writer as Witness
1:30 p.m.
Bender Arena
Farhad Manjoo, the author of this year’s community text, discusses True Enough: Learning to Live in a Post-Fact Society. In your College Writing class, you will have the opportunity to write and talk about Manjoo’s provocative argument showing how we come to believe things that are, simply, untrue. Bring your questions for the author and get a jump on the fall semester.
Academic Welcomes
Join staff and faculty from your school or college to start the academic year off right.
3:00 p.m.
Bender Arena- College of Arts and Sciences
Kay Spiritual Life Center- Kogod School of Business
Media Production Center- School of Communication
Ward Circle Building, Room 2 - School of Public Affairs
4:15 p.m.
Kay Spiritual Life Center- School of International Service
5:15–7:00 p.m.
Main Quad (Rain Site: TDR)
Meet President Kerwin and hang out with other students on the quad. Use your meal plan to swipe in. If you don’t have a meal plan, you can purchase a ticket there.
Student Union Board: First Comedy Show
8:00–11:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, the Tavern
The Student Government’s Student Union Board will present its first show of the semester in the Tavern. Visit www.ausg.org for more information and the
announcement of the artist. Sponsored by the Student Government’s Student Union Board.
Saturday, August 22
Multicultural Affairs Welcome Back Barbecue
2:00–4:00 p.m.
McKinley Green (Rain Site: SIS Lounge)
Welcome new and returning multicultural students! Join us for an afternoon of food, fun, and celebration as we kick off the new school year. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet students, faculty, and staff who will support your academic and social growth during your time at American University.
Men’s Soccer vs. Maryland
5:00 p.m.
Reeves Soccer Field
AU men’s soccer hosts the defending national champion and local rival Maryland Terrapins. Show your school spirit and cheer on the Eagles! All AU students are admitted free with AU ID.
Outdoor Eco-Concert
8:00–11:30 p.m.
Woods-Brown Amphitheater (Rain Site: Tavern)
Join the Student Union Board and Student Activities for a live outdoor show.
Concert After-Party
11:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, the Tavern
Still hyped after the concert and laser light show? The fun isn’t over: Come to the concert after-party and watch the movie Old School as you adjust to your new one! Sponsored by the Residence Hall Association and Student Government.
Sunday, August 23
Kogod Kick-Off
1:00–3:30 p.m.
McDowell Hall Formal Lounge
Attention new Kogod students! Join us for an exciting day of activities designed to welcome you to the Kogod School of Business. You will meet student leaders and staff and engage in team-building activities to prepare you for your academic journey.
Experience D.C.: Washington Nationals vs. Milwaukee Brewers
1:35 p.m.
Nationals Park
Join the Student Activities staff at D.C.’s favorite pastime, as the Washington Nationals take the field against the Milwaukee Brewers. Stop by the Student Activities office (MGC 271) to purchase your ticket for $5. Tickets are limited to two per AU ID. If you have questions, e-mail matteo@american.edu. Sponsored by Student Activities.
Capitol Steps
7:00 p.m.
Woods-Brown Amphitheater (Rain Site: Bender Arena)
This political satire group, made up of current and former congressional staffers, will have you laughing until you cry, as they poke fun at everything Washington. Join us for this annual tradition. Sponsored by Student Activities, the Student Government’s Kennedy Political Union, and New Student Programs.
Monday, August 24
Classes Begin
Celebrate AU!
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Main Quad (Rain Date: August 27, 2:00–4:00 p.m.)
Join President Kerwin and the campus community to celebrate the new academic year. This tradition of campus spirit will provide an opportunity to greet new colleagues, meet other students, and catch up with old friends. Enjoy music, hot dogs, nachos, ice cream, and more. Sponsored by the Office of the President.
Tuesday, August 25
Spontaneous Fun: Meet the Student Activities Staff and the Greeks
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Main Quad
Still trying to get into the swing of classes? Stop by the Student Activities table on the quad for a little spontaneous fun. Sponsored by Student Activities.
Wednesday, August 26
Getting Involved in D.C.: Internships, Jobs, and Community Service
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Butler Pavilion, Butler Board Room (Sixth Floor)
Talk with staff from the Career Center and Community Service Center and learn about rewarding ways to get involved in your new community—Washington, D.C. Explore opportunities, including internships, Federal Work-Study (FWS) jobs, and community service projects. And enjoy sweet treats while mingling with other students who share your passion.
Thursday, August 27
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally Resource Center Fall Mixer
7:00–9:00 p.m.
Butler Pavilion, Butler Board Room (Sixth Floor)
Everyone is welcome! Kick off the school year with AU’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and ally community. Enjoy pizza and a chance to learn about upcoming events and programs.
RHA Midnight Breakfast
11:00 p.m.
McDowell Hall Formal Lounge
Join the Residence Hall Association for a tasty late-night breakfast and learn how to get involved with RHA, hall councils, and other leadership and advocacy opportunities on campus.
Friday, August 28
Women’s Soccer vs. Georgia Southern
3:30 p.m.
Reeves Soccer Field
AU women’s soccer opens its 2009 home campaign hosting Georgia Southern in the opening match of the D.C. Invitational. Wear blue and don’t miss your first chance of the year to see AU women’s soccer in action! Admission is free for all.
Saturday, August 29
Volleyball vs. George Washington
1:00 p.m.
Bender Arena
The eight-time defending Patriot League champion AU Eagles volleyball team begins its 2009 home schedule against local rival George Washington. All AU students are admitted free with AU ID.
Barbecue with the Greeks
3:00–7:00 p.m.
McKinley Green
Get to know the Greeks with free food, music, and much more. Sponsored by Lambda Pi Chi, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Greek Life, and Student Activities.
Volleyball vs. Georgetown—Bender Blue Out!
7:00 p.m.
Bender Arena
Get your blue on for the third annual Bender Blue Out volleyball match! The eight-time defending Patriot League champions host local rival Georgetown in the first stop of the 2009–10 Phil Bender World Tour. Pick up your free Blue Crew T-shirt and ID card, enjoy the tailgate from Chicken Out and smoothies from Robeks, and win great prizes.
Sunday, August 30
Women’s Soccer vs. Bryant
2:30 p.m.
Reeves Soccer Field
Wear your new Blue Crew T-shirt to this final match of the D.C. Invitational. Admission is free for all.
Tuesday, September 1
AU Abroad General Information Session
12:30–1:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Room 245
In choosing a study abroad program, planning is the key to a successful experience. This session will give you the nuts and bolts on how to start the selection process.
10:30 p.m.
Federal Hall, Room 174 (Tenley Campus), and Nebraska Hall
Curious about how to get involved in the Tenley or Nebraska hall councils? Looking to take on a leadership role this fall? Come to the first hall council meeting of the year. For more information, e-mail info@aurha.org.
Wednesday, September 2
Federal Work-Study Job Fair
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Rooms 2–6
Do you have a Federal Work-Study (FWS) award but haven’t found a job yet? Then come to the FWS job fair, where you can learn about positions on campus with a school department and off campus with a local nonprofit. Dress for success and bring several copies of your résumé. For more information, visit www.american.edu/studentjobs.
North Campus Hall Council Kick-Off Meetings
10:30 p.m.
Hughes Hall Formal Lounge, McDowell Hall TV Lounge, and Leonard Hall Chancery
Curious about how to get involved in your hall? Looking to take on a leadership role this fall? Come to the first hall council meeting of the year. For more information, e-mail info@aurha.org.
Thursday, September 3
South Campus Hall Council Kick-Off Meetings
10:30 p.m.
Letts Hall GARC, Centennial Hall First Floor Lounge, and Anderson Hall Style Lounge
Curious about how to get involved in your hall? Looking to take on a leadership role this fall? Come to the first hall council meeting of the year. For more information, e-mail info@aurha.org.
Wednesday, September 9
Student Activities Involvement Fair
11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Main Quad (Rain Date: September 16, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.)
Check out the more than 200 different ways you can get involved at AU. Meet leaders of student clubs and organizations, as well as various campus departments, while enjoying free, freshly made kettle corn. Sponsored by Student Activities.
Be sure to check www.american.edu/welcomeweeks for more information about exciting evening programming.
ONGOING ACTIVITIES
The following activities and events will occur every day at the times and locations listed.
August 15–16 and August 19
RHA Lemonade and Cookies
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Top of Woods-Brown Amphitheater
and Letts-Anderson Quad
Move-in can be hot and tiring!
Come meet representatives from
the Residence Hall Association (RHA)
and relax as you enjoy cookies and
lemonade at either of the above
locations. The RHA can’t wait to
welcome you to our residence halls.
August 15–20
Information Booths
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Letts-Anderson Quad and
Hughes Hall
Have a question? Visit one of our two staffed information booths. Helpful, friendly AU students, staff, and faculty will be available to assist you with
directions, answer your questions, or just enjoy a conversation break while you’re moving in.
August 15–28
OIT Connection Fair
10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., weekdays
11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., weekends
Mud Box, Lower Level of
Bender Library
Stop by to ask technology questions, request assistance, or have your laptop configured to use AU’s wired and
wireless networks.
August 16 and August 22–23
AUTO Shuttle Runs
11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
The Student Government’s AUTO program will provide shuttles to Target, IKEA, and other shopping locations. Visit www.ausg.org for pick-up locations and destinations. Sponsored by Student Government’s AUTO.
August 22–25
RHA “Beyond the Wall” Poster Sale
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Main Quad
Walls looking a little bare? Come peruse hundreds of posters and you’ll be sure to find something you love!
August 24–September 4
Working at AU
11:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Second Floor
If you have been offered a part-time
job with an AU department, you will need to complete hiring paperwork. Human Resources staff members will be available to help you through the process. If you are still looking for a job, stop by and review our job postings.
For the most up-to-date list of American University’s Welcome Weeks activities, visit www.american.edu/welcomeweeks.
THE FRESHMAN SERVICE EXPERIENCE (FSE)
August 17–20
Students registered for FSE should
plan to participate in the following activities. Ideas into Action . . .
Action into Service!
Monday, August 17
Check-In
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center Lobby
As an FSE participant, you must check in to receive the FSE schedule, your FSE T-shirt, and your name tag.
Opening Ceremony
4:00 p.m.
Woods-Brown Amphitheater
Followed by team meetings, dinner, and a cultural program.
Tuesday, August 18
Off-Campus Community Service
All Day
FSE Event
7:00 p.m.
(locations in the FSE brochure)
Wednesday, August 19
Off-Campus Community Service
All Day
FSE Event
7:00 p.m.
(locations in the FSE brochure)
Thursday, August 20
Off-Campus Community Service
All Day
Closing Ceremony
7:00 p.m.
Bender Arena
DISCOVER DC
August 18–20
Students registered for Discover DC should plan to participate in the following activities. Get out there and discover the city!
Tuesday, August 18
Check-In
3:30 p.m.
Woods-Brown Amphitheater
(Rain Site: Kay Spiritual Life Center)
Pick up your Discover DC materials,
get your schedule, and meet other
participants.
Opening Ceremony
4:30 p.m.
Woods-Brown Amphitheater
(Rain Site: Kay Spiritual Life Center)
Followed by dinner, activities, and a bus tour.
Wednesday, August 19
D.C. Neighborhood Visits
All Day
Evening Event and Discussion
7:00 p.m.
McDowell Hall Formal Lounge
Thursday, August 20
D.C. Neighborhood Visits
All Day
Evening Event and Discussion
6:30 p.m.
McDowell Hall Formal Lounge
Closing Slideshow
7:30 p.m.
Ward Circle Building, Room 1
