We're ready for a weekend of firsts here at Notre Dame. August 18-22 marks Welcome Weekend on campus and we're welcoming around 2,000 first-year students, along with our new transfer students.
Welcome Weekend kicks off as students move into their residence halls beginning Thursday, August 18, and continues with a docket full of events.
They include fun community-building activities, like a Campus Ministry hot dog tent, food truck social, and the annual DomerFest. DomerFest is a signature event bringing students together to enjoy games, food, music, and giveaways during a night of fun with their new classmates.
There will also be dinners and receptions for various groups, and, of course, a University Welcome from Notre Dame President Father John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. and other senior leaders of the University.
While Welcome Weekend is a lot of fun as new students get to know one another, the weekend also fulfills some important overarching goals.
"Welcome Weekend is a gateway for new students to enter life at Notre Dame," says Andrew Whittington, program director for First-Year Engagement with the Center for University Advising.
The Welcome Weekend team of faculty, staff, and students work to share with and invite students into the unique characteristics of a Notre Dame education.
Programming for the weekend introduces and inspires student engagement in academic, residential, and co-curricular life while demonstrating Notre Dame's commitment to a safe and inclusive environment of teaching and learning. Offerings in this vein include the First Lecture Series, Faculty Pep Talks, and students' first meetings with their Moreau courses, among other options.
Programming throughout the weekend is also designed to facilitate an empowering exploration of University resources, making both students and families aware of what is available to them as they become part of the Notre Dame community.
"In achieving these goals, we believe that, collaboratively, we can empower students to begin to build a sense of belonging, safety, authenticity, and purpose at Notre Dame," says Whittington.
Check out the Welcome Weekend schedule for an overview of events and activities. If you have questions about Welcome Weekend, view our Instagram live with current students for more information.