Published: Aug. 15, 2013

Dozens of activities await new CU-Boulder students starting Aug. 22, including a welcome convocation, a Folsom Field pep rally and a “Global Jam” international food and music fest.

The free events give new students a chance to get acquainted with each other, the campus and surrounding community before classes start on Aug. 26. 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 attend the mandatory convocation on Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. in the Coors Events Center, where they will hear from Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano, faculty, staff and student leaders, and learn about the meaning and responsibilities of becoming CU-Boulder students.

Immediately following the convocation, attendees will make their way to Global Jam on Farrand Field for international food and live music from noon to 2 p.m. This event is free for all new students with their Buff OneCard. Other CU-Boulder community members can purchase wristbands for entry on site for $6.75.

Some other highlights include:

--Thursday, Aug. 22, from 8 p.m. to midnight, the CU , and jointly host the “Ice and Dice Kickoff” at the Recreation Center and Balch Fieldhouse, where students are invited for rock climbing, live music and a fake money casino including poker and craps with a chance to win real prizes. The event begins in Folsom Field with an official welcome from CU Student Government and Student Affairs, followed by a pep rally featuring CU coaches and the running of Ralphie.

--Thursday, Aug. 22, from 9 to 11 p.m., transfer students are invited to the for free bowling, pool and food, and to learn about resources CU-Boulder has to offer.

--Friday, Aug. 23, from 8 p.m. to midnight, students are invited to the “UMC Welcome Fest” featuring laser tag, a climbing wall, miniature golf, improv comedy shows, live music, food, prizes and a chance to meet Ralphie up close.

--Saturday, Aug. 24, 6 p.m., CU will present the featured band Krewella in concert at Farrand Field for current CU-Boulder students only. A valid Buff OneCard is required to get an admission wristband and there is no re-entry to the concert. Wristbands will be available at the Center for Community from 10 a.m. to noon, at the northeast side of Farrand Field from noon to 10 p.m., and at the southwest corner of Farrand Field from 5 to 10 p.m.

-- Saturday, Aug. 24, 3:45, all new international students are invited to join ISSS and Residence Life on the lawn of Williams Village for a BBQ picnic. Students living on-campus can meet in the C4C lobby at 3:45 p.m. to take the Buff Bus. Be ready for rain or shine and enjoy delicious free food.

-- Sunday, Aug. 25, 2:30 p.m., free admission and food to all CU-Boulder students attending the CU vs. Colorado College soccer game at Prentup Field, located at 33rd Street and Colorado Avenue.

-- Monday, Aug. 26, 4 to 7 p.m., the will present the 20th annual Fall Welcome Gathering on Engebretson Lawn, located between Reed Hall and the Leeds School of Business Koebel Building. The event includes food and a chance to learn about the resources CMA offers students. The event is sponsored by CMA, Career Services, SORCE, the Women’s Resource Center and the Office of International Education.