Welcome Week
Fall 2024 Welcome Week will be from Thursday, August 22 to Friday, August 30. Required sessions occur on Friday, August 23. New activities coming soon for Fall 2024! Check back in with us during the summer as the schedule updates.
Welcome Week is required for all new on-campus, degree-seeking students registered for 12 or more credits. New students who are registered for less than 12 credits are highly encouraged to attend Welcome Week. All new students living in on campus housing are required to attend regardless of credit amount. There are required activities on Friday, August 23, with highly recommended activities through the first week of classes. A $135 fee will be charged to students who are required to attend and any other students that choose to join.
Fall 2024 Schedule
Housing Move-In
Thursday, August 22
9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
John Pugh Hall and Student Housing LodgeHousing move-in begins at 9 AM on Thursday, August 22. For more information about Housing Move-In, visit the UAS Student Housing Website.
Welcome Back Barbeque
Thursday, August 22
5:00 PMStudent Recreation Center
Join us at the UAS Student Recreation Center for a BBQ! We'll have food, music, and an opportunity to explore the REC Center. This is a great opportunity to get some grub, introduce yourself to others, and get certified for the Rock Wall!
New Student Orientation Check In & Breakfast
Friday, August 23
8:00 AM
Mourant - Near Lakeside GrillCheck in for Orientation, get your name badge, and grab some breakfast and caffeine to fuel you through the day. Families are more than welcome to join!
New Student Convocation
Friday, August 23
9:00 AM
Egan LibraryJoin us at the Egan Library for an official welcome to your university. You'll get the opportunity to meet your peers, hear from the UAS Chancellor, student leaders, and learn more about your community!
Student Panel
Friday, August 23
11:00 AM
Egan LibraryHear from your peers! With other UAS resources available, you will get to hear about students' firsthand experience utilizing some common UAS services and resources. This is a chance for you to ask your questions about the UAS experience from a student's perspective.
Community Luncheon
Friday, August 23
12:00 PM
Lakeside Grill - MourantJoin us at the Lakeside Grill for a chance to eat and build community, along with meeting some of the on-campus faculty, staff, and campus community resources. This is a great opportunity to meet potential professors, make some new connections, and sign up for appointments with Health and Wellness, Student Accounts, and your Advisors. We'll also be taking a group photo of all Orientation attendees!
Our Community - Breakouts
Friday, August 23
1:30 PM
Egan LibraryThis is the chance to choose your own Orientation adventure! Over the course of three 45-minute sessions, each session will host three to four possible breakout sessions in which you will get to choose one for each session. All breakout sessions will have important information to share along with offering engagement opportunities. We recognize that each student will have a unique student experience and this is the chance for you to tailor your breakout experience in a way that ensures that you receive the information that matters to you the most. Specific breakout offerings will be shared here soon.
Completion Opportunities
Friday, August 23
4:00 PM
Egan LibraryThis is the perfect time to ensure you're all set for classes to start! We will have the resources on hand in the Egan Library to ensure that you have all of the tools you need to start the year strong. We'll help you to ensure you're registered, finished with financial aid requirements, and more.
Watch For The Aurora
Auke Lake Dock
What better way to wrap up a day of adventure than heading out with some friends and hunting for the aurora! Check the Aurora Forecast and make a plan to go see them. Active auroral displays tend to be more active later in the night, which means that 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. is typically the time period with the highest probability of seeing spectacular auroral displays.
Glacier View Hike
Saturday, August 24
9:00 AM
John Pugh Hall and Student Housing LodgeThere are many ways to get up close to Mendenhall Glacier, including a moderately easy and well-marked trail to Nugget Falls. Winding along Mendenhall Lake, the closest trail to the glacier itself, you’ll find a stunning 377-foot waterfall cascading into an iceberg lake with a magnificent glacier in the background. You might even get lucky and see some wildlife up close!
Downtown Trip
Saturday, August 24
11:00 AMJohn Pugh Hall and Student Housing Lodge
Juneau is many things: a mountain town, a coastal community and the most scenic capital city in the U.S. A natural wonder, wildlife hotspot, and cultural jewel, Juneau is rich in history, art, music and Native heritage. We will begin our downtown trip at the Sealaska Heritage Institute to explore a replica Clan House and other Native Alaskan works of art. From there you will have the opportunity to break off into smaller groups to explore downtown, do some shopping, take the tram, and try the local cuisine.
Pick-up information and times will be announced this summer.
Lake Day
Sunday, August 25
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
John Pugh Hall and Student Housing LodgeJoin us down at the UAS Auke Lake docks for some fun lake activities, rain or shine! Take advantage of free use of UAS Recreation water equipment for either some fun games or just relaxing on the lake.
Whale Watching
Sunday, August 25
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Auke Bay - Statter HarborMeet at the harbor docks no later than 2:50 PM. See some of the many whales found in Southeast Alaska up close on a Whale Watching boat excursion! Be sure to bring your Orientation name tag to participate in this activity that is only free to Orientation participants. You may even see some wildlife on the shoreline.
Bonfire & Smores
Sunday, August 25
8:00 PM
Noyes Pavilion (next to John Pugh Hall)Hang out, eat smores, and tell your favorite ghost stories. This is your last chance to make some great connections before heading into your first day of classes!
What if I cannot attend every session?
We understand that some incoming students may have scheduling conflicts. Your goal should be to attend as much of Welcome Week as possible. There are no separate fees or fee reductions if you can only attend part of the event.
What should I bring?
Orientation is active, so be sure to dress comfortably and wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in. In Southeast Alaska, layers are always recommended.