Bulldog Welcome Week 2025

RSOP is hosting a yoga class, all you need to bring is yourself and a water bottle! Enjoy this stress-free class and use these techniques throughout the semester!

Bring your own mat if you have one. We have a limited supply available

Sunday is your day for relaxation, Kirby Lounge is no exception. Enjoy board games, bracelet making, coloring, snacks, drinks, and friends in this event!

Need help finding your classrooms for this semester? Come meet us at the garage with your schedule and we can show you where you'll be going! This will make the first few days so much easier!

Spend some time in nature with a gentle guided hike in the Bagley Nature Area. Bring a water bottle and meet outside Lake Superior Hall.

Join us for a classic UMD tradition and cap off your Welcome Week with a cozy bonfire night! Whether you're craving a gooey s’more, a roasted hot dog, or just some chill vibes under the stars, this is the perfect way to relax and connect with your fellow Bulldogs.

Come meet our fraternities and sororities on campus! There will be yard games, root beer floats, and hotdogs! You can get all your Greek Life questions answered at our Info table as well!

No longer the stuff of science fiction, the discovery of the black hole is a triumph of modern science. Explore the fascinating world of black holes in this program narrated by Academy Award nominated actor Liam Neeson.

No longer the stuff of science fiction, the discovery of the black hole is a triumph of modern science. Explore the fascinating world of black holes in this program narrated by Academy Award nominated actor Liam Neeson.

Check your UMD email to see if you are in a Maroon or Gold Pack. These packs are led by an upper-class student who will help you during Welcome Week and the next few months! This is an essential event during the week, so make sure you don't miss it!

Check your UMD email to see if you are in a Maroon or Gold Pack. These packs are led by an upper-class student who will help you during Welcome Week and the next few months! This is an essential event during the week, so make sure you don't miss it!

A presentation on how to prevent sexual violence.

Everyone's attendance at Speak About It is important to foster a welcoming campus community. However, we are aware that topics of sexual violence can be difficult. Alternative activities hosted by Women's Resource & Action Center are available in SpHC 191 (Hall of Fame Conference Room) during the event.

Join us in the library for some crafty fun and unleash your creativity! Paper crafts, bracelets, and more are available.

Come join other incoming students in a game of kickball on Field 1!

Come to Malosky Stadium for the Biggest event of the week!

College life comes with a lot of firsts—like doing your own laundry!
Whether you’ve never touched a washing machine or just want to avoid shrinking your favorite hoodie, this event is for you. Join us for a fun, hands-on session where you’ll learn all the laundry basics: how to separate your clothes, choose the right settings, and avoid common mistakes.
What to Expect:
✔ Step-by-step laundry tutorials
✔ Tips for using campus/housing machines & laundry app.
✔ Free laundry supplies (detergent, dryer balls & more!)
✔ Morning snacks provided

Check your UMD email to see if you are in a Maroon or Gold Pack. These packs are led by an upper-class student who will help you during Welcome Week and the next few months! This is an essential event during the week, so make sure you don't miss it!

Come play a game of Jeopardy where each clue is a song played live on the piano! You can test your knowledge of movie music, Disney, musicals, video games and more with CAHSS Advising! Minimum of 3 participants, maximum of 9 participants (3 teams of 3). Starting every half hour!

Life is messy. Relationships, self-doubt, and new environments can all lead to stress, conflict and the unexpected. But maybe that is okay. This workshop explores the parallels between driftwood making its way across the open water and students at UMD. Recognizing conflict, thinking about risk, knowing a few basic conflict-resolution tools, and experiencing self-care all has the potential to shape us into something beautiful... as we make our way across the sea... like driftwood. This workshop is hoping to be interactive, unusual, and include some basic skill development. Would love to see you there.

Pop into the Wedge to discover services and resources available from the Bulldog Resource Center, the Career Center, & the Office of Admissions. You can find popcorn & prizes in Solon Campus Center.

Interested in studying abroad? Hear from returned study abroad students as they fill you in about their experiences and answer your questions!

This event will offer students a brief introduction to the DTA (Duluth Transit Authority) system, including information on various routes, fares, and how to use the DTA app. After the overview, students will take a bus from the main hub to a popular destination in Duluth. The morning session will travel to the Lakewalk/Canal Park area, while the afternoon session will head to the mall. At each location, students will have time to explore as a group before returning to campus by bus. This experience is especially valuable for new students who are unfamiliar with the bus system and may feel hesitant to try it on their own. It will also be helpful for transfer and commuter students looking to better navigate Duluth.

Want to learn how you can spend the semester in the mountains of Montana or on the beach in Hawaii? Maybe you want to see what life is like at a big city school in New York or Miami? The opportunities for adventure are endless with National Student Exchange!

National Student Exchange is a program that offers affordable and accessible collegiate study away throughout the United States as well as the U.S. territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With over 170 unique campuses to choose from, there's something for everyone.

At this session, we'll "pop""around the United States as we learn about NSE opportunities! (Popcorn provided!)

Check your UMD email to see if you are in a Maroon or Gold Pack. These packs are led by an upper-class student who will help you during Welcome Week and the next few months! This is an essential event during the week, so make sure you don't miss it!

UMD Large Lakes Observatory's R/V Blue Heron will tie up at the Pier B Resort for UMD Welcome Week as part of its Science on Deck outreach. We welcome students, parents and the local community to tour the vessel with scientists and crew from 11am - 3pm on August 22nd. One of our very own scientists (Dr Liz Minor) will provide a fascinating lecture on the deck of the R/V Blue Heron at 130pm titled: Microplastics in Lake Superior water: a look at sinking and suspended particles.

Stop by the Kirby Bus Turnaround at 10:45 am, 11:45 am, 12:45 pm, and 1:45 pm to ride the bus to Pier B!

*The Large Lakes Observatory, located on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus, is the only institute in the world dedicated to the scientific study of all of the Earth's large lakes. We undertake interdisciplinary studies that include biology, chemistry, physics and geology in order to improve our understanding of these globally significant resources and provide society with knowledge needed to manage them sustainably into the future.

Everyone is a genius in some way, but many of us haven't yet crafted a life where we identify our genius and allow it to shine. This interactive workshop will help you identify your talents and consider how those strengths might help you succeed and thrive both in and outside UMD!

Teams of 2 to 8 people playing 8 Rounds of Trivia, with themes of UMD History, Duluth, and variety of other topics.

Come learn about UMD Counseling Services and other mental health resources offered on campus. We're here to help students overcome multiple transitions when they start college and beyond. Please join me for an informal dialogue about college mental health.

Join Veronica and S.K., two mental health therapists on campus, for embroidery! Whether you would like to learn to embroider or are a seasoned stitcher, come join us for some crafting! We'll provide materials, so just bring yourself! We'll connect, craft, chat about transitioning to college, and discuss ways to care for yourself this year!

Make the most of your time in Duluth by volunteering in the community! Learn about how you can get involved with various local non-profits to make a difference. We'll share information about student organizations, campus programs and other community resources that can help you get involved.

Wait, isn’t this workshop just going to tell me not to cheat? Not exactly. At its core, being a ‘good scholar’ involves integrity, not perfection. This workshop examines three core characteristics of scholarly work: Crediting, Creating, and Clarifying. Attend this panel discussion to understand better boundaries around academic integrity, easy pitfalls into scholastic dishonesty, and supportive resources right here on campus. The panel will include representatives from Academics, the Writer’s Workshop, Disability Resources, the Office of Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution, and current UMD students. Come with questions and start your scholarly journey at UMD on solid ground.

Join us for a class in DIY decor! We will be making wood signs to hang in your new room or apartment. You can choose your own design or select from some pre-made designs. No previous crafting experience necessary.

This event will offer students a brief introduction to the DTA (Duluth Transit Authority) system, including information on various routes, fares, and how to use the DTA app. After the overview, students will take a bus from the main hub to a popular destination in Duluth. The morning session will travel to the Lakewalk/Canal Park area, while the afternoon session will head to the mall. At each location, students will have time to explore as a group before returning to campus by bus. This experience is especially valuable for new students who are unfamiliar with the bus system and may feel hesitant to try it on their own. It will also be helpful for transfer and commuter students looking to better navigate Duluth.

Welcome to UMD! Come learn how to get yourself registered to vote at your new home.

Come play a game of Jeopardy where each clue is a song played live on the piano! You can test your knowledge of movie music, Disney, musicals, video games and more with CAHSS Advising! Minimum of 3 participants, maximum of 9 participants (3 teams of 3). Starting every half hour!

A time for Veterans and military affiliated students to stop by to meet your point of contact and ask questions related to your VA Education Benefits

Join the College of Education and Human Service Professions (CEHSP) for a warm and energetic college welcome designed just for you! This is your chance to meet the people who will support and guide you throughout your academic journey at UMD. Whether you're majoring in education, psychology, social work, exercise science, or any of our other programs, this event will help you feel at home and connected right from the start.

Try snacks from various regions of South Asia as you partake in interactive activities to learn more about the culture.

Curious about Greek life? Come hang out, meet members from different orgs, and ask anything you’ve ever wanted to know about joining a chapter at UMD.

We get it, you're new to UMD and/or Duluth and want to meet people, have some fun and maybe go on a date or two. Dating apps may seem like the perfect way to do all three, but... how do you stay safe when you're away from home, in an unfamiliar environment without as many of your normal fail safes in place? Well, we'd like to offer you some helpful tips and tricks of how to safely use dating apps while at UMD/in Duluth to make sure your school year and social life is as enjoyable and safe as possible.

Get ready to party with ODI, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, which is committed to bring inclusivity, equity and social justice to students. Come out and make lifelong friends.

Spend some time in nature with a gentle guided hike in Chester Bowl, the closest city park to UMD. Bring a water bottle and meet outside the Kirby Bus Hub.

Do you have a favorite song to sing or just want to come listen to your fellow peers? Either way come join us in the Kirby Garage for some karaoke and a good time.

Come and show off your skills with Poker and Pool!
Poker is in the Kirby Rafters and Pool is in the Kirby Lounge

Come watch the Mentalist perform magic tricks, tell jokes, and maybe even read your mind!

Kidnapping! Murder! Sex! Find out what Zeus and the other Greek gods were really up to in these R-rated stories you were never told in school.

Join RSOP to learn about everything they have to offer for you the next few years along with playing fun night games with incoming students. Open to everyone!!

Kidnapping! Murder! Sex! Find out what Zeus and the other Greek gods were really up to in these R-rated stories you were never told in school.

Come play a game of Jeopardy where each clue is a song played live on the piano! You can test your knowledge of movie music, Disney, musicals, video games and more with CAHSS Advising! Minimum of 3 participants, maximum of 9 participants (3 teams of 3). Starting every half hour!

Come learn about common myths about college. Challenge your expectations. Learn how to ground yourself in times of transition.

Stop by the Media Hub CoLab in Kirby Plaza 143 to explore the new space and highlight the services and equipment offered by the Media Hub.

Let’s dispel the common myths of study abroad. Think it won’t work for your major? Can you graduate on time? How much will it cost? Is there something holding you back? Join us to learn about studying abroad!

An introduction to Air Force ROTC, including descriptions of scholarship opportunities, cadet life, and future job options.

Start your experience at UMD with a customized notebook made in the Mobile Book Lab. Participants will print and bind their own unique notebooks with a variety of paper formats, letterpress frontispieces, and calligraphic flourishes.

General presentation on different financial resources available to students at UMD! Information on scholarships, FAFSA, how to budget, credit scores, work study/student employment, how to pay down debt, and more. There will also be printed financial worksheets and budget trackers available.

We will have a College of Pharmacy faculty member lead short meditation exercises that you can hopefully take with and use when you're feeling stressed. We'll also have PharmD students lead a lotion compounding activity where you can add in calming essential oils!

If you are looking for innovative ways to balance academics and life, this might be the workshop for you. Discover effective daily practices to enhance your learning and melt your stress away! In this session, you’ll have the opportunity to practice a few effective strategies to tackle your stressors head-on and start your academic year on a positive note.

So, you got a work study award! What does that mean? How can you use it? Where do you find a work study job? Come to this interactive session to get all your work study questions answered!

Missing the fair or forgot your lunch and need food? Stop by Ordean Court to grab food from some local food trucks!!

Let's Grow & Build Together! This session will highlight events and opportunties for LGBTQ+ individuals and aspiring allies while bringing folks together to make new connections!

Are you ready for your college-level courses? Take 30 minutes to level up your high school skills to meet the new challenges of college. In this session, you will add to your inventory of active learning strategies, learn how to get through all that reading. Plus, you'll hear about UMD’s three best resources to hack your learning!

Presented by faculty from the Academic Writing and Learning Center.

FOOD TRUCKS! Dunk Tank! Games! Oh my! At Bulldog Bash, enjoy carnival games hosted by different departments on campus. Race your new roommate or new friends in the inflatable obstacle course. Enjoy free cotton candy and popcorn!

As a new Bulldog, come learn about one of the unique features of UMD's campus, Glensheen Mansion. Glensheen is a 39 room mansion located on Lake Superior. As part of the UMD community, it has a special role of providing community connections and student opportunities. Come learn more about Glensheen from its Director, Dustin Heckman, including the history of Glensheen, its ties to UMD, student benefits at Glensheen, and how students came be involved through learning and employment.
Presented by faculty from the Academic Writing and Learning Center.

We will provide rootbeer floats, tips on how to survive first semester here on campus and provide information about Disability Resources

You’ve got a head start on credits—but what about your career game plan? If you’re entering UMD with a significant number of credits but haven’t had the chance to explore majors, careers, or your next steps, then this workshop is for you. We'll cover how to figure out where you’re headed, what experiences you still need, and how to make the most of your time at college. Get the tools, resources, and tips to move forward with confidence.

Are you ready for your college-level courses? Take 30 minutes to level up your high school skills to meet the new challenges of college. In this session, you will add to your inventory of active learning strategies, learn how to get through all that reading. Plus, you'll hear about UMD’s three best resources to hack your learning!

Presented by faculty from the Academic Writing and Learning Center.

Come play a game of Jeopardy where each clue is a song played live on the piano! You can test your knowledge of movie music, Disney, musicals, video games and more with CAHSS Advising! Minimum of 3 participants, maximum of 9 participants (3 teams of 3). Starting every half hour!

Transfer students, you know how this “college” thing works -- but do you know how it works at UMD? Join us at this event to meet other new transfer students, hear about transfer-specific resources, and learn how to make the most of your time on campus. All new transfer students are strongly encouraged to attend. We can’t wait to see you there!

Are you ready to show some school pride?!?! Kick off Welcome Week with the Chancellor, marching band, sports teams, and Champ! You don't want to miss this. GOOOOO DOGS!

Right after the Welcome Week Kickoff, head over to Ordean Court for our BBQ and Band Bash! Enjoy delicious barbecue (with vegetarian options!), lawn games, and the sounds of our talented student bands rocking the stage all evening long.

The night sky, both beautiful and mysterious, has been the subject of campfire stories, ancient myths and awe for as long as there have been people. A desire to comprehend the Universe may well be humanity's oldest shared intellectual experience. Yet only recently have we truly begun to grasp our place in the vast cosmos. To learn about this journey of celestial discovery, from the theories of the ancient Greek astronomers to today's grandest telescopes, we invite you to experience From Earth to the Universe.

Come create your own cuddly friend to join you on all your adventures!
*The line cannot start before 6:30*

The night sky, both beautiful and mysterious, has been the subject of campfire stories, ancient myths and awe for as long as there have been people. A desire to comprehend the Universe may well be humanity's oldest shared intellectual experience. Yet only recently have we truly begun to grasp our place in the vast cosmos. To learn about this journey of celestial discovery, from the theories of the ancient Greek astronomers to today's grandest telescopes, we invite you to experience From Earth to the Universe.

Catch the Renegade Improv group in the Kirby Ballroom at 9pm!

Are you a board game fan and want to flex your board game know-how? Do you like meeting new people? Do you just want to snack on a brownie and learn a new game or two? Well then, come to Board Games and Brownies! It will be a low key way to meet some new people, play some board games (provided by UMD Housing) and snack on some delicious brownies (provided by UMD Dining). No previous experience needed, and if you own a favorite board game that you want to share with others - feel free to bring it!

Are you all moved in and ready to meet some new friends? Come to Ordean Court to participate some lawn games

Come join other students in a game of Volleyball

Our friends at Glensheen Mansion put on a Concert on the Pier that they are inviting all students to attend. Hang out and meet some new friends while listening to music by the water

Come join other incoming students in a game of kickball on Field 1!

Do you have a green thumb? Need more life in your dorm room? Or just want to take home a plant? Join Kirby Program Board in DIY Terrariums, where you can build your own plant friend while making new friends!

After the sun sets, the universe is ours to behold! But in the planetarium, the sun can set whenever we want. Explore the wonders of tonight's sky and learn about the stars, constellations, planets, and other objects we can see.

Come to Kirby Ballroom to play Mario Kart and other games, but watch out for blue shells!

After the sun sets, the universe is ours to behold! But in the planetarium, the sun can set whenever we want. Explore the wonders of tonight's sky and learn about the stars, constellations, planets, and other objects we can see.