January 13-23, 2025
Weeks of Welcome (WOW) is designed to celebrate the start of a new term, welcome the USA community back to campus, and connect students to the people, places, and groups that drive relationships and belonging at South. We have designed a schedule full of academic and social events to highlight our exceptional campus community.
Our goal is to help you get connected and make sure your time at South is phenomenal. You will have the opportunity to meet students across a wide range of areas, learn about student organizations, and discover opportunities to connect with faculty in learning experiences ranging from the classroom to the Gulf of Mexico. We look forward to meeting you at one of these opening events. Welcome to South Alabama!
Things to do during Weeks of Welcome
Need help finding your class or student resource? Have questions about your first semester as a Jag? Looking to make connections with other students? Stop by a help tent and ask a fellow Jag for assistance!
7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Doughnuts with Engineering
The College of Engineering will welcome our students with doughnuts, music, and encouragement
to start the Spring semester! Stop by the West entrance of Shelby Hall from 8:00am
- 9:30am to feel the good vibes!
Shelby Hall
8 am - 9:30 am
UTeach South’s STEM Hot Chocolate Bar: Where Science Meets Sweetness!
Warm up this winter with a deliciously scientific twist on your favorite hot chocolate!
Join UTeach South for a hands-on experience at our STEM Hot Chocolate Bar, where you'll
mix, measure, and experiment with the tastiest elements of cocoa.
Earth and Life Science Building 025
10 am - 12 pm
Popcorn and the 'Feature Presentation': Simulation
Students visiting the College of Nursing and College of Allied Health Professions
can pop over to Health Simulation for the 'Feature Presentation': popcorn and a tour
of Health Simulation.
Health Simulation Building
2 pm - 3:30 pm
Dessert with the Deans - Nursing and Allied Health
Current and prospective students (including freshmen and sophomores) in the College
of Nursing and College of Allied Health Professions are invited to join the college
deans and administrators for dessert and engaging conversation. This is also a great
time to fellowship with your peers.
College of Allied Health Profession and the College of Nursing
2 pm - 3:30 pm
CCF Kickoff
The cookout has been cancelled due to concerns over inclement weather! Instead, join
us in HUMB 150 at 7 pm to meet the officers and enjoy Bible study, discussion, fellowship,
and free pizza!
Cocoa With Computing
The faculty and staff in the School of Computing will be serving hot chocolate in
Shelby Hall. Stop by and enjoy a cup!
Shelby Hall Atrium
9 am - 1 pm
Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories INTO Light Project Alabama Exhibition Opening
The Into Light Project, a national non-profit, creates public exhibitions of original
portraits and individual stories of people who have died from the disease of drug
addiction in locations around the country. Their mission is to change the conversation
about drug addiction through the power of original art and story. Our exhibition,
entitled Drug Addiction: Real People, Real Stories, consists of 40 original graphite
portraits of people who have died from drug addiction/poisoning in Alabama.
USA Archaeology Museum
10 am - 4 pm
Join us for the Spring Social hosted by Jaguar Productions! Enjoy live music, delicious mocktails, and great company as we celebrate the start of the semester with fun vibes and fresh energy. Don’t miss the chance to kick off spring with your fellow Jaguars!
1 pm - 3 pm
Get On Board Day is an opportunity for USA's 200+ student organizations to reach out to new and returning students, letting them know about each organization's purpose and goals, and promote membership.
11 am - 2pm
Coffee, Crafts, and Connections
Coffee from Starbucks/ Aramark, crafting tables, and connections with campus student
organizations.
Marx Library
1 pm - 3 pm
Thriving in College Through Service, Academics, Social Life, and Resources.
"Thriving in College Through Service, Academics, Social Life, and Resources" is a
dynamic and interactive workshop designed to empower students to enhance their college
experience. This event highlights four fundamental pillars of success: service, academics,
social engagement, and resource utilization. The workshop aims to equip students with
practical strategies to balance these key areas effectively, ultimately enriching
their overall college journey.
Student Center Meeting Room 205
1 pm - 2:30 pm
Hot Chocolate and Hot Takes: Ask Geology, Geography, Meteorology, and Biology anything
Geology, Geography, Meteorology, and Biology faculty will host an Ask Us Anything
session where students can ask questions about classes, research if a hot dog is a
sandwich, or any other questions they want to get our perspective on. We will have
Hot Chocolate and toppings available to enjoy while you ask questions and listen to
the discussions.
Life Science Lecture Hall
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Cozy Cocoa & Campus Cheers with the College of Education and Professional Studies
Shake off the winter blues and craft your perfect cup of cozy with our fully loaded
build-your-own hot chocolate bar with sweet toppings and mix-ins.
University Commons - Lobby Area
10 am - 11:30 am
Duck, Duck, Global USA
Duck in to Meisler Hall to enjoy snacks from around the world and learn more about
the different divisions within Global USA. Whether you are interested in Study Abroad
or meeting fellow Jags it would be a quacking mistake to miss this event!
Meisler Hall - 2nd Floor
10:30 am - 1 pm
CEADR Winter Meet and Greet
The Center for Educational Accessibility & Disability Resources will be hosting a
Winter Meet and Greet. Please come meet some of our staff for some sweet treats &
learn any information regarding CEADR. See you there!
Student Center Mall
11 am - 1:30pm
Cozy Hot Cocoa Bar and Jaguar Cheers
Shake off the winter blues and craft your perfect cup of cozy with our fully loaded
build-your-own hot chocolate bar with sweet toppings and mix-ins. Swing by University
Commons - Lobby Area on Thursday, January 16 between 12:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. for a
dose of warm vibes to kick-start a successful Jaguar semester!
Health, Kinesiology, and Sport Lobby
12 pm - 2:30 pm
Pre-Health Day
An interactive event where students will get to network with professional health graduate
programs, faculty of masters programs, and pre-health clubs and organizations on campus!
Student Center Ballroom
2 pm - 4 pm
Join Jaguar Productions for a frosty adventure at Moulton Tower! Glide across the ice skating rink, zoom down the Snowzilla tubing slide, enjoy warm food and hot chocolate, and capture the moment with personalized photo snow globes. It’s going to be an unforgettable winter celebration – don’t miss out!
5 pm - 8 pm
Reel in the Fun: Spring Semester Kickoff with the Stokes School of Marine & Environmental
Sciences
Join us as we dive into the new semester with "fish food", freebies, and hands-on
crafts that’ll make a splash!
Education & Outreach Building
11:30 am - 2 pm
Learn S'more About Study Abroad
Join the Study Abroad Office for an informational session and s'mores! Meet study
abroad advisors and alumni, learn about programs and funding opportunities!
Student Center Terrace
12 pm - 1 pm
Chill & Chat: Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program Info Sessions
The Study Abroad Office will be hosting a series of info sessions for our faculty-led
programs. Chat with the professors leading programs and learn more about what their
programs are about. The schedule of info sessions is available in the Study Abroad
website.
Student Center Terrace
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Mens Basketball Game vs. Troy
Get ready for an epic night of hoops! Join us as the South Alabama Jaguars face off
against the Troy Trojans in a thrilling men's basketball game. Don’t miss this chance
to cheer on your team, feel the excitement of the crowd, and show off your school
spirit!
Mitchell Center
3 pm - 6 pm
Transfer T-Shirt Swap
New transfer students are welcome to stop by the Student Center mall and swap a shirt
from their previous institution for a new USA t-shirt.
Student Center Mall
8:30 am - 12 pm
Thriving in College Through Service, Academics, Social Life, and Resources.
"Thriving in College Through Service, Academics, Social Life, and Resources" is a
dynamic and interactive workshop designed to empower students to enhance their college
experience. This event highlights four fundamental pillars of success: service, academics,
social engagement, and resource utilization. The workshop aims to equip students with
practical strategies to balance these key areas effectively, ultimately enriching
their overall college journey.
Student Center Meeting Room 205
1 pm - 2:30 pm
Biomedical Library Pop-up
How well do you know the Biomedical Library? Stop by our table to learn about how
we can support your research and study needs. We support students, faculty, and staff
with a range of materials from both our physical and online library.
HAHN Lobby
10 am - 2 pm
New Year, New Headshot
Hey Jaguars! Swing by Career Development to snag a free professional headshot, munch
on some popcorn and cookies, and score the perfect free outfit for your next big opportunity
in the Jaguar Clothes Closet. Don’t miss out!
Academic Services Center Lobby
1 pm - 3 pm
Hot Cocoa Conversations with Advising
Come get a free cup of hot chocolate and talk with your advisor!
Academic Services Center
1 pm - 3 pm
Button Giveaway with OMS
The Office of Military Services will give away buttons to students
Academic Services Center
1 pm - 3 pm
Nationally Competitive Study Abroad Scholarships Workshop
The Study Abroad Office is hosting a workshop on Nationally Competitive Study Abroad
Scholarships! These scholarships include The Gilman Scholarship Program, the Freeman-Asia
Scholarship, and the Boren Awards. We will be going over eligibility requirements,
how to compose a competitive essay and helpful tips on the application process.
Student Center 203
12 pm - 1:15 pm
Frosted Paws and Pennants!
Stop by the CAE (2nd floor of the Marx Library) to make bracelets, create flags, and
refresh with SYE at the CAE! Get your paws on some winter magic! Join us at Frosted
Paws and Pennants to craft your own bracelets and flags that sparkle as much as your personality. Warm
up your creativity, chill with friends, and leave with something totally unique—just
like you. Don’t miss this paws-itively fun event! Resources on tutoring, personal
development, and growth will be available!
Center for Academic Excellence
1 pm - 4 pm
Join the Pack
Ready to unleash your creativity and elevate your skills? Join Jaguar Productions
at our Join the Pack Workshop! Explore media, event planning, and entertainment production
while connecting with peers and committee members at South Alabama. Open to all students—no
experience needed! Grab a friend and join us for an exciting afternoon of creativity,
learning, and networking. Refreshments provided!
Student Center Terrace
3 pm - 5 pm
Come join Campus Recreation and Wellness for glow climbing at the rock wall and a glow fitness class, followed by our dodgeball tournament.
5 pm - 9 pm
Game Night at the School of Computing
Join us for a night of fun! We'll have video games, board games, and more!
Meet representatives from our student organizations.
Snacks provided!
Shelby Hall, Room 2119 and in the Atrium
5 pm - 8 pm