With autumn quarter, University of Washington Bothell students start a new chapter in their lives. It’s the introduction to college for the class of 2023, while returning and transfer students pick up the bookmark with refreshed interest.
About 1,600 first-year and transfer students are new to campus for the 2019-20 school year, said Steve Syverson, assistant vice chancellor for enrollment management.
Welcome Week greets those students and helps them transition toward a successful year. To get them started, there are daily events and activities from Friday, Sept. 20, through Friday, Sept. 27.
“This is a great way to kick off the year and capitalize on all the energy,” said Terry Hill, director of orientation and transition programs. “It’s always a fun time.”
Don’t forget Sept. 25. That’s when classes begin.
Move-in Day
Welcome Week begins with move-in day Friday, Sept. 20, when about 300 students settle into their apartments at Husky Village and the Campus View Apartments.
“We’re really excited to welcome students back,” said Katie Horowitz, the director of residential life and student conduct. “It’s like showtime.”
The campus housing is full with a waiting list that probably will extend to spring quarter, Horowitz said. The 10 students who work as residential advisers — present in every building — have been trained to maintain contact with each resident to ensure their safety and progress.
Convocation
Convocation is the formal ceremony to start the academic year. Incoming first-year students, transfer students and their families are all invited to join with faculty and staff members to hear from Chancellor Wolf Yeigh and other leaders at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, in the Activities & Recreation Center.
With faculty in their academic robes and the schools displaying their banners, Convocation calls up centuries of tradition. It bookends with the Commencement Ceremony for graduating students that marks the end of each academic year.
As Yeigh and others share the university’s values and goals, new students officially join the campus community. They line up to receive a UW Bothell pin, a procession that foreshadows when they will receive their degrees.
Afterward, everyone can mix and mingle with food and music at the welcome picnic on the Plaza.
And much, much more
Students can’t miss the Activities & Resources Fair on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 25-26, when tables line the Promenade and walkways on the Plaza. Nearly all the student clubs, organizations and resources are represented. Students can learn about some of the extracurricular activities where they’ll make connections and friends and have experiences that make college memorable.
All the Welcome Week events are listed on the UW Bothell events calendar.
Welcome Week is organized by UW Bothell Orientation & Transition Programs with event sponsors that include Advancement & External Relations, the Campus Events Board, Career Services, Organizational Excellence & Human Resources, Recreation & Wellness, Residential Life, Student Engagement & Activities, the Student Veterans Association and the Teaching & Learning Center.
