Here are some scenes on Coleman Common from our 2015 New Roo Weekend.
After visit days and orientation sessions, the members of the Class of 2020 officially begin their years at The University of Akron with a fun tradition known as New Roo Weekend.
Incoming and transfer students alike, whether they are moving into a residence hall or planning to commute to campus, quickly become part of the UA community during these three days — this year that’s Aug. 26-28. Jam-packed with activities and events, UA’s newest students have many opportunities to make friends, get tips from upperclassmen and really learn their way around campus before that first class on Monday morning.
Easy to feel connected
“We want our new students to be proud to go here, right from the start,” says Carly DeBord, senior associate director of New Student Orientation. “They’ve all been through their orientation sessions, but there is so much more for them to learn about campus and student life here. We’re inviting our new students to participate in as many activities and programs and they’d like during New Roo Weekend and right on through the Week of Welcome. We want them to have fun and to learn about the organizations and activities that matter most to them.”
New Roo Weekend festivities kick off Friday evening with an outdoor event on Coleman Common that offers music, games and inflatables and more, thanks to WZIP, the student-run radio station and Akron Athletics. Oh, and the AK-Rowdies, too. This dedicated group of Zips keeps everyone cheering on our teams during their games.
Throughout the weekend there will be Troop meetings — small group sessions — offered to help new students get to know each other, learn about the campus resources available to them and begin the transition to feeling at home at UA.
Saturday offers a mix of campus and city life.
At midday, all new students are invited to walk down together to the Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., to hear UA’s First Year Speaker Hoan Do. The student success coach, author and competitor on NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior” will offer lots of humor, practical advice and interactive exercises during his presentation — “Turn Your Stress Into Success.”
Sights to see
Then there’s “Hop to the Lock” — Lock 3 that is, for lunch and a preview of what the city has to offer during students’ years at UA and after graduation as well. The event is hosted by Torchbearers, a young professionals organization in Akron.
Also on the schedule for Saturday, and Sunday, are class schedule tours led by New Roo Weekend student leaders.
A big highlight of the weekend comes on Sunday with RooFest — the largest involvement fair on campus. More than 150 registered student organizations will have representatives on hand in the Student Union to talk about their groups with new students. There will be giveaways, prizes and more.
More details of New Roo Weekend are available online.
There’s also a growing calendar of Week of Welcome events — from entertainment to sports to service projects to movies and even Roller Disco skating on Coleman Common!
