UT Dallas Convocation bar-b-que

University Convocation will be followed by a barbecue dinner Sunday on the Mall.

The University of Texas at Dallas will greet new and returning students with Welcome Week activities that include “Harry Potter”-themed games, a silent disco, water games and plenty of free food.

Organized by student organizations and campus departments, Welcome Week has expanded to more than 40 events over two weeks.

“Every year we talk about how we want to make Welcome Week bigger and better for our students. Whether students want to participate in an afternoon at our Rec N’ Wild waterpark or show their Comet pride by swapping another university T-shirt for a brand-new UT Dallas shirt, students are guaranteed to have fun,” said Briana Lemos, director of student development.

Welcome Week banner

Full Schedule: For details about activities from Sunday through Sept. 3, 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.

Activities will begin with the formal University Convocation, featuring UT Dallas’ fifth president, Dr. Richard Benson, as keynote speaker. Benson arrived in July from Virginia Tech, where he was dean of the College of Engineering. The convocation, which marks the start of the academic journey for incoming students, will be followed by a barbecue dinner.

A new activity this year is Muggles vs. Thrones, a series of games and themed stations based on “Harry Potter” and “Game of Thrones.”  

Also, UT Dallas’ Parking and Transportation will help students navigate changes on campus with a showcase at Chess Plaza, including updates on most convenient places to park.

Rec N' Wild will feature water rides, games and treats at the Softball Field. Students can participate that evening in the Silent Disco, a dance with wireless headphones, in Recreation Center West.

Campus departments and offices will provide free food during Welcome Week that includes cupcakes, ice cream, nachos, breakfast tacos and root beer floats.