{"id":27287,"date":"2017-08-10T14:29:36","date_gmt":"2017-08-10T20:29:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/?p=27287"},"modified":"2017-08-22T15:36:37","modified_gmt":"2017-08-22T21:36:37","slug":"welcome-week-to-highlight-changes-and-traditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/?p=27287","title":{"rendered":"Welcome week to highlight changes and traditions"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Fall 2017 new student welcome week will introduce new activities and highlight traditions in an effort to connect students to campus resources, athletics, the Colorado Springs community and more.<\/p>\n

The week begins with first-year student move in 8 a.m. Aug. 15. The freshman class is expected to break yet another enrollment record with about 2,000 students. Faculty, staff or students interested in volunteering with move in can sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Following move-in, students will be formally welcomed to campus during convocation 4 p.m. Aug. 16.<\/p>\n

\u201cConvocation is very special time in the life of our campus,\u201d Chancellor Venkat Reddy said. “It\u2019s when we formally welcome first-year and transfer students to UCCS and signal our commitment and support as they embark on their academic journey. I encourage all faculty and staff members to welcome and celebrate our new students by lining the sidewalk as they leave convocation.\u201d<\/p>\n

Several changes are planned for convocation \u2013 the most notable being a new student creed. The ceremony will return to its traditional name of convocation with two separate ceremonies due to the large number of students. Students will be welcomed by Chancellor Reddy in Gallogly Events Center and Provost Tom Christensen in Berger Hall.<\/p>\n

The UCCS Creed was created by the Mountain Lion Leadership Council \u2013 which represents students from all over campus. They collected feedback from the student body and developed the creed during the spring of 2017.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoin the Mountain Lion P.R.I.D.E<\/p>\n

Pride (noun): a group of lions forming a social pack.<\/p>\n

Purpose<\/strong> \u2013 We make our school an inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed. We use this success to drive positive change in ourselves and our communities.<\/p>\n

Respect<\/strong> \u2013 We value each other\u2019s unique qualities and are able to discuss powerful topics with kindness and an open mind.<\/p>\n

Integrity<\/strong> \u2013 We keep our commitments and are honest with\u00a0everyone we meet. Our character is of the highest quality.<\/p>\n

Determination<\/strong> \u2013 We reach higher through our education, relationships, and involvement with campus life<\/p>\n

Excellence<\/strong> \u2013 We take responsibility for our thoughts, words, and actions. We continue to improve through both failure and success.<\/p>\n

As UCCS students we strive to embody this creed.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cThis creed was created for students by students to show who we are as Mountain Lions, I\u2019m very proud of them for bringing this onto campus,\u201d Brad Bayer, senior executive director, Student Life and Leadership, said.<\/p>\n

After convocation, students will be cheered by faculty and staff members as they march down the spine and put their dreams on the U-C-C-S letters. Once they make it to Lot 224, they will engage with a variety of ice breakers during Playfair and take the traditional class photo at the end. Faculty and staff are invited for a post convocation reception 5:30 p.m. at Clyde\u2019s.<\/p>\n

New activities for the week include:<\/p>\n