UTRGV students will have the opportunity to enjoy and participate in various activities during Week of Welcome, which is dedicated to celebrating UTRGV’s traditions with students on both campuses.
Campus Activities Board, Student Involvement, Student Union and University Recreation will host activities throughout the week.
“Viva Vaqueros” is a brand-new event that will focus on teaching students and staff about Vaquero pride. This event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today on the University Library lawn in Brownsville and from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Vaquero Village in Edinburg.
“There’s also a lasso activity that [students] can participate in, which is a ring toss activity, but it’s to symbolize the lasso, the strength and power that the vaquero has,” said Elianey Moya, Student Activities program coordinator. “I wanted to create an event that excited students, faculty and staff to kick off the second semester this school year … to have that spirit event to finish the academic year strong.”
Students can meet with organizations and university departments and enjoy rides, games and food at the Back to School Bash. The event will take place from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday on the Student Union lawn in Brownsville.
In Edinburg, the bash will take place from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday on the Vaquero Village Lawn, walkway and Parking Lot E1 6. Upon showing a valid UTRGV ID, students can enjoy free activities, prizes and snacks, as well as a limited number of Week of Welcome T-shirts.
Week of Welcome will also provide Info Depots, which focus on helping students find their way around campus on their first day. Info Depots will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. today and Tuesday and can be found at various locations around both campuses.
On the Brownsville campus, Info Depots will be located on the Student Union lawn, Main north lawn, Sabal Hall lawn, the Main Courtyard, Music Science & Learning Center Courtyard.
In Edinburg, Info Depots will be located on the walkway between HPE 1 & 2, outside the University Library between the library and Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship building, Troxel Hall lawn, the Visitors Center and on the Student Union north lawn.
“This is a great opportunity for new students to get plugged in,” said Lauren Contreras, Student Activities assistant director. “To the university, it’s an opportunity for them to see how we showcase our Vaquero pride. It’s a great opportunity for them to meet different departments and other campus resources. At all of our events, we should have departments there who are giving out information.”
To prepare for the upcoming athletic games, The Herd, UTRGV’s official student section, will host “The Herd: Rumble.” New students can learn cheers to support their teams during upcoming home games. The event will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Vaquero Village in Edinburg.
On Thursday, Week of Welcome’s Back to School Night will be hosted from 7 to 10 p.m. during the UTRGV Women’s Basketball Team game as it takes on Seattle University in the Fieldhouse in Edinburg. Students receive free admission to all home games and up to 50% off concessions with a valid UTRGV ID.
Javier Gonzalez, an international business junior, said he has always been involved in student activities. He encourages his friends to attend events and sports games.
“I think the Week of Welcome is a good attempt to bring everyone together, like for the first week,” Gonzalez said. “It’s pretty cool. I like the vibe that it gives off.”
