Dozens of activities await new students at the University of Colorado at Boulder starting Aug. 17 including a welcome convocation hosted by Chancellor Phil DiStefano and a "Global Jam" international food fest.
The free events are an opportunity for new students to get acquainted with campus and the surrounding community before fall semester classes begin Aug. 24. The activities are scheduled in addition to orientation sessions that cover the details of class registration, policies and student services at each college.
New students will gather for the mandatory New Student Convocation at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 21 at Folsom Field. The official gathering welcomes students to the university, conveys the meaning and responsibilities of their entry into the academic community and will feature remarks by DiStefano, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Julie Wong and University of Colorado Student Union Tri-Executive Thomas Higginbotham, plus a performance by the Golden Buffalo Marching Band.
Immediately following the convocation, attendees will proceed to "Global Jam" on Farrand Field for international food and live music from noon to 2 p.m. Offerings will include basmati rice with fava beans and dill, Persian tomato cucumber salad, lavash, barbecue pork bao with plum sauce, Kiwi lamb burgers, vegetable curry pie, Bavarian cream puffs and chef-carved roasted pineapple.
"Global Jam" is included in the student meal plan and is available for faculty, staff and Buff OneCard holders. Other members of the CU-Boulder community and guests may purchase meal wristbands on site for $6 each.
Some other highlights include:
o Thursday, Aug. 20, from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., the CU Student Recreation Center and Residence Hall Association jointly host "Ice and Dice" at the recreation center where students are invited for indoor ice skating, rock climbing, volleyball, badminton, ping pong, live music and a full fake money casino, including a Texas Hold'em poker tournament and prize giveaways.
o Friday, Aug. 21, from 3 to 5 p.m., the CU Environmental Center in the University Memorial Center, room 355, will hold an open house where new students may tour the center and learn about the sustainability programs that make CU-Boulder a model "green" campus.
o Friday, Aug. 21, from 8 p.m. to midnight, students are invited to the "UMC Welcome Fest" featuring live salsa music and dance lessons, a street ball tournament, casino games, bowling, pool, food and prize giveaways.
o Saturday, Aug. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m., students are invited to a residence hall picnic on the Regent Administrative Center lawn.
o Saturday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.), CU Program Council will present Pretty Lights with Savoy and DJ Hot to Death in concert at Farrand Field.
For a complete schedule of CU-Boulder new student welcome activities visit .
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