FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Family Weekend, sponsored by First Year Experience Programs, will begin on Friday, Oct. 18, and will run through Sunday, Oct. 20, at the University of Arkansas.

First Year Experience Programs is geared to help make the transition from high school to a major university easier, since it can be challenging, sometimes frightening and certainly exciting-- all at the same time. The program’s goal is to help incoming students make a successful transition to college by providing a variety of academic and co-curricular activities.

The Family Weekend tradition began in 1998. Family Weekend is an opportunity for parents to come back to campus during the fall semester and take part in several activities designed for the entire family. Parents are invited to talk with professors and deans, meet staff members and learn more about the University’s goals for the 21st century.

Check in is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. in the Bud Walton Arena lobby. Razorback Road, an academic experience, will be held from 1-5 p.m., where each academic college at the U of A will feature displays and interactive experiences for family members to view.

Friday night, parents and guests registered for Family Weekend are invited to attend Friday Night Live (FNL) from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., in the Arkansas Union, featuring a live band, the movie Monsters, INC., as well as other activities.

Saturday, activities begin at 8:30 a.m., in the Arkansas Union, with campus tours, a student affairs informational browse and a Razorback athletes autograph session. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. a Pig Out luncheon will be held and the Kentucky-Arkansas football game kicks off at 1 p.m.

Sunday, parents and family members can attend the Arkansas-Alabama soccer game.

Parents interested in attending Family Weekend can contact the First Year Experience Programs Office at 575-5002. Packages range from $35 to $50, depending on the purchase of football tickets.