Bulldog Welcome Experience
August 10, 2024 - September 7, 2024
The Bulldog Welcome Experience is designed to provide opportunities for freshmen and new transfer students to become socially engaged and acclimated to Alabama A&M University through programming and activities hosted by various departments and organizations. This experience is coordinated by the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development. Contact studentactivities@aamu.edu for questions.
NOTE: All students should visit aamu.presence.io to create their profile. Presence will be use to check into activities and events.
Week 1: Freshman Focus
Saturday, August 10
Freshman Convocation & Torch Lighting Ceremony | 4:00pm | Event Center | Mandatory
All freshman students must participate in the official welcome ceremony for new students followed by a sendoff celebration immediately after Convocation. Attire is the Class of 2028 polo and black bottoms. Arrival time for freshman students is 3pm. Buses will shuttle students and parents to the Event Center. Parking is also available at the Event Center.
Sunday, August 11
Worship Service | 2:30pm | Knight Center Ballroom
Join us for worship service on campus. Local churches will be present for a Church Fair.
International Student Orientation | 4:00pm | Buchanan Hall Auditorium
The Office of Multicultural Affairs will facilitate an orientation for all new international students. Mandatory for new international students.
Class of 2028 Photo | 7:00pm | Elmore Gym | Mandatory
All freshman students are asked to meet on the football field in Louis Crews Stadium for the Class of 2028 photo. Attire is maroon.
SAB presents Club 1875 | 8:00pm-10:00pm | Elmore Gym
Join the Student Activities Board for a fun night of music and dancing! Attire is maroon.
Monday, August 12
Freshman Focus Workshops | 9:00am-12:00pm | Event Center | Mandatory
Freshman students are required to participate in workshops about adulting and transitioning to college. Buses will run from Patton Hall to the Event Center from 8:00am-9:30am then back to Patton Hall from 11:30am-1:00pm. Sessions are listed below:
- Icebreaker | 9:00am-9:25am | Facilitated by Student Activities/Freshman Peer Mentors
- The AAMU Way: Rules of Engagement | 9:25am-10:00am | Facilitated by AVP for Student Affairs
- Bulldog Safety | 10:00am-10:25am | Facilitated by Department of Public Safety
- Navigating the Involve (Presence) Platform & Student Event Overview | 10:25am-10:45am | Facilitated by Student Activities & Leadership Development
- Freshman Health & Wellness | 10:45am-11:30am | Facilitated by Student Health & Counseling Center /Student Health &Wellness Center
- Professionalism on Campus| 11:30am-12:00pm | Facilitated by Career Development Services
Freshman Student Leader Interest Meeting | 7:00pm | Buchanan Hall Auditorium
All freshman students who are interested in leadership positions within the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development are required to attend this interest session to learn about the application and selection processes. Application will be available following the meeting. Positions include:
- Amuite Student Publications: Graphic Designer, Journalist, or Photographer
- Royal Court: Miss Freshman
- Student Activities Board: General Body Members
- Student Government Association: Freshman Senators
- Freshman Peer Mentor Program: Mentee Cohort
AAMU Chants & Line Dance Class | 8:00pm-9:30pm | Frank Lewis (ROTC) Gym
Join the Student Government Association to practice popular line dances and chants for events.
Tuesday, August 13
Class Tours | 9:00am-12:00pm | Academic Buildings | Meet on the Quad
Freshman Peer mentors and other student leaders will be available to provide tours to new students to find your classes before the semester begins. A new set of tours will begin on the Quad at 9am, 10am, and 11am.
The AAMU Standard: Fashion Show | 3:00pm | Elmore Gym
Join the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development for a fun etiquette class filled with do’s and don’t’s for class and campus life. We will feature some student leaders in a fashion show!
SAB presents Faculty/Staff Pie/Dunk Day | 6:30pm | The Quad
Join the Student Activities Board for a fun activity.
Wednesday, August 14
Freshman Mixer – Meet Your Advisor | 12:00pm-2:00pm | Location TBD
Meet your advisor and participate in games and activities. Hosted by the Freshman Academy
Freshman Yearbook Photos | 11:00am-3:00pm | McCalep Building 107
Take your yearbook portrait. Wear your Class of 2028 polo. Facilitated by Amuite Student Publications
Life on the Hill | 2:00pm-3:00pm| Buchanan Hall Auditorium
Join Student Activities and its Student Leaders for a Q&A/panel about experiences on campus.
Freshman Peer Mentors presents Water Field Day| 6:30pm | The Quad
Join the Freshman Peer Mentors for a fun night of water activities before classes kick off.
Thursday, August 15 – Happy First Day of Classes!
Bulldog Q&A Pop Up Stations | 7:30am-5:30pm | Various Locations
Faculty, staff and student leaders will be available at tents around campus to answer any general first day of class questions.
Friday, August 16
Freshman Senate & Miss Freshman Candidate Meet & Greet | 12:00pm-2:00pm | Knight Courtyard
Join us to meet the candidates for the Freshman Senators and Miss Freshman positions.
SGA presents “House Party: Midnight Splash Edition” Late Night Pool Party | 6:00pm-9:00pm | Wellness Center
Come hang out with the Student Government Association! Wear your bathing suits and enjoy some fun.
Saturday, August 17
Student Leader Elections | 8:00am-11:59pm | Involve (formerly Presence)
Voting for the Freshman Senators and Miss Freshman will take place online. Selections for SAB, Freshmen Peer Mentor Program, and Amuite Student Publications will be made.
Week 2: Get Involved!
Sunday, August 18
Worship Experiences
Consider attending one of the churches you met during last Sunday’s Worship Service!
Freshman Talent Show | 6:00pm | Elmore Gym
Compete in the annual Freshman Talent Show! A sign-up form will be available during the first week. Freshman student leaders will be announced.
Monday, August 19
Majors Fest | 12:00pm-2:00pm | Learning Resource Center (Library)
Stop by to engage with faculty and staff within the academic areas of the 4 Colleges, Freshman Academy, and the Learning Resource Center.
Wednesday, August 21
Freshman Yearbook Photos | 11:00am-2:00pm | Buchanan Hall
Here’s another opportunity to take your yearbook portrait. Wear your Class of 2028 polo. Facilitated by Amuite Student Publications
NPHC Meet the Greeks Yard Show | 6:00pm| The Quad
Join us for a showcase of the chapters within the National Pan-Hellenic Council!
friday, August 23
Maroon & White Friday |All Day
Show your school spirit in your AAMU colors or gear! Post photos on Instagram and tag @aamu_studentactivities.
Week 3: Fun on The Hill!
Sunday, August 25
Worship Experiences
Consider attending one of the local churches for worship service!
Mental Health Sneaker Ball | 5:00pm-8:00pm | Knight Complex
Join the Health & Counseling Center for an evening of fun and music with a twist. Wear your best sneakers!
Monday, August 26
Redstone Reality Fair | 12:00pm-2:00pm | The Quad
Join the Redstone Federal Credit Union for a fun life-sized game surrounding money management! Participate for giveaways and more!
Tuesday, August 27
Off-Campus Part-Time Job Fair | 11:00am-2:00pm | Welcome Center Conference Room – 1st Floor
Join the Office of Career Development Services to explore part-time job opportunities for students.
Glow in the Dark Silent Party | 7:00pm-10:00pm | Student Health & Wellness Center
Grab a set of headphones and glow sticks for a fun night of dancing in a safe way! Get there early as headphones are limited!
Wednesday, August 28
RSO Fair | 6:00pm-8:00pm | The Quad
Stop by to visit with the registered student organizations on campus!
Thursday, August 29
Miss ISA Crowning and Officer Installation | 6:00pm | Knight Center Ballroom
Join the Office of Multicultural Affairs for the official crowning of Miss International Student Association and installation of officers!
Friday, august 30
SAB presents Rep Yo’ City | 7:00pm | The Quad
Represent your city by wearing clothes that show your city, state, or area code. The area that represents the best will win bragging rights.
August 31, 2024 – September 2, 2024 – Happy Labor Day Weekend!
Week 4: Bulldog Pride!
Tuesday, September 3
Greek 101 | 6:00pm | Buchanan Hall Auditorium
Join the Office of Student Activities to learn about Greek life on campus. Hear from panels featuring members of Greek organizations.
Wednesday, September 4
Every Sunny Wednesday | 12:00pm-2:00pm | The Quad
Join the Student Government Association for the first ESW of the year!
thursday, September 5
International Student Meet & Greet | 4:00pm | Location TBD
Join the Office of Multicultural Affairs for a fun evening of community building for international students.
Friday, September 6
Maroon & White Friday | All Day
Show your Bulldog Pride by wearing school colors in preparation for the first home football game! Post photos on Instagram and tag @aamu_studentactivities.
Pep Rally | 5:00pm | Elmore Gym
Join us for a pep rally to kickoff football season and support our first home game!
Saturday, September 7
Louis Crews Classic | 6:00pm | Louis Crews Stadium
Come out for the first home football game! Freshman students are highly encouraged to participate in the annual Bulldog Run before kickoff. T-shirts will be provided.
