The University of Toledo is welcoming students for the 2019-20 academic year with the debut of kayaking on campus, newly renovated classrooms, and fun events to celebrate and motivate for a successful, engaging semester.
UToledo President Sharon L. Gaber will roll up her sleeves to help students unpack their belongings and move into their residence hall Friday, Aug. 23, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Parks Tower.
Fall classes at UToledo begin Monday, Aug. 26.
The University will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the new kayak launch and pedestrian bridge leading to Savage Arena Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 3:30 p.m. near lot 2 along North Towerview Boulevard. The prefabricated steel truss bridge features a redesigned plaza with a seating area at the north end overlooking the Ottawa River.
“We look forward to the return of the energy and excitement that students bring to a new academic year,” Gaber said. “With the addition of Lime scooters last year and now kayaks, we are offering a variety of fun ways for students to enjoy our beautiful campus and community.”
Recreational Services will provide kayaks, paddles, life vests and helmets from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Kayak rental is free with a membership to the Student Recreation Center.
Soccer games are returning to Main Campus for the first time in 23 years. A dedication ceremony for the new soccer field — Paul Hotmer Field — will be held prior to kickoff of the first match Thursday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m. when the women’s soccer team takes on the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Three new active learning centers are opening on the second floor of the Snyder Memorial Building this fall semester and one in Gillham Hall. These technology-rich classrooms are designed to allow students to collaborate with each other, share work in progress, get rapid feedback, and provide instructors with access to all parts of the classroom.
UToledo renovated the auditorium in McMaster Hall over the summer and eight classrooms in Stranahan Hall. Two of those are computer labs for the College of Business and Innovation, and six are general purpose tiered classrooms.
New Rockets will be welcomed to UToledo at the New Student Convocation Sunday, Aug. 25, at 4 p.m. in the Glass Bowl (rain location: Savage Arena) when Gaber and faculty and staff members will greet new students and talk about what it means to be a Rocket. The event will be followed by a barbecue in the Flatlands.
During the first few weeks of classes, the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership in the Division of Student Affairs has planned a number of events to encourage students to meet new friends, have fun, and learn about the University.
The events to welcome students to the new school year include:
Friday, Aug. 23
• Zero Week, 6 a.m., Student Recreation Center. Take the Combat Water Survival Test, which includes a 15-meter swim with a mock rifle. At 9:30 a.m., navigate the high-ropes course with Army ROTC members. From noon to 3:30 p.m., fall kickoff will take place in the Health Education Center; stop by to meet cadets, have some free food, and play games.
• Paint Party, 8 p.m., the Flatlands. Students are invited to dance, paint and make new friends. This event is sponsored by Campus Activities and Programming.
Saturday, Aug. 24
• Bonfire, 8 p.m., the Flatlands. The Resident Student Association hosts this annual tradition that includes pizza.
Sunday, Aug. 25
• Jam Session and Multicultural Organization Fair, 7 p.m., Thompson Student Union Steps. Members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council will step it up to spotlight the Greek community, and students can learn about various multicultural organizations.
Monday, Aug. 26
• Sundae on a Monday with President Gaber, 4 p.m., Centennial Mall. Meet the president and snag some free ice cream.
Wednesday, Aug. 28
• Student Involvement Fair and Part-Time Job Fair, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Centennial Mall. Rain location: Thompson Student Union Auditorium and Rooms 2582 and 2584.
Thursday, Aug. 29
• Women’s Soccer Match, 7 p.m., Paul Hotmer Field inside the UToledo track on the west side of Savage Arena. Be there when the Rockets return to play on Main Campus. After a dedication ceremony, Toledo will take on the University of Illinois at Chicago. Tickets are $6 and $4 for 18 and younger; UToledo employees can purhcase tickets at half price; UToledo students are admitted free with ID. Go to the Toledo Rockets’ ticket website or call 419.530.GOLD (4653).
• Late Night Breakfast, 9 p.m. to midnight, Ottawa House East.
Friday, Aug. 30
• Rockets in the City, 5:30 p.m., Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St. in Toledo. Psych up at the pregame party and watch the Toledo Mud Hens play the Louisville Bats at 7 p.m. There’ll be fireworks after the game, and a concert featuring Arctic Clam and Amelia Airharts, along with a rooftop DJ at Holy Toledo. The Division of Student Affairs is paying for 200 student tickets; register through InvoNet. UToledo employees, alumni and friends can purchase discounted tickets through Fevo.
Tuesday, Sept. 3
• Office of Multicultural Student Success Patio Party, noon to 3 p.m., Thompson Student Union Room 2500. Stop by to learn about the office and for free food, entertainment and games.
Wednesday, Sept. 4
• Big Event’s Committee and Service Showcase, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Centennial Mall. Find out about the Big Event, UToledo’s largest student-run service project. In addition, representatives from service organizations will be on campus. Check out how you can make a difference.
• Greek 101, 7 p.m., Thompson Student Union Auditorium. Students interested in joining a sorority or fraternity are invited to learn about expectations, requirements and benefits of Greek life.
Thursday, Sept. 5
• Career Services and Office of Student Involvement Open House, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thompson Student Union Rooms 1532 and 1533. Stop by and meet the staff over refreshments and learn about the offices’ programs and services.
Tuesday, Sept. 10
• President’s Backyard BBQ, noon to 2 p.m., Centennial Mall. Rain location: Health Education Center.
• Pep Rally, 12:30 p.m., Centennial Mall, Thompson Student Union Steps.
Thursday, Sept. 12
• Glow Zumba, 8 p.m., the Flatlands. The Resident Student Association is hosting this enlightening exercise event.
Saturday, Sept. 14
• President’s Tailgate, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., grass area north of Rocket Hall. Students are invited to meet President Gaber. Stop by for free food before the UToledo-Murray State football game.
• Toledo vs. Murray State, 7 p.m., Glass Bowl. Students are admitted free with their Rocket ID; faculty and staff can buy tickets half price with ID. Go to the Toledo Football Central website or call 419.530.GOLD (4653).
For a full list of events, go to the Weeks of Welcome website.
