Rec Wild

Rec N' Wild will feature water rides, games and treats at the Softball Fields.

The University of Texas at Dallas will roll out its welcome to new and returning Comets with music, comedy and plenty of free food ­— from cupcakes to fajitas to cool summer treats.

Organized by student organizations and campus departments, Welcome Week will include more than 40 events over a nearly two-week spread.

“Every year Welcome Week grows bigger and better. With 11 days of jam-packed activities, we’ll have something to make everyone feel glad to be back on campus,” said Tineil Lewis-Moore, assistant director of student life programs.

Welcome Week 2015 banner

Full Schedule: For details about activities from Aug. 23 through Sept. 4, visit the Welcome Week website.

Get Social: Tag your Welcome Week photos with #UTDWW. We will share the best on UT Dallas' Twitter and Instagram. The best pictures will appear on the #UTDWW Tagboard.

Highlights will include the annual Comet Beach Luau, Rec N’ Wild water games, a silent disco, pool party and an outdoor movie.

Welcome Week will begin with the formal University Convocation on Sunday to mark the beginning of the academic journey for incoming students. Staff and faculty will participate in the event, which will be followed by a barbecue and block party.

Retta, best known for her role on TV’s Parks and Recreation, will perform stand-up comedy at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building lecture hall.

GrooveBoston will bring a club atmosphere to campus, complete with a light show and live DJs spinning dance music, at 8 p.m. Sept. 1 in the gym.