Welcome Week 2000 Features New Retreat for Freshman

Cincinnati -- Thousands of new students will converge on UC's campus to celebrate Welcome Week Sept. 16-23. Students will spend their first weekend building lasting relationships and learning how to be academically successful when they participate in a new retreat called Bearcat BOUND, short for Building Ourselves While Understanding New Directions.

Bearcat BOUND starts at noon Saturday, Sept. 16 in Shoemaker Center. Guest speaker Craig Ellis of the Making College Count Foundation will share college survival tips such as decision- making, setting goals and studying. The new program continues the friendships formed during summer orientation by keeping students in the same groups formed during orientation. They'll divide into their groups to build leadership and teamwork skills when they compete on the inflatable obstacle course, located on the upper athletic turf from 2:30 - 6 p.m.

UC's convocation Sunday, Sept. 17 will mark the closing ceremony of Bearcat BOUND and will display a dramatic symbol of unity for the new class. During summer orientation, the student groups designed canvas flags to reflect their thoughts of a Just Community, UC's initiative to respect and celebrate diversity across campus. The 205 flags have been tied together to form a 40 x 42-foot backdrop that will span the stage and be raised at the close of the ceremony.

Convocation begins at 2 p.m. in Shoemaker Center with a processional of faculty in their academic regalia. The ceremony will include an explanation of the symbolism behind the academic robes and hoods. The keynote speaker will be Cindy Berryman-Fink, professor of communication. Anthony Perzigian, senior vice president and provost for baccalaureate and graduate education, will offer the university welcome and Dan Phenice, UC student body president, will deliver the student address.

Welcome Week will continue to promote group activities and will feature events celebrating the university's commitment to service.

Click here for a complete schedule of events.