Southpaw at Convocation

Week of Welcome

August 16-30, 2025

Week of Welcome (WOW) is designed to celebrate the start of a new term, welcome the USA community back to campus, and connect students to the people, places, and groups that drive relationships and belonging at South. We have designed a schedule full of academic and social events to highlight our exceptional campus community.

Our goal is to help you get connected and make sure your time at South is phenomenal. You will have the opportunity to meet students across a wide range of areas, learn about student organizations, and discover opportunities to connect with faculty in learning experiences ranging from the classroom to the Gulf of Mexico. We look forward to meeting you at one of these opening events. Welcome to South Alabama!

Students at Convocation

 

 

Week of Welcome

 

Things to do during Week of Welcome


Saturday, Aug 16
First Night: Rock the Rec
Student Center Recreation
6-9 pm
Jaguar Productions and Campus Recreation and Wellness invite you to kick off your college experience at First Night: Rock the Rec! After an eventful day of moving into your residence hall, celebrate by jumping into the pool, finding new friends at dodgeball, or trying a local food truck. 

 

 


Sunday, Aug 17

Fraternity and Sorority Life Cookout
Sorority Commons
2-5 pm

Swing by the FSL cookout to enjoy free food, music, games, and a laid-back atmosphere. Meet members of South’s fraternities and sororities, along with plenty of other students from across campus.Whether you're curious about Greek life or just want to hang out, this is a great chance to connect and have some fun. Just good vibes and new connections. Bring your crew and come through! 

 

 

 


Monday, August 18

College of Engineering Welcome Station
Shelby Hall West Entrance
8-10 am

The College of Engineering is rolling out the red carpet for our #EngineeringJags with fresh donuts, music, and nothing but good vibes. Swing by the West entrance of Shelby Hall and help us kick off the semester the right way. We can’t wait to welcome you back!

 

Convocation
Mitchell Center
11 am - Noon
Let the good times roar! Join us at the Mitchell Center as we kick off the new academic school year in true Mobile style, with a Mardi Gras-themed Convocation celebration like no other. This high-energy tradition welcomes new and returning students with a morning full of South spirit, featuring show-stopping performances by the Jaguar Marching Band, South Alabama Cheerleaders, and appearances from our beloved mascots Southpaw and Miss Pawla. And that’s not all, we’re bringing the festive flair of Mardi Gras to campus with vibrant visuals, lively music, and a surprise guest you won’t want to miss.

Southbound Open House
Mobile Townhouse
12:30-2 pm

Join your Southbound Orientation Leaders for our Open House immediately following Convocation at the Mobile Townhouse. This is your chance to cool off, get your questions answered, find your classes, and connect with fellow incoming Jags before the first day of class kicks off. We’re here to help you feel confident and prepared as you start your South journey. Refreshments will be available while they last!

 


College of Arts and Sciences Open House
Humanities Courtyard and all A&S Departments
12:30-2:30 pm

Chill out with the College of Arts and Sciences at our Ice Cream Social in the Humanities Building Courtyard! While you’re cruising through your schedule, swing by any of our open house spots. Whether it’s your major, your minor, or just a department that sparks your curiosity. Meet the people behind the scenes, get the inside scoop, and let us help you track down your fall classes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, August 19

WOW Help Tents
Various Locations
7:30 am-3:30 pm

Got questions about your schedule or where to find campus resources? Navigating your first semester as a Jag? Swing by our Help Tent and connect with friendly fellow Jags ready to guide you, share tips, and help you make your best start! Don’t miss out on making connections and getting the support you need.

College of Engineering Welcome Station
Shelby Hall West Entrance
7:30 am-3:30 pm

The College of Engineering is rolling out the red carpet for our #EngineeringJags with fresh donuts, music, and nothing but good vibes. Swing by the West entrance of Shelby Hall and help us kick off the semester the right way. We can’t wait to welcome you back!

Doughnuts in the Communication Department
Communication Building Lobby
9-11 am

Swing by the Communication Department Lobby for a sweet start to Fall 2025! Grab some delicious doughnuts while mingling with faculty and fellow students. Discover the exciting opportunities across the four Communication majors and kick off your semester fueled with great vibes and tasty treats!


Biomedical Library Pop-Up
HAHN Lobby
10 am-1 pm

Ready to conquer your next assignment or just curious about the Biomedical Library? Swing by our table and meet your go-to library experts. Discover powerful resources, get personalized help from your liaison, and unlock tips to make your research a breeze. Arrive early to snag a cool giveaway!

Pizza and Prints
Student Center Terrace
10 am-1 pm

Get ready for Pizza and Prints, the ultimate mixer hosted by the Political Science and Criminal Justice Department! Dive into a dynamic evening where you’ll connect with passionate faculty and industry pros, uncover exciting career paths, and fuel up with delicious pizza. Whether you're plotting your future or just looking for a good time, this event packs networking, insights, and fun all in one slice.

World Cafe
HUMB 337
11 am-12:30 pm

Swing by the Language Resource Center for a cozy coffee break with snacks! Sip, snack, and sharpen your skills by learning how to order coffee in multiple languages from around the world. It’s a global coffee experience you don’t want to miss.


CEADR Ice Cream Social
Student Center Mall
11 am-1 pm

Come chill out with CEADR! Beat the heat and kick off the semester right at CEADR’s Ice Cream Social! Swing by for free ice cream, sweet CEADR swag, and a chance to connect with our awesome community. Whether you’re new to campus or just craving a cool treat, this is the perfect midday break you don’t want to miss!

CNAH Dessert with Deans
Health Science Lobby
2-3 pm

Got a sweet tooth and big dreams? Join the College of Nursing and the College of Allied Health Professions for a relaxed evening of desserts, conversation, and connection. Whether you’re just starting out or already finding your groove, this is your chance to meet the deans, chat with college leaders, and vibe with fellow students. Come for the sweets, stay for the insight, support, and community.
Movie Night at the Stadium
Hancock Whitney Stadium
6-9 pm

 

To celebrate your first day of class, join Jaguar Productions for a fun and relaxing night at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Immediately following the aerial photo on the field, grab a spot on the turf to watch a movie as the sun sets on your favorite gameday destination. Don't forget your blankets and chairs for the ultimate movie-watching experience! For more information and to keep up with our events all year long, follow @JPSouthAL on Instagram!

Wednesday, August 20
WOW Help Tents
Various Locations
7:30 am-3:30 pm
Got questions about your schedule or where to find campus resources? Navigating your first semester as a Jag? Swing by our Help Tent and connect with friendly fellow Jags ready to guide you, share tips, and help you make your best start! Don’t miss out on making connections and getting the support you need.

Doughnuts in the Communication Department
Communication Building Lobby
9-11 am

Swing by the Communication Department Lobby for a sweet start to Fall 2025! Grab some delicious doughnuts while mingling with faculty and fellow students. Discover the exciting opportunities across the four Communication majors and kick off your semester fueled with great vibes and tasty treats!

Biomedical Library Pop-Up
HAHN Lobby
10 am-1 pm

Ready to conquer your next assignment or just curious about the Biomedical Library? Swing by our table and meet your go-to library experts. Discover powerful resources, get personalized help from your liaison, and unlock tips to make your research a breeze. Arrive early to snag a cool giveaway!


World Cafe
HUMB 337
11 am-12:30 pm

Swing by the Language Resource Center for a cozy coffee break with snacks! Sip, snack, and sharpen your skills by learning how to order coffee in multiple languages from around the world. It’s a global coffee experience you don’t want to miss.

Craft Your Carry-On with Global USA
Meisler Hall, Second Floor
11 am-1 pm

Whether you're strutting through the airport or cruising the grocery aisle, your custom-designed tote is guaranteed to make a statement. Swing by to create your own one-of-a-kind canvas tote using paint, markers, patches, and more! While you design, take your taste buds on a trip with a global snack tasting, and learn how Global USA can take you places, too.

Lead The Way: Snacks and Success
Student Center Mall
11 am-2 pm

Kick off your year with purpose, new connections, and tasty treats! Swing by the NSLS table during Week of Welcome to snag some snacks, meet powerful student leaders, and discover how The National Society of Leadership and Success can fuel your journey to unlocking your full potential. Don’t just start the semester, own it!


Jag Safe: Campus Self-Defense Workshop
Student Center Ballroom
4-5:30 pm

Step into your strength and take control of your safety in this hands-on, interactive workshop designed just for Jaguars like you. Learn real-world skills and practical techniques to boost your confidence, sharpen your awareness, and protect yourself in any situation. Guided by expert certified instructors, you’ll dive into powerful demos and training on situational awareness, physical self-defense moves, and setting personal boundaries. Whether you want to confidently own your walk across campus or be ready to support your friends, this workshop is your ticket to feeling unstoppable. Come ready to move, learn, and leave empowered.

Field Night with Dayspring U
Intramural Fields
7-9 pm

Join Dayspring U for Field Night at the Intramural Fields! It will be an evening packed with games, prizes, and nonstop fun under the stars! Whether you’re ready to compete, cheer on your friends, or just hang out and vibe, there’s something for everyone. From classic field games to surprise challenges, you’ll have plenty of chances to make some great memories.
 

Thursday, August 21

Biomedical Library Pop-Up
HAHN Lobby
10 am-1 pm


Ready to conquer your next assignment or just curious about the Biomedical Library? Swing by our table and meet your go-to library experts. Discover powerful resources, get personalized help from your liaison, and unlock tips to make your research a breeze. Arrive early to snag a cool giveaway!

OMS Popsicle Social
Student Center Amphitheater Breezeway
2-3:30 pm


Cool off and chill out with the Office of Military Services at the Student Center Amphitheatre breezeway for a refreshing popsicle social that’s the ultimate way to beat the heat!

CEPS Lawn Games
HKS Lawn
2-4 pm


Chill, play, and win with CEPS! Swing by the lawn for an afternoon of fun in the sun with the College of Education and Professional Studies! We’re talking lawn games, icy popsicles, awesome prizes, and plenty of good vibes. Whether you’re here to compete, chill out, or just snag a treat, there’s something for everyone.


CEPS Graduate Student Welcome
UCOM 3212
5:30-7 pm


Kick off your grad school journey with good food, great people, and even better advice! Join faculty and fellow graduate students from the College of Education and Professional Studies as we welcome our newest grad students. Mingle, munch, and make connections while getting real insights on how to thrive in graduate school, both in and out of the classroom. Let’s start strong, together.
School of Computing Game Night
Shelby Hall Atrium and Room 2119
5:30-8 pm

Get ready for an epic night with the School of Computing’s student organizations. Dive into a world of video games, board games, and nonstop fun. Bring your game face and fuel up with tasty snacks. Don’t miss out, let’s level up together!
 

Friday, August 22

Biomedical Library Pop-Up
HAHN Lobby
10 am-1 pm

Kick off your year with purpose, new connections, and tasty treats! Swing by the NSLS table during Week of Welcome to snag some snacks, meet powerful student leaders, and discover how The National Society of Leadership and Success can fuel your journey to unlocking your full potential. Don’t just start the semester, own it!

Sundaes with SSoMES
Education and Outreach Building, First Floor
11:30 am-1:30 pm

Sundaes with SSoMES is back and better than ever! Start the fall semester off right with cool treats and even cooler company. Join the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences for an afternoon of ice cream, creativity, and connection. Reconnect with classmates, meet new faces, and get the inside scoop on what’s coming up this semester. We’re serving up more than just sundaes. Enjoy hands-on crafts, exciting giveaways, and a few sweet surprises along the way. Whether you're a seasoned Jag or just diving into the program, this laid-back kickoff is the perfect way to mix, mingle, and make the most of your start to the year. Bring your appetite, your curiosity, and your friends. We can’t wait to see you there!
Academic Services Carnival
Academic Services Center
Noon-2 pm

Kick off the semester in style at the Academic Services Carnival, hosted by the Office of Military Services, Second Year Experience, Student Academic Success, the Math Lab, Academic Advising and Transfer Services, and Career Development! This high-energy, drop-in event is your one-stop shop for campus connections, academic support, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you're looking for tips, treats, or just a good time between classes, we've got you covered. There will be ice cream, drinks, crafts, interactive games, and tons of giveaways. Come for the support, stay for the good time.

Sunday, August 24
Color Rush Dodgeball
Intramural Fields
7-8:30 pm

Get ready to let the paint fly in the most chaotic, colorful dodgeball game on campus. Dodge splatter-loaded dodgeballs, duck the drips, and dive into a wild mess of paint and fun. Wear white if you dare, as this is your chance to turn your t-shirt into a work of art. Come for the chaos, stay for the memories. Let’s get messy!

 

 

Monday, August 25
Study Abroad Open House
Meisler Hall 2300
1-4 pm
Swing by the Study Abroad Office and kickstart your global journey! Meet the team and chat with Study Abroad Ambassadors who’ve been there, done that, and want to help you do it too. Discover where your classroom could be next semester.

SGA General Body Meeting
Student Center Ballroom
7 pm

The Student Government Association is the voice and governing body of the students at South. Join them for their first general body meeting of the semester and find out how you can enhance the student experience by getting involved in SGA.

 


Tuesday, August 26
Get On Board Day and Job Fair
Student Center, First and Second Floor
11am- 2 pm
With over 270+ student organizations at South, this is your chance to meet new people, discover your passions, and learn how to get plugged into campus life. From cultural orgs and service groups to leadership opportunities and everything in between, there’s something for everyone! Additionally, Career Development will host a Part-Time Job Fair during this time. This is where you can meet departments and local employers offering flexible, student-friendly part-time jobs.

First Year Council Open House
Student Center Terrace
5-7 pm

Kick off your college journey with the First Year Council Open House! Discover how you can jump in, make an impact, and connect with fellow first-year students. Hear firsthand stories from former FYC members about their unforgettable experiences. Get all the details on membership perks, requirements, and application deadlines. Plus, enjoy some tasty refreshments while you mingle. Your first step to leadership starts here!
 

Wednesday, August 27

Transfer T-shirt Swap
Student Center Mall
8:30 am-Noon

Did you just transfer to South? We are pumped to have you join the Jaguar family! As part of Week of Welcome, swing by our Transfer T-Shirt Swap. Bring a shirt from your previous school and swap it for fresh USA gear, because you’re officially a Jag now. While you're there, meet our awesome Transfer Ambassadors, connect with other new transfers, and find out how to get involved with Tau Sigma, the national honor society just for transfer students. It’s a new campus, a new t-shirt, and a new start. Let’s do this.

Biomedical Library Pop-Up
HAHN Lobby
10 am-1 pm

Ready to conquer your next assignment or just curious about the Biomedical Library? Swing by our table and meet your go-to library experts. Discover powerful resources, get personalized help from your liaison, and unlock tips to make your research a breeze. Arrive early to snag a cool giveaway!

English Soapbox Event: Radical Readings
HUMB Courtyard
11 am-12:30 pm

Ready to Get Lit(erary)? Join the English Department for a bold and brainy kickoff to the semester! Come fuel your mind and your sweet tooth with soda, cookies, candy, and radical reads. Faculty and students will share their favorite rebellious, thought-provoking, and downright powerful literary passages. Come for the snacks, stay for the words that move the world.


First Year Council Open House
Student Center Terrace
5-7 pm

Kick off your college journey with the First Year Council Open House! Discover how you can jump in, make an impact, and connect with fellow first-year students. Hear firsthand stories from former FYC members about their unforgettable experiences. Get all the details on membership perks, requirements, and application deadlines. Plus, enjoy some tasty refreshments while you mingle. Your first step to leadership starts here!
 
 

Thursday, August 28

Biomedical Library Pop-Up
HAHN Lobby
8:30 am-Noon

Ready to conquer your next assignment or just curious about the Biomedical Library? Swing by our table and meet your go-to library experts. Discover powerful resources, get personalized help from your liaison, and unlock tips to make your research a breeze. Arrive early to snag a cool giveaway!
Vibes and Vision Boards
Marx Library, Second Floor
11 am-1 pm
Are you new to USA or back for another awesome semester? Kick it off right with Vibes and Vision Boards: Blueprint Your Semester Success hosted by the Marx Library and the Center for Academic Excellence. Drop in, chill out, and get creative! You’ll have the opportunity to craft a vision board to map your goals or fold away your stress at our origami table. Whether you’re manifesting big dreams or just want to unwind and meet fellow Jags, this laid-back, hands-on hangout is the perfect way to start your semester with purpose and some seriously good energy.

Study Abroad 101: Explore the Pop-sibilities
Location TBD
3-5 pm

Cool down with a popsicle and heat up your future at this laid-back hangout hosted by the Office of International Education. Meet the Study Abroad squad, both advisors and ambassadors, who’ll help you map out your global adventure. From epic destinations to scholarship opportunities, this is your one-stop shop for turning wanderlust into reality.


Creative Writing Open Mic
Student Center 203
4-5 pm

Get ready for an afternoon of tasty pizza and powerful poetry! Come vibe with us, grab a slice, and step up to the mic to share your words or cheer on others. It’s the perfect mix of flavor and flow that you don’t want to miss.

Seoul Sync: Back to School Bash
Student Center Ballroom
6-9 pm

Get ready to kick off the semester with a bang at the welcome back bash with Seoul251! Dive into an electrifying night where fun meets fierce competition. Meet the Seoul251 crew, then put your game face on for thrilling Squid Game challenges that’ll test your skills and nerves. Win exciting prizes, show off your moves during a wild round of Random Dance Play, and fuel up with delicious Korean eats. It’s the ultimate night to reconnect, compete, and vibe hard to everything K-pop.
 

Friday, August 29
WOW Finale- Hosted by Jaguar Productions & NPHC

Jagstravaganza
Moulton Tower
5PM-8PM

NPHC Yard Show
Student Center Amphitheater
7PM-9PM

 

Join us for the ultimate Week of Welcome Finale as Jaguar Productions and the National Pan-Hellenic Council come together for an unforgettable experience! Kick off the evening with Jagstravaganza, a high-energy block party featuring music, food trucks, thrilling activities, and personalized memorabilia. Then experience the tradition and culture of the NPHC Yard Show, highlighting the Divine Nine through powerful stepping and coordinated performances.
 

 


Saturday, August 30
South Alabama Football vs. Morgan State
Hancock Whitney Stadium
6 pm
South Alabama Football kicks off the season with a showdown against Morgan State at 6 p.m. in Hancock Whitney Stadium. Wear your red, white, and blue, and bring the energy as we launch into another unforgettable season of Jaguar football. Come early, get loud, and let's make some noise for the Jags!
 

 

 

JagLife Bingo: Fresh Start Edition

Start your semester strong with a fun, social twist on wellness that’s all about making moves, forming habits, and feeling your best during Week of Welcome! This isn’t just bingo—it’s your invitation to explore campus, try healthy habits, and show off your Jag spirit. Each square on the bingo card features simple wellness tasks—like taking a walk outside, attending a campus event, or trying a new self-care routine. Follow @usa_jagfitwellness for details and to get started!