UMass Amherst

Welcome Weekend 2009
Program Schedule

Welcome Weekend 2009 Orientation Schedule

Note: Students who are unable to attend the entire Welcome Weekend Orientation due to conflicts with other UMass programs (e.g., Power Up, Marching Band, sports teams) are invited to attend the activities noted with an asterisk (*) below.

Friday, September 4th             

TBD
11:00 am-
2:00 pm

Move-in

3:00 pm-
4:00 pm

Welcome Weekend Orientation Check-In

Fine Arts Center

4:00 pm–
5:00 pm

Dean’s Welcome Convocation for Students and Families*

Fine Arts Center

Dr. Priscilla M. Clarkson, Dean of the Commonwealth College welcomes the Class of 2013 and their families. Remarks from other distinguished speakers.

 5:15 pm

Students: Dinner with Orientation Leaders

Dining Commons

Parents: Dean’s Dinner Reception*

Student Union
(Purchase tickets via student online registration)

Connect with Commonwealth College Faculty, Staff, Alums and Student Leaders for dinner. Dean Priscilla Clarkson will give an overview of Commonwealth College.

7:00 pm

Hall Meetings

8:00 pm

Evening Activities*

Late night movie, board games, sports activities, walks into downtown Amherst.

 

Saturday, September 5th

9:00 am

Breakfast

Dining Commons

10:00 am- 11:00 am

Opening Assembly*

Mahar Auditorium

Start the year off right! Faculty, staff and students will give recommendations for having a successful first year.

11:00 am-
12:00 pm

Meet with Orientation Leaders and Peer Advisors

12:00 pm-
1:00 pm

Lunch

Dining Commons

Afternoon activities

First Class


Meet a ComCol faculty member and participate in your "first class."  Learn what is expected of Honors students at UMass.  Discussion topics include issues of moral dilemmas.

Note: spaces are limited for this program.

Optional Advising

504 Goodell

Meet with Commonwealth College Advisors or Peer Advisors to make any last minute changes to your schedule or talk about your future plans for your honors experience.

Time Management Workshop

Contract Signing Sessions every hour


Students who did not attend an NSO session should attend this session to sign a contract.

Pick-up Sports

5:00 pm-
6:00 pm

Epic Challenge: Photo Scavenger Hunt

UMass Campus

Compete against your fellow classmates by gathering photos and information from around campus. Winners take home prizes.

6:00 pm

Dinner

Dining Commons

8:00 pm-
8:15 pm

Sunday Hike Meeting *

(mandatory for hike participants)

8:15 pm-
8:30 pm

Sunday Trail Maintenance Service Project*

(mandatory for Service Project participants)

8:30 pm-
10:30 pm

Casino Night & other activities for students

Campus Center Auditorium*

Students will participate in casino games led by Orientation Leaders and Commonwealth College staff.  Prizes from local businesses will be available for students to win.

 

Sunday, September 6th (Optional)

10:00 am–
2:00 pm

Hike*

Skinner State Park

Enjoy a hike with your fellow classmates up Skinner Mountain. The hike will be approximately 45 minutes up the mountain with a lunch at the Summit House and a 45 minute return hike down the mountain. www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/skin.htm

3:00 pm

Trail Maintenance Service Project*

 

A Note to Commuting Students

Students NOT in need of housing are also welcome to participate in orientation. Please begin the weekend by joining us at the Welcome Convocation at the Fine Arts Center, Friday 4:00 pm.