August 19 – 31, 2023
USA's Week of Welcome is designed to show new freshman and transfer students all the places you belong at South Alabama. From the moment our new students set foot in Housing at Move-In Day, through their First Night on campus, Convocation, and Get-on-Board Day, we have designed a schedule full of events — both academic and social — to highlight our special campus community.
Our goal is to help you get connected with the people, places, and groups that will make sure your time at South is spectacular. You will have the opportunity to meet students across a wide range of areas, learn about new 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!
Join the Jaguar Welcome Team!
USA Housing invites USA faculty, staff, students, and campus organizations to be a part of the Jaguar Welcome Team during Move-In 2023 from August 18-19, 2023. If you or your organization is interested in volunteering please click the button below to complete the sign up form!
60 things to do during Week of Welcome
A new year is rolling in! To kick off a fresh academic year, join Jaguar Productions at our annual First Night. You will have a chance to get make and takes, eat food, and enjoy a lively and engaging party! Take a rest from the hassle of unpacking and filling out your planner and come let us help make your first night on campus fun and memorable!
6 pm - 9 pm
JagFit Rec & Wellness Bingo
Start your year off right with JagFit Wellness! There’s no better way to get started
in all things Rec and Wellness than with our campus famous JagFit Bingo! Each participant
will receive their own personalized Bingo Card, and every day during Week of Welcome,
we’ll drop “calls” for you to go to, participate in, or do! As you complete them,
mark them off of your card. We’re known for our prizes so don’t miss out! Sign up today.
Online
August 20th until the end of WOW
Outdoor Adventures Rock Wall Open House
Come visit the only Rock Wall in the area, and it’s yours! Sign waivers, participate
in the required safety training, find your shoe and harness sizes and familiarize
yourself with the routes, equipment, and programs all before the wall opens. Then
enjoy your five auto belay routes, top rope route, bouldering cave, slack wall and
campus boards until 8:00pm.
Student Recreation Center
2 pm - 6 pm
Intramurals Opening Kickoff
Let the games begin! Join South Sports for the ultimate game night. We're taking over
the Student Recreation Center with a night of games, snacks, prizes and excitement.
We'll have corn hole, kickball, Nintendo Switch games, musical chairs, trivia, UNO,
and much more!
Student Recreation Center
6 pm - 8 pm
Group Fitness Sampler
SouthFit group fitness instructors will hold several different fitness classes for
an abbreviated amount of time. Try Spinning®, Yoga, BodySculpt, and more. Students
will have the opportunity to walk in and sample the different free classes that Campus
Recreation and Wellness offers weekly and meet some of the instructors. Free fitness
giveaways!
Fitness Studios at Student Recreation Center
8 pm - 9 pm
Convocation Procession
New students - freshman and transfer - meet up at the Belltower to line up for the
Convocation Procession. As the guests of honor, we celebrate our new students and
recognize this as a “bookend” - the next time they process into the Mitchell Center
will be for Commencement and Graduation!
USA Belltower and Alumni Plaza
10:30 am
Join the entire USA community at the Mitchell Center as we welcome new students and new faculty, and welcome back friends and colleagues from across the campus. Convocation offers us an opportunity to recognize the start of the academic year.
11 am - Noon
Librarians, Lemonade & Lawn Games
Play some lawn games while enjoying lemonade with faculty liaison librarians and library
staff!
Second-floor Marx Library entrance
1 pm - 3 pm
All of Us Research Program Student Engagement Team
Promote the All of Us Research Program and the Student Ambassador group.
Student Center Amphitheater
9 am - 3 pm
Biology Bash
Incoming freshmen, transfer students and rising sophomores will be able to meet fellow
biology majors and biology faculty, consider joining their peers in the Biology Student
Association, learn about dept. awards and scholarships, and find their classrooms
for the fall semester. There will be activities, snacks, and refreshments.
Life Science Lecture Hall Room 003
1 pm - 3pm
Dessert with Deans of College of Nursing and Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health
Professions
Join the USA College of Nursing and the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health leadership
in the Health Sciences building for an afternoon snack and time of fellowship with
your college peers. This is a great opportunity to meet the Deans of your college
and take a tour of the building and classrooms. Incoming freshmen, rising sophomores,
and current students are invited to participate.
Health Sciences Building Lobby
2 pm - 4 pm
Arts and Science Ice Cream Social
Enjoy ice cream with the Dean and faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences!
Arts and Sciences Humanities Building Courtyard
2 pm - 3:30 pm
Mat & Stat Welcome Tailgate
Come chat with faculty about your MA/ST courses, as well as fun extracurricular events
and honors opportunities related to mathematics and statistics.
Outside MSPB building
2 pm - 4 pm
Jaguar Productions is the official student programming board here at the University of South Alabama and we want YOU to get involved! Join JP at our Back to School Splash Social at the Rec Center Pool. This event will include a DJ, free food, games, and a cool swag item for you to take home! You will also get the opportunity to learn about JP, the events that we have coming up, and how to get involved with our organization. We look forward to seeing you and kicking off the school year on a fun note!
Student Recreation Center Outdoor Pool
4 pm - 8 pm
Campus Outreach will be hosting Slip N’ Sliding into the Semester. This event will include a 30-foot-high water slide, tailgate games, food, and a water balloon fight. Come out and meet new people and have a fun time before school starts! We look forward to seeing you!
SGA Pavillion5 pm - 7:30 pm
Chill Around the Grill at MLC
Stop by the Multicultural Leadership Center to enjoy music, dancing, good food, games,
fun, and connections!
Multicultural Leadership Center
6 pm
Panhellenic Recruitment
The Panhellenic Council will be holding Sorority Recruitment from August 21 - 27.
USA MacQueen Alumni Center
6 pm - 9 pm
Prospective Student Programs and New Student Orientation (Enrollment Services)
The Division of Enrollment Services will have various help tent locations set up to
welcome and assist both new and returning students. New Jags can stop by the Mobile
Townhouse location on South Drive for the Southbound Open House to pick up their New
Student Welcome Pack and get information from staff and students regarding the first
week of class, campus services, academic resources, and much more. In addition, any
students who need help navigating campus can stop by the townhouse or any of our other
locations for directions or guidance.
Mobile Townhouse and various tent locations across campus
7:30 am - 5 pm
Jag Media WOW Event
Jag Media representatives will be on hand with information about joining JagTV, The
Vanguard, Due South, and The Prowl (including info on paid positions). Music from
The Prowl will be playing on site.
Front of Communication Building
10 am - 3 pm
Chill Out with Career Services
Grab a free Kona Ice snow cone from Career Services! The Kona Ice truck will be located
in the small parking lot across from Shelby Hall lot and the intersection of Old Shell
Road and Student Services Drive. Our team members will be available to share information
about upcoming career events, provide career development advice, and answer questions
about campus. Be sure to stop by and chill out with us between classes!
Parking lot near intersection of Old Shell Road and Student Services Drive
11 am - 1 pm
Week of Welcome: College of Engineering
Arrive with Orion and FUEL UP to start your semester! The College of Engineering and
Orion Engineering will be providing some good food and good vibes to start the Fall
semester off right!
Shelby Hall
11 am - 2 pm
International Studies Open House
Stop by and speak with the IS director about our unique interdisciplinary program!
Humanities Courtyard
12 pm - 2 pm
Psychology Fun & Games
Meet psychology faculty and students, play cornhole, and eat snacks.
University Commons, Suite 1000
2 pm - 5 pm
Reading and Open Mic Hosted by the English Department
For Week of Welcome, come hear talented English majors read from their stories and
poems. And if you feel inspired, share your work, too. Pizza will be provided.
Student Center
4 pm - 5 pm
USA Picture
With the assistance of the JMB, all students are welcome to come to HWS and take a
class picture in the formation of the USA interlock. The JMB will form the interlock
and the rest of our student body will fill in the outline and spaces as directed by
the JMB staff and leaders.
Hancock Whitney Stadium
6 pm - 6:30 pm
With what has become a Week of Welcome tradition, come and end your first day of classes with JP at our Movie Night at the Stadium! There is nothing better than seeing a blockbuster movie on the Jumbotron while sitting on the field at Hancock Whitney Stadium! So, grab your blankets and meet us on the field!
7 pm
Political Science and Criminal Justice Open House
Political Science and Criminal Justice Open House with coffee and doughnuts. Students
will have a chance to chat with available faculty. T-shirts will be provided for PSC
or CJ majors who have not yet received one.
Humb 226
9 am
MCLL World Cafe
Meet with fellow students who are interested in language and discover the language
lab and its offerings!
Humanities 337
10 am - 11:30 am
Student Health Welcome Event
Stop by our Student Health info table to receive a free t-shirt (while supplies last)
and to learn about the services provided by the on-campus health clinic, the Student
Health Center. Students can also learn about health insurance offered specifically
to USA students and immunization requirements for all students.
Student Health Center
10 am - 2 pm
Stop by the Student Activities information table to learn more about the different organizations on campus and how to start your own organization!
11 am - 1 pm
Study Abroad 101: Your Passport to an Exciting Educational Experience
Want to study abroad but don't know where to start? Come during our Study Abroad 101
to learn about programs, scholarships, and the application process! Food and refreshments
will be served.
Student Center, Room 203
12 pm - 1 pm
Party on the Patio
Global USA invites all students to start the semester off right at Party on the Patio!
There will be cold drinks, snacks, and the opportunity to meet our new and returning
Global Jags. Want to experience life on the other side of the globe? Party on the
Patio is the event to make those dreams a reality through the many programs offered
by the Office of International Education.
Meisler Hall Patio
2 pm - 4 pm
Welcome Back Bash: Challenge Accepted!
Career Services invites students to stop by the Academic Services Center (beside the
tennis courts) for food, fun, and free stuff in room 1410. We will be sharing information
about how to participate in our career readiness competition “Challenge Accepted”
and be providing free t-shirts and food to students.
Academic Services Center, Room 1410
4 pm - 6 pm
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Welcome events will be hosted at each community for residents to get to know each
other!
Residence hall communities/buildings/areas
6 pm - 8 pm
Get to Know WOX
Come chat, play games, and learn more about WOX with Women of Excellence!
Student Center, Room 205
7 pm - 9 pm
Let’s cheers to 60 years! As Taylor Swift once said “A diamond’s gotta shine” and for South’s Diamond Birthday we want to help you shimmer in some Jag Swag. Be one of the first 60 students to visit our One Stop located in Meisler Hall atrium on August 24th between 9 AM - 4:00 PM to claim your swag. Best believe you’re still bejeweled when you walk in the room with your Jag Swag!
9 am - 4 pm
Second Year Open House
Join Second Year Experience at the Academic Service Center to learn about the helpful
resources available for second-year students! We'll have some sweet treats and campus
partners to help navigate support for your second year here at South. Come check out
what we have available to have a successful year ahead.
Academic Services Center
12 pm - 2 pm
Get Groovy with your Advisor
Stop by the Academic Services Center Office 1380 on Thursday, August 24 between 1-4
pm to create a one of a kind button to show off your school spirit, grab a snack and
get to know your academic advisor! At this groovy 60’s themed event, you can make
a unique button to celebrate USA’s 60th anniversary! We are located at the Academic
Services Center, 111 Student Services Drive (beside the tennis courts and the Mitchell
Center).
Academic Services Center, Room 1380
1 pm - 4 pm
Food & Games at the Bethel
Come and meet the students, staff, and peer mentors of PASSAGE USA and the University
of South Alabama’s Honors College. Learn all about our programs and how you can get
involved, while also enjoying some great carnival-style food (popcorn, cotton candy,
slushies) and lawn games!
Seaman’s Bethel Theatre/Honor's Center (outside lawn area if weather permits, otherwise
inside)
1 pm - 3 pm
Pizza Forno Fall Kick Off
Pizza Forno vending machine outside Delta Commons.
Delta Commons
3 pm - 5 pm
ASCE Grill & Chill
Join the College of Engineering ASCE students for a cookout and game night to meet
fellow engineering students!
ASCE Lab-Side of Science Laboratory Building (SLB)
6 pm - 8 pm
Soccer Vs Queens
Join the Jaguar Soccer team as they host Queens at The Cage! Admission is FREE!
The Cage
7 pm
Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Science Welcome Back Social
Swim over to the Education and Outreach Building to meet fellow School of Marine and
Environmental Science Majors and/or Minors and SOMES faculty, consider joining your
peers in the Marine Science Student Association, take a selfie with the Nancy M. boat,
check out marine science equipment (drifters, side scan sonar, ROV), learn about SOMES
scholarships, and find your classrooms for the fall semester. Pizza, drinks, craft
make and take, and SOMES swag will be provided.
Education and Outreach Building
11 am
NSCS Info Table
Stop by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars table to learn more about NSCS
and enjoy some snacks!
Student Center Amphitheater
1 pm - 5 pm
Visit us at The Center for Educational Accessibility & Disability Resources (CEADR)! We are hosting an Ice Cream Social! Also, you will be allowed to tour the facility, meet and greet with CEADR Staff, and enjoy some FREE ice cream!
2 pm - 5 pm
Game Night with the School of Computing
Join the School of Computing in Shelby Hall for a night of board games, video games,
and more with our student organizations. Snacks provided!
Shelby Hall
6 pm - 8 pm
BSU Jersey Jam
The Annual Black Student Union’s Back to School Party.
Student Center Ballroom
10 pm - 2 am
What’s the Scoop on Title IX?
Come learn more about the Title IX office and our new regulations while enjoying a
sweet treat!
Outside Title IX Office (Athletics Annex)
12 pm
Volleyball v. Stephen F. Austin
Join the Jaguar Volleyball team as they host Stephen F. Austin at Jag Gym! Admission
is free to all regular season home volleyball matches. See you at Jag Gym to support
your Jags!
Jag Gym
6 pm
Join the Jaguary Volleyball team as they host Jackson State at Jag Gym! Admission is FREE!
3 pm
The Ice Cream Games: Day 1
Eight events, three days, endless ice cream! Join your favorite student organization,
group or team and get into the sweetest competition on campus. Compete in a variety
of events for championship shirts and bragging rights for your organization or group.
Kickoff the games with kickball, pickleball, giant sand volleyball, and more. And
don't forget about the ice cream! Please see imleagues.com/southalabama to register and find more information about event locations and times.
Intramural Fields and Student Recreation Center
12 pm - 6 pm
The Zoo Story
All students are invited to attend Theatre USA’s one night only performance of Edward
Albee’s award-winning absurdist play, The Zoo Story. The play follows colorful characters
having a confrontation on a park bench in the middle of Central Park. The Zoo Story
has themes of class division, isolation, and materialism. Tickets are $5 or you can
bring 5 items for the Jag Pantry!
Laidlaw Performing Arts Center, Main-Stage
7pm- 8pm
Join the Jaguary Volleyball team as they host Tulane at Jag Gym! Admission is FREE!
12 pm
Soccer vs. Kennesaw State
Join the Jaguar Soccer team as they host Kennesaw State at The Cage! Admission is
FREE!
The Cage
3 pm
The Ice Cream Games: Day 2
The competition gets into full swing with a day full of fun games and events. Events
for Day 2 include: canoe battleship, scavenger hunt, glow maze relay, and more. Oh,
and of course more ice cream! Please see imleagues.com/southalabama to register and find more information about event locations and times.
Intramural Fields and Student Recreation Center
3 pm - 9 pm
Yarn Quest Crochet Sale
Members of the new Yarn Quest ( USA's Crochet Club) are selling many creations to
raise money to start the club off strong. There will be scrunchies, car ornaments,
stuffed animals, and much more.
Student Center Mall
9 am - 3 pm
60 to Zero: How to Calm yourself Quickly
Come take a "Snow Bite" out of your first Monday this semester - we'll have snow cones,
popcorn, stress balls, and the opportunity to ride to class in the custom SnowBite
Jeep, accompanied by President Bonner. You'll also learn grounding tips to help cool
yourself down when feeling emotionally heated! Join Jags4Jed between 11am-1pm Monday
August 28th for these sweet & cool treats.
USA is pairing with the Jed Foundation for suicide prevention and the emotional health of our students. Jags4Jed is a team of staff, faculty & students working to assess and improve our safety & mental health practices and services.
Student Center
11 am - 1 pm
Title IX Netflix & Chill
We will conduct a workshop by watching a movie on escalation as well as constructing
conversations on healthy relationships.
Marx Library
5 pm
Horror Club’s Welcome Back and Trivia Night
Meet the officers and current members of the Horror Club while enjoying a fun trivia
game!
Humanities 170
5 pm - 7 pm
The Interfraternity Council will hold Recruitment from August 28 - September 1.
6 pm - 10 pm
Week of Welcome Improv Show
Come enjoy an improv show geared toward incoming college freshman!
Laidlaw Theatre Main Stage
7 pm - 8 pm
The Ice Cream Games: Day 3
We put a cherry on top and close out the games with another night of great events.
Events for Day 3 include:Mario Kart, tug-o-war, and more. After the games, join us
at the closing ceremonies for the biggest ice cream party on campus! Please see imleagues.com/southalabama to register and find more information about event locations and times.
Intramural Fields and Student Recreation Center
6 pm - 10 pm
Dance & Doughnuts
All are welcome to join the Offices of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Community
Engagement for an afternoon of line dancing and tasty treats. While you’re with us,
take a few minutes to learn about resources available through our offices. Want ot
find out how to engage in volunteerism and service learning? Learn more about our
Campus to Career Scholarship Initiative. We’re excited to welcome you to South and
start a new year.
The Fresh Food Company
11 am - 1 pm
Pin Down Scholarships by Finding Your Spot
What a better way to kick off the new academic year than with an afternoon making
buttons and learning about scholarships? This is a great opportunity for students
to meet the Office of Scholarship Services staff, learning about upcoming scholarship
opportunities, and receive assistance in navigating JagSPOT While enjoying snacks.
Oh, and did we forget, just by stopping by your name will be entered in a drawing
to win a gift basket.
Student Center Terrace
12 pm - 3 pm
Study Abroad Open House
Stop by the Study Abroad Office anytime between 1 pm-4 pm! Meet and chat with our
advisors and study abroad ambassadors to learn about your opportunities for study
abroad.
Meisler Hall 2300
1 pm - 4 pm
All students are invited to join us for a fun social event with board games and snacks in the Mathematics and Statistics building, hosted by the Pi Mu Epsilon honor society.
3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Adult Learner Services’ Welcome to Fall Cookout
The Office of Adult Learner Services welcomes our new and returning adult students
with family friendly cookout. Meet Adult Learner Services staff, representatives from
multiple support offices on campus and other non-traditional students. Bring kids,
spouses, and other family members to celebrate the start of a new semester. There
will be special activities for kids!
College of Education and Professional Studies
5 pm - 7 pm
Organizational Leadership & Interdisciplinary Studies Programs' Open House
WELCOME all Interdisciplinary Studies (IST) and Organizational Leadership (OL) Students,
Friends & Families. CONNECT with students, faculty & staff. LEARN more about your
IST & OL programs. Art Activities, Food and Swag!
College of Education and Professional Studies
5 pm - 7 pm
Drag Queen Bingo
JP is bringing back one of our most popular events from the previous year: Drag Queen
Bingo! There will be two queens local to the city of Mobile that are sure to give
us an exhilarating experience! Join us to win phenomenal prizes, including the grade
prize-- a 10th Generation Apple iPad!
Student Center Ballroom
7 pm - 10 pm
Come by the Student Center Ballroom to learn more about different student organizations at South Alabama!
9 am - 2 pm
Cookies and Consent
Come learn more about consent while enjoying cookies!
Title IX Office
11:30 am
Jags Diamond Dinner
Kick-off the Fall Semester with us at our Jags Diamond Dinner, where we will celebrate
South’s 60th Anniversary! Students will be able to enjoy coffee and assorted pastries
as they participate in open conversations with faculty and other peers. Those who
are particularly interested in Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, will have
the opportunity to learn about career options, advising, and tips for being successful!
All students and faculty are welcome.
Humanities North Lobby
12 pm - 2 pm
Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMD) Meet and Greet
Come meet the Biomedical Sciences students, staff, and faculty! Learn about student
organizations, new course offerings, international travel, research opportunities,
and more. There will be free food and door prizes, including 2 $20 VISA gift cards!
4th Floor of Health Sciences Building
3 pm
National Pan-Hellenic Council Fall Informationals
NPHC will host their Fall Informationals for those who are interested in joining the
Divine 9 fraternities and sororities.
Student Center Ballroom
6 pm - 8:30 pm
NPHC - Informational
Information for NPHC Intake.
Student Center Ballroom
6:30 pm
Sweet Tea with AED! Welcoming all Pre-Health Students!
The Center for Academic Excellence invites all students, faculty, and staff to get
cozy at the first annual Jaguar Jammie Jam! This slumber party themed event includes
hot chocolate, milk and cookies, blanket forts, a Settle in with Your Syllabus workshop
to help students understand how to read and use their syllabi, and a Truth or Date
challenge with Jaguar jammie-themed prizes. Attendees are encouraged to wear their
comfiest jammies and fuzziest slippers!
CAE, Second Floor, Marx Library
7 pm - 9 pm
Center for Academic Excellence Fall Jaguar Jammie Jam
The Center for Academic Excellence invites all students, faculty, and staff to get
cozy at the first annual Jaguar Jammie Jam! This slumber party themed event includes
hot chocolate, milk and cookies, blanket forts, a Settle in with Your Syllabus workshop
to help students understand how to read and use their syllabi, and a Truth or Date
challenge with Jaguar jammie-themed prizes. Attendees are encouraged to wear their
comfiest jammies and fuzziest slippers!
CAE, Second Floor, Marx Library
7 pm - 9 pm
Color Rush Dodgeball
Let the paint fly! Students will dip, duck and dodge past dodgeballs covered in paint
to survive and stay in this colorful game! Students are encouraged to wear white to
the event. Come make a mess with us!
Intramural Fields
Rain Location: Student Recreation Center Indoor Soccer Court
7 pm - 8:30 pm
Super Blue Moon Canoe/Kayak
There are 13 full moons in the 2023 lunar calendar. Only one of those is classified
as a Super Blue Moon. The second full moon of August is also ‘super’ close to Earth.
Join Outdoor Adventures as we paddle canoes and kayaks illuminated by this astronomical
rarity.
Meet at the Student Recreation Center at 5:30pm. Transportation via JagTran is provided. We will travel to William Brooks Park in Chickasaw and paddle the Ron Jones Trail in a 3-mile loop.
All equipment including PFDs is provided. Participants should bring water and snacks. While technically this trip is suitable for beginners, it should be noted that a portion of the trip will be paddled in the dark.
Student Recreation Center
5:30 pm
On-Campus & Part-Time Job Fair
Career Services invites all students to network with representatives from USA departments
and local area employers about on-campus and part-time job opportunities. Be sure
to stop by between classes!
Student Center Ballroom
10 am - 1 pm
Hospitality and Tourism Management Huddle Up
The Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management welcomes all students at the
Huddle Up! At this event, students will come around to talk with different leaders
on campus and representatives in the hospitality field about how they can enhance
their college experience and get involved on or off campus. Many campus organizations
will be set up there, so come to learn more about what South has to offer! Food and
drinks are provided.
UCOM Collaboratory, Room 3240
12:30 pm - 2 pm
Entertainment + Free Stuff= JP's Annual Block Party. Come out to JP's Annual Block Party where there will be a fun night of inflatables, food, make and takes, a bomb DJ, t-shirts, and more! Join us as we end the Fall 2023 Week of Welcome with a bang!
6 pm - 9 pm
Come with your friends and fellow Jaguars as we take a trip to New Orleans to cheer on USA football to a victory over Tulane. This bus trip is free to all enrolled USA students with your Jag ID. Space is limited so register ASAP.