August 23, 2014

Big Red Welcome expands

New students flood through Memorial Stadium's Gate 15 during Big Red Welcome activities on Aug. 22.
Craig Chandler | University Communications

Craig Chandler | University Communications
New students flood through Memorial Stadium's Gate 15 during Big Red Welcome activities on Aug. 22.

Students from all points of the globe are descending on Lincoln this week as UNL prepares to begin its fall semester of classes on Aug 25.

New and returning students will be welcomed back to campus with the annual Big Red Welcome celebration, which has been expanded this year to six weeks from one week in the past. The expanded Big Red Welcome is designed to give students a better chance to become fully acquainted with what the campus has to offer.

“Many clubs and departments have traditionally hosted welcome events for new and returning students yet it was difficult for new students to find out when each organization’s welcome was being held,” said Pat McBride, associate dean for admissions. “We are providing one-stop website listing all welcome events will make it easier for new and returning students to accelerate their social integration to UNL.”

Big Red Welcome began Aug. 22 with a variety of activities, including the New Student Convocation at 5 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, followed by the Cornhusker Marching Band exhibition beginning at 7 at Memorial Stadium. After the band exhibition, new students lined up at the stadium’s Gate 15 to be initiated into the Sea of Red by participating in the annual “Tunnel Walk.”

One of the highlights of the festivities will again be the Big Red Welcome Festival 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 24 in the parking lot east of Memorial Stadium at 14th and Vine streets. More than 10,000 students are expected to attend, enjoying free food and a chance to win prizes.

The full schedule of Big Red Welcome events is available at http://bigredwelcome.unl.edu.

Cassandra Huck of Bayard, and her dad, Randy, work to assemble a futon in her Harper Residence Hall room during move in on Aug. 21.
Craig Chandler | University Communications
Cassandra Huck of Bayard, and her dad, Randy, work to assemble a futon in her Harper Residence Hall room during move in on Aug. 21.
Justice Wright of Omaha unloads boxes in her Smith Residence Hall room Thursday afternoon.
Craig Chandler | University Communications
Justice Wright of Omaha unloads boxes in her Smith Residence Hall room Thursday afternoon.
Kyle Beck of Gretna helps a friend move into Abel Residence Hall Thursday afternoon.
Craig Chandler | University Communications
Kyle Beck of Gretna helps a friend move into Abel Residence Hall Thursday afternoon.
Carts sit at the check in desk in University Suites awaiting new residents.
Craig Chandler | University Communications
Carts sit at the check in desk in University Suites awaiting new residents.
Michelle Huesca of Omaha (right) and Matt Willis of Blair unroll their carpet in their Smith Hall room.
Craig Chandler | University Communications
Michelle Huesca of Omaha (right) and Matt Willis of Blair unroll their carpet in their Smith Hall room.