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As Move-in fast approaches for the fall semester, many across the Allegheny College campus have been working to plan activities and bring new traditions to Gator Week of Welcome, a series of events leading up to the first day of classes on August 24.

“We have so many exciting events to welcome new students and welcome back our returning students,” said Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students April Thompson. “From the pep rally and class gatherings to a new format for Matriculation, we have so many opportunities for students to meet each other and get to know campus.”

Gator Week of Welcome begins with two campus-wide Move-in days on August 18 and 19, with faculty, student, and staff volunteers assisting students as they arrive. Other events scheduled for the Move-in days include programs in residence halls and activities on the Gator Quad hosted by the Department of Athletics and Recreation and the Career Education Office.

“We are welcoming all students — and by extension all members of the community — ‘back’ to Allegheny after a very difficult 18 months,” said Dean of Student Success Ian Binnington. “It is really important that we start to rebuild the face-to-face community that served us so well as an institution before the pandemic.”

Activities will be held daily during Gator Week of Welcome, including Sunday’s Camp Allegheny outdoor activities and the campus-wide Residence Hall Competition. Students can also attend events ranging from academic information sessions to a scavenger hunt to meet-and-greets with student organizations — all to help reconnect students to each other and to the many supportive aspects of Allegheny.

First-year students will have additional required programming, including activities to introduce them to campus life and help with their transition to college. New students will also participate in the traditional Academic Convocation and Matriculation Ceremony, which serves as their formal welcome to the College’s community of scholars.

In a new tradition, second-year, junior, and senior students will gather in separate assemblies designed for each class year. President Hilary Link, Provost and Dean of the College Ron Cole, members of the faculty and administration, and class officers will welcome students back to campus. Each assembly will be followed by a reception for class members.

Binnington and Thompson both noted the dedication and work that many individuals have put into preparing for Gator Week of Welcome, born out of full support and care for each student that comes to Allegheny.

“The range of programming and events we have planned is truly exciting and is truly a joint effort from across campus,” said Binnington. “Multiple offices are hosting or sponsoring events and we’ve really seen an all-hands-on-deck mentality from our professional staff. It is a privilege to work alongside and lead such dedicated teams.

“Additionally, First-year Class Dean Niki Fjeldal and Associate Dean of Students Jen Foxman really stepped up. They took over the leadership of welcome week on very short notice, for Niki in the literal first week of employment at Allegheny, and have done an amazing job on a very tight time frame.”

View the full schedule of Gator Week of Welcome events here.