University of Arkansas Class of 2019 Welcomed This Sunday With New Campus Event

The Class of 2019 will be welcomed to the University of Arkansas family during the New Student Welcome at 4:45 p.m. this Sunday, Aug. 23.

This year's welcome program is different than previous welcomes. Instead of a more formal type of ceremony taking place in the Bud Walton Arena as in years past, students will meet near Old Main for a new ceremony and then continue on to the after party full of food, fun and fellowship.

"After talking with students and working with administrators, we wanted to create something that was going to be unique for the University of Arkansas," said Quincy Spencer, director of new student and family programs. "We looked at other schools where many have an academic convocation with faculty and staff in their regalia, but we wanted to set ourselves apart and do something different."

New students will arrive at the Fulbright Peace Fountain and hear from Todd Shields, dean of the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, before making their way through Old Main to a tunnel of student leaders, faculty and staff welcoming them into the Razorback family.

Next students will hear from the interim chancellor, ASG president and Student Alumni Association president and members to help them understand the significance of their time at the University and the importance of finding their place on campus.

After enjoying Burger Bash, students will head to the Arkansas Union for the New Student Welcome After Party. The After Party will be like a mini-conference, Spencer said, with games and food for the students to enjoy. Student can also take part in workshops on how to be successful during their first year.

Spencer said the New Student Welcome is the incoming class' first chance to see what it truly means to be a University of Arkansas Razorback.

"We want students to feel a part of the community. We want them to know that they can be successful here at the University of Arkansas and we want them to know that they're not in this alone," Spencer said. "You can be successful and we're going to show you how to be successful, but you also have to be the ones to reach out for that help.  We have many people and resources on campus to ensure that you will graduate."

A very special addition to the New Student Welcome is the raising of the class flag. Never before has an incoming class had an official class flag, so the Class of 2019 will be the first to sing the Alma Mater wearing their class shirts and see their flag fly high over the University.

Faculty and staff are invited to attend this special welcome. Those interested should be on the east side of Old Main at 4:30 p.m.