Faculty and staff should mark their calendars for not one but two important events as we start the new year:

One is the Fall Convocation and the other is the New Student Celebration. This is the first time a general invitation has been given out for the New Student Celebration, because, well, it’s for students!

But here’s how we’re making this year’s event extra special: As the new students attend the celebration in The Pavilion at the ARC, faculty, staff and returning students are asked to assemble outside, to cheer the new students when they exit the building. Be sure to wear blue and gold!

“We are hoping to make this a new tradition, to give our new students a giant welcome, to show them that we’re all here to support them,” Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi said. “To show them Aggie Pride is very real.”

The New Student Celebration is scheduled from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21. Faculty, staff and returning students are asked to gather at about 4:30 p.m. at The Pavilion’s northeast corner.

The students will emerge at 5, on their way to a barbecue and Resource Fair on the Hutchison intramural field. Faculty, staff and returning students are invited to stay for dinner, for $12 or one swipe of a meal card.

Interested in participating in the giant welcome? RSVP here.

‘Building Our Future’

The Fall Convocation will be the next day, Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. in Jackson Hall at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts.

This ceremonial start to the new year is for faculty, staff, students and the wider community — everyone who cares about UC Davis. This year’s theme is “Building Our Future.”

The speakers: Chancellor Katehi; Rep. Doris Matsui of Sacramento; Michael Lairmore, dean, School of Veterinary Medicine; André Knoesen, chair, Academic Senate; and Harris Lewin, vice chancellor, Office of Research.

Ralph J. Hexter, provost and executive vice chancellor, will be the master of ceremonies. Students will participate in the music portion of the program, featuring a chamber chorus and marimba duo

A reception will follow on the Vanderhoef Quad, with refreshments and displays.

Other dates to remember

• Move-in weekend — Sept. 19-20.
• First day of instruction — Thursday, Sept. 24.
• Transfer Fall Welcome — 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, ARC Ballroom.
• The BUZZ — 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, Quad. Annual celebration for all students, featuring a concert and break dance battle, Euro Bungee and inflatables, food and more, including lots of giveaways.
• Homecoming lunch hour events — Monday-Friday, Oct. 5-9, South Patio, Memorial Union.
• Pajamarino — 4:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9. Parade starts at 4:30 p.m. at Central Park, Third and C streets, and goes to the Amtrak station, 840 Second St., for celebration from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
• Homecoming football game — 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10. Aggies vs. Northern Arizona.
• Davis Neighbors Night Out — Noon-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. Tenth annual Neighbors Night Out, a celebration of community, a time for block parties aimed at fostering good rapport among UC Davis students and their neighbors. Sponsored by UC Davis and its student government, and the city of Davis. Read more in this Dateline article. Register your block party here.

Check out the Fall Welcome calendar. Have an event that isn’t listed there? Submit it here.

Sign-ups are still being taken for the Resource Fair on Sept. 21. Interested departments and units should contact Richard Ronquillo by phone, (530) 752-1736, or email.

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