Starting a new school year can be an exciting yet anxious time for students and family members. To help students integrate into the UAB campus and community, Student Affairs is hosting its annual Blazer Welcome now through September 18.
Blazer Welcome is a four-week programming series designed to assist new students in transitioning to UAB by offering programs and opportunities covering many topics and activities. The first four weeks of college are essential for students to find their niche and engage with all campus offers. Transitioning to college life can be a stressful experience for students. Blazer Welcome aims to provide students with the support and resources they need to be successful at UAB.
During Blazer Welcome different departments and organizations from across campus will host free events for students. All events during Blazer Welcome will target at least one of five specific areas: academic engagement, civic engagement, campus connections, healthy living, and diversity and inclusion.
All events are optional, and students can choose which events they would like to participate in. A comprehensive schedule of events, campus map, and campus resources can all be found on the Blazer Welcome website (uab.edu/blazerwelcome).
Blazer Welcome Week 1 Events
Connect Fest | Aug. 22, 6 – 9 p.m. | McMahon Hall Courtyard
An opportunity for new students to meet with and learn about various UAB clubs, organizations, departments, and interest groups. Enjoy complimentary dinner and interact with up to 100 student organizations tabling to share involvement opportunities. Other fun activities such as a mechanical bull, arcade, henna tattoos, and more will also be available.
Ask a Blazer | Aug. 23-24, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Multiple locations
Get help finding your classes or any other questions you might have about UAB. Look for tents and tables stationed at the following areas:
Campus Green - North Plaza (near the Blaze topiary)
Campus Green - South Plaza (near residence halls)
Mini Park (corner of University Blvd. and 14th St. S)
Mini Park (13th St. S across from UBOB)
Hill Student Center - Performance Lounge (near One-Stop)
Bracelet Making on The Green | August 24, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Campus Green
Come join Delight at UAB to make bracelets on the Green! We will provide all supplies but ask that you bring a blanket or towel to sit on to social distance. We hope to see you there!
Welcome to Campus with Steel City Pops | Aug. 24, 2 – 4 p.m. | School of Education
The UAB School of Education invites current students back to campus for a meet-and-greet with faculty and staff. Come by our new building from 2- 4 p.m. for a popsicle from Steel City Pops! This event will help you learn about your specific program, connect with potential faculty members, and meet fellow students. Swag items and popsicles will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Pops on the Green | Aug. 24, 2 – 4 p.m. | Campus Green
Stop by to learn more about how to be involved with the UAB Student Alumni Society, how to be a Student Alumni Society Representative, and to grab a free frozen treat
Get to Know Disability Support Services! | Aug. 25, 9 – 10:30 a.m. | Hill Student Center
Come visit a DSS staff member to learn more about the office and services that DSS provides.
Wake Up Wednesday | Aug. 25, 8 – 10 a.m. | Off-Campus Student Lounge (Hill Student Center, Suite 140)
Join us each Wednesday in the Off-Campus Student Lounge for donuts, pastries, and coffee. We look forward to interacting with our off-campus students!
Know the Code… Be a Blazer | Aug. 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Hill Student Center First Floor
Grab a cookie, spin the wheel, and learn more about Student Conduct Code with staff from Community Standards & Student Accountability.
Virtual Fall Kickoff | Aug. 26, 5 – 8 p.m. | Online
Join Queer Peers for a two-part virtual welcome event as we kick off the fall semester! First, at 5 p.m., we will host an Instagram Live (@queerpeersuab) to engage in dialogue with community members about the experiences of LGBTQ+ students at UAB. Then at 6 p.m., we will move to Zoom to participate in games and make connections with fellow undergraduates. We can’t wait to welcome our community back to campus with this night of fun and conversation.
emPOWer Hour | Aug. 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Campus Green
Look for the Wellness Promotion Health Hut on campus to find the Promoters of Wellness (POWs) giving out fun swag and knowledge about various wellness topics. The Health Hut will be placed in multiple places around campus at least three times a week. Be sure to check us out on Instagram so you know where to find us and for sneak peeks into the unique buttons you can collect throughout the academic year. UAB Women’s Soccer vs. Arizona State | Aug. 29, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.