ANN ARBOR—Ceremonies, pep rallies and other activities will greet new and returning students for fall semester at the University of Michigan. There are many back-to-school story possibilities for the media.

From Aug. 29 through Sept. 2, students move into the residence halls. The first big move-in activity occurs on Aug. 29 in Baits houses, 1230 and 1440 Hubbard. Markley (1503 Washington Heights) and Alice Lloyd (100 Observatory) move-in occurs on Aug. 30. The largest freshman move-in dates are Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, at a variety of residence halls.

Residence halls are private residential communities, and members of the media are not allowed inside the halls without special permission and a staff escort. For questions about move-in and/or to request access to the halls, please contact Alan Levy at (734) 763-4104.

There will be lots of activity happening outside and around the residence halls, so interior access is not necessary to get a good photo and/or story. For details on U-M’s media access policy, visit: http://mc.umich.edu/forum/guidelines.html#media.

U-M is planning for another very large freshman class, with about 6,000 first-year students expected to enroll this fall. Last year’s entering class of 6,040 broke all previous records. In order to welcome all students back to campus, several activities have been planned. Here are some highlights:

Aug. 31, 2-3 p.m.:

U-M President Mary Sue Coleman will serve free ice cream to students and parents during move-in at South Quad, 600 E. Madison. Ice cream stations staffed by administrators will be featured at various locations during Move-In week.

Sept. 1, 7-8:15 p.m.:

New Student Convocation, a ceremony welcoming new students to the Michigan community, at Crisler Arena. President Coleman and Admissions Director Ted Spencer will speak, among others.

Sept. 1, 8 p.m.:

Immediately following New Student Convocation, students will be invited to “Artscapade” at the Museum of Art, or “Escapade” at the Michigan Union, for music, games, food, tours, and other fun activities.

Sept. 2, 3-5 p.m.:

President Coleman will have an open house for all new and returning students at her home, 815 S. University.  

Sept. 2, 4-6:30 p.m.:

Maize Craze, a huge outdoor pep rally at Palmer Field, will feature the Marching Band, Athletic Department coaches, games, food and more.

Sept. 2, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.:

As part of Meijer Madness, students ride on buses to the Meijer store on Ann Arbor-Saline Road for shopping, games, music, food and prizes. Hundreds of students typically participate.

Sept. 3, 12-2 p.m.:

Prior to the first U-M football game (the opponent is Northern Illinois University), students will enjoy a tailgate party at Palmer Field.

Sept. 4-5:

CHANGE, Creating a Healthy and New Generation of Equality, provides all students with an opportunity to connect with Michigan’s commitment to diversity.

Specific programs are listed below:

Keynote Speaker Dr. Maura Cullen, “In the Spirit of CHANGE: Toto We’re Not in Kansas Anymore.” Sept. 4, 3-5:30 p.m. Pierpont Commons East Room; 6:30-9 p.m. Palmer Commons Forum Room; and Sept. 5, 9-10:30 a.m. Michigan Union Pendleton Room.

Sept. 5, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.:

Community Plunge gathers several hundred students for a day of service activities in the Ann Arbor community. Students meet in the Anderson Room of the Michigan Union, then head out to help with homeless shelters, environmental clean-up, food preparation, etc.

Sept. 5, 2:30-4:30 p.m.:

Community Dialogues in the Palmer Commons Great Lakes Rooms will give students a chance to discuss cultural similarities, differences and what diversity at Michigan is all about.

A complete schedule of Welcome Week activities is posted at http://www.onsp.umich.edu/incoming_freshmen/welcome/index.html.  

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