UCCS faculty and staff will welcome new students to campus at the inaugural Mountain Lion Rally Aug. 19.
The event will replace Convocation in officially kicking off the 2015-2016 academic year.
According to Stephen Cucchiara, assistant director, Office of Student Activities, the move aims to accommodate what is estimated to be the largest freshmen class in UCCS history, as well as giving new students more ways to interact and build relationships with one another before the semester officially starts.
“Part of the rebranding is due to the size of the incoming freshmen class. Without moving off campus we don’t have space for them all to sit in one place for a welcome presentation,” Cucchiara said. “Instead, we’re focusing on creating a fun and interactive experience where students will be able to meet the chancellor, faculty and staff, but also start to get to know one another through highly physical and interactive events.
The event will start with PlayFair at 4 p.m. in Gallogly Events Center. During this time, students will participate in a rock-paper-scissors championship, be introduced to student leaders from fraternities and sororities, resident assistants and the Student Government Association.
While students are participating in PlayFair, faculty and staff will gather on El Pomar Plaza at 4:45 p.m. to recreate a photo taken in 1990, which was part of 25th anniversary celebrations. A photo will also be taken of individuals born in 1965.
As PlayFair concludes, Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak and Clyde, the UCCS mascot, will officially welcome students to campus prior to taking the Class of 2019 photo.
At 5:30 p.m., the throng of students will proceed from Gallogly to the West Lawn where dinner will be provided. Along the way, they will be greeted by faculty and staff wearing black and gold t-shirts and UCCS sunglasses in their honor, a reference to the students’ bright futures. While the student make their way down the Pedestrian Spine, they will have a chance to use sticky notes to post their hopes and dreams to six-foot-tall U-C-C-S letters.
“This is a chance for faculty and staff to see the freshmen class in action and truly welcome them to the Mountain Lion family,” Cucchiara said.
Following the event, a reception will be held for participating faculty and staff at 6 p.m. at Clyde’s. Light hor d’oeuvres, wine and beer will be served.
For more information about the events, please email Sterlynn Clendenin, event specialist, University Center, or call 255-4201.
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