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.  A send off celebration will take place outside the Event Center following the event and class photo.

Class of 2028 Photo | 6:00pm/Immediately following Convocation | Louis Crews Stadium | Mandatory 

All freshman students are asked to meet on the football field in Louis Crews Stadium for the Class of 2028 photo.

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.

 

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. Students should report to the academic building(s) in which they need a tour where Peer Mentors will be stationed to provide tours. If you are unsure of a building, we will have a Peer Mentor stationed ont he Quad to send students in the right direction. 

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 to pie staff members. Pie pricing: $5 for one, $10 for two, and $20 for five pies to throw. 

 

Wednesday, August 14

Freshman Academy Mixer – Meet Your Advisor | 12:00pm-2:00pm | The Quad

Meet your advisor, participate in activities, and enjoy ice cream. 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 | The Quad and Knight Complex

Faculty, staff and student leaders will be available at tents on the Quad and near Knight Complex 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 | 4:00pm-7:00pm | 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. 

Pep Rally | 5:00pm | The Quad

Join us for a pep rally to kickoff football season and support our first home game!

 

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. 

 

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.