|
|
|
gladtidingsathome.com
|
|
"Each new student will play a big part in this institution and what it is," said Rod Caspers of the Office of Public Affairs. "We hope the students learn about campus life and traditions during Gone To Texas, but we also want them to go away knowing that their presence and contribution will have an important effect on the university. Most of all, we want to offer them a fun, friendly and meaningful Texas-size welcome." Laser effects will be used at the end of the evening to symbolize the infusion of new student energy and to celebrate the arrival of all newcomers to the university campus, Caspers said. A dance, featuring Grammy award-winning band Brave Combo, will follow from 9 to 10:30 p.m. All incoming freshmen, transfer students and new graduate and law students are invited to Gone To Texas. In addition to providing music at the dance, Brave Combo also will play during the main part of the program. More than 6,000 students attended the event last year. Gone To Texas is a centerpiece event around which a variety of welcoming activities by academic colleges and schools, university units and student organizations are planned. Offices and groups such as the Dean of Students Office, Housing and Food Service, Recreational Sports, Intercollegiate Athletics, the Texas Union, Ex-Students' Association, Student Government, the Cabinet of College Councils and others offer programs designed to ease incoming students’ transition to a new and unfamiliar environment. For the first time this year, the program will begin with new students entering in a processional by college and school. There will be free water and Coca-Cola at the event. The University Co-op is donating Gone To Texas T-shirts, and Austin Coca-Cola Bottling Co. is donating beverages. In the event of rain, festivities will be moved to Gregory Gym. |