The University of South Alabama kicks off a new academic year with a host of back-to-school events, including JagFest on Saturday, Aug. 20, which features Move-In Day, a campus fair and president’s dinner buffet.
The highlight of JagFest this year is the opening of a four-story, 330-room residence hall and introduction of a new concept in campus life at USA. Built in response to increasing demand for campus housing, Stokes Residence Hall includes an apartment for a “Faculty in Residence” and incorporates “Learning Communities,” two of the latest trends on today’s college campuses.
Learning Communities improve student retention and success by integrating academic and campus life. Five different communities, including business, engineering, health and wellness, leadership, and nursing are featured in the new residence hall. Learning community faculty are considered “freshman friendly” and may also teach in the new residence hall classroom. Relationships between faculty and students will be strengthened with the presence of faculty in the new hall as well as the Faculty in Residence program.
The new residence hall is named in honor of USA alumni Dr. Steven H. Stokes and his wife, Angelia, in recognition of their contributions to the University. Dr. Stokes is a longtime member and former chair of USA’s Board of Trustees.
With the recent addition of Stokes Residence Hall, USA will have a record number of students living on campus, with 3,085 students residing at the University this fall. This number includes students living at The Grove, privately owned apartment-style student housing on USA’s campus.
Classes at USA begin on Monday, Aug. 22.
Upcoming USA back-to-school events include:
- Saturday, Aug. 20, JagFest (activities all day)
Move-In Day
9 a.m.-1 p.m. (media time), Stokes Residence Hall
USA President Gordon Moulton, faculty, staff, student organizations and administrators welcome and help new students move into residence halls.
Campus Fair
5-6:30 p.m. Mitchell Center Concourse
Features more than 100 information booths set up by USA student organization, business and community representatives. Refreshments are provided and door prizes are given away.
President’s Dinner Buffett
5:30-7 p.m., Mitchell Center
A welcoming dinner buffet for faculty, staff, administration, new students and their families hosted by USA President Gordon Moulton
Jaguar Marching Band Dress Rehearsal/Game Day Simulation-Open to the media
5 p.m., Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Ward Miller will be available to discuss the upcoming band season with the media. More than 200 band members to perform this season.
- Thursday, Aug. 25, Jag Bikes Program Kick-off
4 p.m., Moulton Tower
Be among the first students to ride a Jag Bike and get a free Jag Bike T-shirt!
Join President Gordon Moulton, faculty and student leaders, and the Jaguar Marching Band for the arrival of Jag Bikes for free use on campus. Free T-shirts to the first 500 students. Jag Bikes is the latest idea in Jag Smart, USA’s environmental sustainability program, which integrates the latest green principles in recycling, energy conservation, transportation, campus construction and campus life.
- Tuesday, Aug. 30, Jaguar Football Pep Rally Open to the Community.
6-8 p.m., Moulton Tower and Alumni Plaza.
- Wednesday, Aug. 31, National Pan-Hellenic Council Recruitment Event Informational
6 p.m., Humanities Building, Room 150
- Thursday, Sept. 1, Jaguar Football
First 2011 Season Game
Tailgating-Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Jaguar Prowl- 4:10 p.m., coaches and players walk south side of Ladd-Peebles.
Jaguars vs West Alabama-6:30 p.m. at Ladd-Peebles Stadium
- Thursday, Sept. 8, USA National Alumni Association Annual Meeting-All alumni invited. Cocktails
5:30 p.m., Mitchell Center, John Counts Room
Meeting
6 p.m., Mitchell Center, John Counts Room
Individual and season South Alabama Jaguar football tickets can be purchased by visiting www.usagameday.com or by calling (251) 461-1USA.
For more information on registration or readmission for former USA students, visit the USA Registrar’s Office online at www.southalabama.edu/registrar or call (251) 460-6251.
New students interested in applying for admission to the University can get information by visiting the USA Office of Admissions online at www.southalabama.edu/admissions or by calling (251) 460-6141. |
