Program Information
Welcome Weeks 2008
American University • Washington, D.C.
Saturday, August 16 – Wednesday, September 3
Ongoing Activities
The following activities and events will occur every day at the times and
locations listed.
August 16 and August 17
Parent and Family Receptions
3:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Room 200 (Gianni Lounge)
Join us for light refreshments and meet other parents of first-year students.
Representatives from Housing and Dining Programs, Information Technology,
the Office of the Dean of Students, and AU Abroad (Saturday only) will be
on hand to answer questions about meal plans, housing, technology, and study
abroad opportunities.
August 16–17 and August 20
RHA Lemonade and Cookies
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
North Campus-top of the Amphitheatre/South Campus-Letts-Anderson Quad
Move-In can be tiring! Come meet the Residence Hall Association and relax
for a bit as you enjoy cookies and lemonade at either of the above locations.
The RHA Executive Board can't wait to welcome you to our residence halls.
We look forward to seeing you when you stop by to get your treat!
August 16–21
Information Booths
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Letts-Anderson Quad and Hughes Hall
Have a question? Visit one of our two staffed information booths. Helpful,
friendly AU students, staff, and faculty will be available to assist you with
directions, questions, or just a conversation break while you’re moving
in.
August 15-29
OIT Connection Fair
All Day (Hours will be posted at help.american.edu)
Mud Box, Lower Level of Bender Library
Stop by to ask technology questions, request assistance, or bring your laptop
to be configured to use AU's wired and wireless networks.
August 18-21
The Freshman Service Experience (FSE)
Students registered for FSE should plan to participate in the following activities.
Ideas into Action . . . Action into Service!
Monday, August 18
Check-In
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center Lobby
All FSE participants must check in to receive the FSE schedule, your FSE T-shirt,
and your name tag.
Opening Ceremony
4:00 p.m.
Woods-Brown Amphitheater
Tuesday, August 19
Off-Campus Community Service
All Day
FSE Event
7:00 p.m.
(locations in the FSE brochure)
Wednesday, August 20
Off-Campus Community Service
All Day
FSE Event
7:00 p.m.
(locations in the FSE brochure)
Thursday, August 21
Off-Campus Community Service
All Day
Closing Ceremony
7:00 p.m.
Bender Arena
August 19-21
Discover DC
Students registered for Discover DC should plan to participate in the following
activities. Get out there and discover the city!
Tuesday, August 19
Check-In
3:30 p.m.
Woods-Brown Amphitheater
(Rain site: Kay Spiritual Life Center)
Pick up your Discover DC materials, get your schedule, and meet other participants.
Opening Ceremony
4:30 p.m.
Woods-Brown Amphitheater
(Rain site: Kay Spiritual Life Center)
Followed by dinner, activities, and a bus tour.
Wednesday, August 20
D.C. Neighborhood Visits
All Day
Evening Event and Discussion
7:00 p.m.
McDowell Formal Lounge
Thursday, August 21
D.C. Neighborhood Visits
All Day
Evening Event and Discussion
6:30 p.m.
McDowell Formal Lounge
Closing Slideshow
7:30 p.m.
Ward Circle Building, Room 1
August 19-22
International Student Off-Campus Housing Resource
Center
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
ISSS, Butler Pavilion, Room 410
International students who are looking for off-campus housing may stop by
ISSS for resources to guide them through the process. We have housing guides,
computers, phones, maps, and more. Contact ISSS at x3350 for more information.
August 23-26
RHA Poster Sale
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Main Quad
Want to decorate the walls in your room? Come to the annual RHA Poster Sale
to find great wall art at great prices!
August 25- September 5
Working at AU-- Get your hiring paperwork done
with an HR representative
11am-2:30pm
Mary Graydon Center, 2nd Floor, Room 247
If you have been offered a part-time job with an AU department you will need
to complete hiring paperwork. Human Resources staff members will be available
to help you complete the required documents. If you are still looking for
a job, stop by and look over job postings to find a match.
Daily Schedule
Saturday, August 16
Move-In Begins
9:00 a.m.
Residence Halls
Bring your driver’s license or your AU ID to the front desk of your
residence hall to check in and get your room key. Public Safety officers will
be on hand to direct traffic and to provide you with a move-in parking pass.
You may park in front of your residence hall for 30 minutes to unload your
car. Once you’ve unloaded, you’ll need to move your car to the
Nebraska Avenue Parking Lot across from main campus.
Use Your EagleBuck$ Today
You may use your EagleBuck$ to eat in the Terrace Dining Room, at any on-campus
food vendor, and at many off-campus locations. Meal plans are effective starting
with dinner on Sunday, August 17.
International Student English Test
(Undergraduate and graduate international students)
1:00-5:00 p.m.
Ward Circle Building, Rooms 3 and 4
All international students whose native language is not English are encouraged
to take AU’s English Assessment Test. Your results will help us support
your academic success at AU. Questions? Contact International Student and
Scholar Services (ISSS) at x3350 or mroehm@american.edu. Please note that
the English Test for students in the Abroad@AU program will be held on a different
day.
Global Cafe: Ice Cream Social for International
Students
(All international students)
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Outside on the quad in front of Kay Spiritual Life Center and the Ward Building
Relax with a bowl of ice cream and meet new friends (immediately following the English exam). For more information see www.american.edu/iss.
Sunday, August 17
AUTO Shuttle Runs
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Student Government's AUTO program will be providing shuttles to Target,
IKEA, Montgomery Mall, and Friendship Heights shopping district. Refreshments
will be provided and we ask for a suggested donation to support this Student
Government organization. Please RSVP to AUTO@ausg.org. Sponsored by the Student
Government’s AUTO.
University College Orientation and Opening
Reception
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Rooms 2–6
University College students and their parents are invited to a reception marking
the launch of the 2008–2009 University College program. Students will
join us at 10:00 a.m. for a brief orientation to the program and a welcome
by their Program Associates. Parents and Family members are invited to join
students at 12:30 p.m. for a light lunch and remarks by the dean of academic
affairs, the vice president of campus life, and the director of general education.
You will have an opportunity to meet professors, other students in the University
College, and the program associate assigned to your seminar.
International Student Orientation Check-In
(Undergraduate and graduate international students)
1:00 p.m.
Ward Circle Building Lobby
All international students attend international student orientation to learn
about immigration rights and responsibilities, the US academic system, and
to meet your new international classmates and many of the people on campus
who are here to support you in your studies and life in the US. The 1:00 p.m.
check in is followed by sessions from 1:30 – 6:30 p.m., with dinner
served at 6:00 p.m. The program continues on Monday morning. If you have questions,
contact ISSS at x3350 or visit www.american.edu/iss.
Meal Plans Begin with Dinner
Terrace Dining Room (TDR)
This is the first day that you can use your new AU meal plan in TDR. You can
access TDR from the first floor of Mary Graydon Center.
Wings and Water Ice
8:00–10:00 p.m.
Letts Hall, Game and Recreation Center (GARC)
We’re kicking off Welcome Weeks in the GARC with some free Wings and
Rita’s Water Ice. Come with your new roommate, meet up with friends,
or just swing by to see who’s hanging out. Sponsored by Student Activities,
Student Government, and the Residence Hall Association.
Monday, August 18
Freshman Service Experience (FSE) Orientation
Check-In
8:00-9:00 a.m.
Mary Graydon Center Lobby
If you did not participate in a New Student Orientation program this summer
and you’ve registered for FSE, you will join other students to complete
this one-day, fast-track orientation program. At check-in, you’ll receive
a copy of the FSE schedule, an FSE T-shirt, and your name tag. This program
will conclude in time for the FSE Opening Ceremony at 4:00 p.m.
First-Year Fundamentals Check-In
12:00–1:45 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Room 200
If you are a first-year student who did not attend one of the summer orientation
programs, this program will help you prepare for the coming semester. You
will have the opportunity to meet other new students, get your AU student
ID, take your placement examinations, meet with your academic advisor, confirm
your class schedule, make adjustments to your meal plan, purchase your books,
and more. At check-in, you’ll receive a copy of the schedule for Monday
and Tuesday. If you haven’t yet registered for this program but are
planning to participate, please contact New Student Programs at x3303.
Parent and Family Orientation Check-In
12:00–1:45 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, Room 200
This program is open only to parents and family members of first-year students
who have pre-registered and who did not attend a parent and family orientation
over the summer. Participants will receive the final schedule and an information
folder during check-in.
Tuesday, August 19
First-Year Fundamentals Continues
All Day
Various Locations
Parent and Family Orientation Continues
All Day
Various Locations
Transfer Transitions Check-In
7:30-8:30 a.m.
***Mary Graydon Center, Room 200***
If you are a transfer student who did not attend the summer Transfer Transition
programs, this program will help you prepare for the coming semester. You
will have the opportunity to meet other new students, get your AU student
ID, take your placement examinations, meet with your academic advisor, confirm
your class schedule, purchase your books, and more. At check-in, you’ll
receive a copy of the schedule. If you haven’t yet registered for this
program but are planning to participate, please contact New Student Programs
at x3303.
Kay Spiritual Life Center Open House
9:00 – 10:30 p.m.
Kay Lounge (K lower level)
Join us for a fun and interactive introduction to the many faith based communities
which find a home at the Kay Spiritual Life Center. You’ll have a chance
to meet some of AU’s great Chaplains and students from the Interfaith
Council. Refreshments will be served. See you there!
Wednesday, August 20
Quad After Dark
8:30–11:00 p.m.
Main Quad
Learn what fun activities you can do in D.C. from the comfort of campus. The
Quad will be turned into a Carnival with inflatable-s, games, prizes, treats
and plenty of information of what you can do in Washington DC throughout the
year. Sponsored by Student Activities, Student Government, and the Residence
Hall Association.
Thursday, August 21
Mandatory Floor Meetings
8:00 p.m.
Your Floor
Join other students who live on your floor and your resident assistant (RA)
to review last-minute details about living on campus. Required for all new
residents.
That 70’s Thursday
10:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
Mary Graydon Center, the Tavern
After your floor meeting, come to the Tavern and get your groove on! John
Travolta would not miss this Disco party. Come for free food, refreshments,
fun activities, and of course to try out all your 1970s grooves to the tunes
of the decade filled with peace, love, Richard Nixon and Saturday Night Fever.
Sponsored by Student Activities, Student Government, and the Residence Hall
Association.
Friday, August 22
Opening Convocation
11:00 a.m.
Woods-Brown Amphitheater
Rain site: Bender Arena
Join President Neil Kerwin and the AU community as we open the academic year.
Listen for the bagpipers as they process through campus to announce the start
of the program.
Getting Involved in D.C.: Internships, Community
Service, and More
12:30 p.m.
Ward Circle Building, Room 1
It’s your community—get involved! The Career Center and the Community
Service Center will provide you with information about opportunities such
as internships, jobs, tutoring, and service in and around the D.C. community.
Internationalizing Your Education at AU
1:00 p.m.
Ward Circle Building, Room 2
Learn about the exciting ways that you can add an international component
to your education. Discussion will be led by Sara Dumont, director of AU Abroad.
Writer as Witness
1:30 p.m.
Bender Arena
Luis Alberto Urrea, the author of this year’s community text, discusses
The Devil’s Highway. In your College Writing class, you will have the
opportunity to write and talk about Urrea’s account of twenty-six men
who crossed the Mexican border into the forbidding stretch of Arizona desert
that lends the book its title. Bring your questions for the author and get
a jump on the fall semester.
Academic Welcomes
Join staff and faculty from your school or college to start the academic year
off right.
3:00 p.m.
Bender Arena
College of Arts and Sciences
Kay Spiritual Life Center
Kogod School of Business
Media Production Center
School of Communication
Ward Building, Room 2
School of Public Affairs
4:15 p.m.
Kay Spiritual Life Center
School of International Service
All-American BBQ
5:15 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Main Quad
(Rain Site: TDR)
Meet President Kerwin and hang out with other students on the quad. Use your
meal plan to swipe in. If you don’t have a meal plan, you can purchase
a ticket there.
Student Union Board Concert
8:00–11:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, the Tavern
The Student Government’s Student Union Board will present its first
concert of the semester in the Tavern. Visit www.ausg.org for more information
and the announcement of the artist. Sponsored by the Student Government’s
Student Union Board.
Saturday, August 23
AUTO Shuttle Runs
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The Student Government's AUTO program will be providing shuttles to Target,
IKEA, Montgomery Mall, and Friendship Heights shopping district. Refreshments
will be provided and we ask for a suggested donation to support this Student
Government organization. Please RSVP to AUTO@ausg.org. Sponsored by the Student
Government’s AUTO.
PHIL Reeves - Women's Soccer vs. Georgetown
1:00 p.m.
Reeves Soccer Field
Join AU Athletics for the first home event of the season as we PHIL Reeves
for the Women's Soccer home opener vs. cross-town rival Georgetown! Take advantage
of your FIRST opportunity to pick up your brand-new 2008-09 AU BLUE CREW T-Shirt!
Admission is FREE for everyone, so grab your friends and don't miss the FREE
food, FREE drinks, chance to win an iTunes gift card, halftime shootout with
Clawed, and the first opportunity to pick up your new AU BLUE CREW Shirt!
Multicultural Affairs Welcome Back BBQ
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
McKinley Green (Rain Location: Butler Board Room)
(Rain Site: Butler Boardroom, 6th floor Butler Pavilion)
Welcome new and returning multicultural students! Join us for an afternoon
of food, fun, and celebration as we kick off the new school year. Don’t
miss this opportunity to meet students, faculty, and staff that will support
your academic and social growth during your time at American University. All
are welcome!!
Pick Your Flick Movie Night
8:30 p.m.
Amphitheater
(Rain Site: Bender Arena)
An annual tradition! You chose the movie now join us for The Chronicles of
Narnia: Prince Caspian the 2008 Pick Your Flick winner. Enjoy free popcorn,
candy, and refreshments and answer trivia questions to win prizes. Make sure
to bring a blanket to sit on! Sponsored by Student Activities and the Student
Government’s Student Union Board.
Sunday, August 24
School of International Service Kick Off
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Amphitheatre
This event is an opportunity for incoming SIS freshmen and SIS Mentors to
gather and celebrate the beginning of the academic year. After the festivities,
mentors and mentees will participate in an afternoon of DC exploration! We
look forward to seeing all SIS freshmen at this event!
AUTO Shuttle Runs
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The Student Government's AUTO program will be providing shuttles to Target,
IKEA, Montgomery Mall, and Friendship Heights shopping district. Refreshments
will be provided and we ask for a suggested donation to support this Student
Government organization. Please RSVP to AUTO@ausg.org. Sponsored by the Student
Government’s AUTO.
Kogod Kick-Off
Noon–4:00 p.m.
McDowell Formal Lounge
Attention new Kogod students! Join us for an exciting day of activities designed
to welcome you to the Kogod School of Business. You will meet student leaders
and staff and engage in teambuilding activities to prepare you for your academic
journey.
Capitol Steps
5:00 p.m.
Amphitheater
(Rain Site Bender Arena)
This political satire group, made up of current and former congressional staffers,
will have you laughing until you cry, as they poke fun at everything Washington.
Join us for this annual tradition. Sponsored by New Student Programs and the
Student Government’s Kennedy Political Union.
Monday, August 25
Classes Begin
Celebrate AU!
2:00–4:00 p.m.
Main Quad
(Rain Date: August 28, 2:00–4:00 p.m.)
Join President Kerwin and the campus community to celebrate the new academic
year. This tradition of campus spirit will provide an opportunity to greet
new colleagues, meet other students, and catch up with old friends. Enjoy
music, hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, and more. Sponsored by the Office of
the President.
Tuesday, August 26
Spontaneous Fun: SnoCones
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Main Quad
Need something cool and sweet to get you through the day of classes? Stop
by the Student Activities table on the quad for a free SnoCone. Sponsored
by Student Activities.
Wednesday, August 27
Eagle Nights
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, the Tavern
Start the year right by rocking out on the video game Rock Band in the Tavern.
Sponsored by the Student Government’s Eagle Night and Student Union
Board.
Thursday, August 28
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Ally
Resource Center Fall Mixer
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Butler Pavilion, Butler Board Room (Sixth Floor)
Everyone is welcome! Kick off the school year with AU’s gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgender, and ally community. Enjoy pizza and a chance to learn
about upcoming events and programs.
Friday, August 29
Men's Soccer vs. Howard
5:00 p.m.
Reeves Soccer Field
AU Men's Soccer hosts Howard at 5:00 p.m. as a part of the DC College Cup!
All AU Students are admitted FREE with AU ID. So grab your friends and don't
miss this chance to cheer on the Eagles at AU Men's Soccer's home opener!
Saturday, August 30
Field Hockey vs. New Hampshire
11:00 a.m.
Jacobs (Turf) Field
The 5-time defending Patriot League Champion AU Field Hockey team begins its
quest for a 6th consecutive title as they host UNH in the opener of the 2008
American Invitational. Admission is FREE for everyone, so grab your friends,
get your BLUE on, and cheer on AU Field Hockey!
Barbecue with the Greeks
1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The lawn between Bender and Southside Dorms (or the Quad)
Come get to know the Greeks with a welcome back to AU barbecue. There will
be free food, music, and much more.
Be sure to check www.american.edu/welcomeweeks for more information about exciting evening programming.
Sunday, August 31
Field Hockey vs. Albany
1:00 p.m.
Jacobs (Turf) Field
The 5-time defending Patriot League Champion AU Field Hockey team hosts Albany
in the American Invitational! Action gets underway at 1pm and is FREE for
all, so put on your new AU BLUE CREW shirts, come on out and WEAR BLUE to
see the Eagles host Albany at Jacobs Field!
Experience D.C.: Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta
Braves
1:35 p.m.
Nationals Park
Join the Student Activities staff at D.C.’s favorite pastime, as the
Washington Nationals take the field against the Atlanta Braves. Stop by the
Student Activities office (MGC 271) beginning on Monday August 18th to purchase
your ticket for $10. Tickets are limited. Sponsored by Student Activities.
Men's Soccer vs. George Mason
3:00 p.m.
Reeves Soccer Field
Join us as AU Men's Soccer hosts George Mason at 3pm as a part of the DC College
Cup! All AU Students are admitted free with AU ID! Show your AU School Spirit
at Reeves Field as the Eagles host rival George Mason in the finale of the
DC College Cup!
Tuesday, September 2
AU Abroad General Information Session
12:30 – 1:00 pm
Mary Graydon Center, Room 245
In choosing a study abroad program, planning is the key to a successful experience.
This session will give you the nuts and bolts on how to start the selection
process.
Wednesday, September 3
Federal Work Study Job Fair
1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Mary Graydon Center, 1st Floor, Rooms 2-6
Do you have a Federal Study (FWS) award but haven't found a job? Then come
to the FWS Job fair. You can find a job on-campus with a school department
or off-campus with a local nonprofit. Dress for success and bring several
copies of your resume. Visit www.american.edu/careercenter/studentemploymentcenter
for more information.
DC Reads Information Session
5:30–6:30 p.m.
MGC 200
Become a DC Reads tutor and empower a child through reading. Discover different
communities, use your work-study award, and meet other students while making
a difference in the life of a child.
Kickoff Hall Council Meeting
10:30 p.m. – North Campus Residence Hall Councils
11:00 p.m. – South Campus Residence Hall Councils
Location TBA
Curious about how to get involved in your hall? Looking to take on a leadership
role this fall? Come to the first Hall Council meeting of the year. For more
information contact info@aurha.org.
Thursday, September 4
AU Abroad's Study Abroad Fair
3:00 - 6:30 pm
Mary Graydon Center, First Floor
Strategic Planning Town Hall Forum
4:00 - 5:30 pm
McDowell Formal Lounge
Join the President's Strategic Planning Steering Committee for snacks and to hear about AU's future. The draft strategic plan will be released to the committee around August 25 and -- when finalized -- will provide the basis for academic, budgetary, facilities, and resource decisions for the next decade. For more info, go to www.american.edu/strategicplan. To RSVP, email strategicplan@american.edu.
