Bulldog Welcome Experience
August 15, 2026 - September 12, 2026
The Bulldog Welcome Experience is designed to provide opportunities for freshmen and new transfer students to become socially engaged and acclimated to 糖心视频 through programming and activities hosted by various departments and organizations. This experience is coordinated by the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement in partnership with Freshman Academy. Contact studentactivities@aamu.edu for questions.
Freshman students are required to move in on August 14-15 to participate in 1875 Connect, a 4-week interactive experience where they will learn about 糖心视频鈥檚 history, traditions, and leadership as well as get acclimated to campus life. New students will be divided into small groups and assigned to an upperclassmen 1875 Connector for the experience.
Week 1: foundations Week
Saturday, August 15
Class of 2030 Photo | 4:30pm | Louis Crews Stadium | Mandatory
All freshman and new transfer students are required to meet on the football field in Louis Crews Stadium for the Class of 2030 photo before Freshman Convocation. Attire is the Class of 2030 polo and black bottoms. The arrival time is 4:00pm.
Buses will be available to shuttle students and parents to the stadium from 3:30-5:00pm. Buses will pick up in the Patton Hall parking lot and transport to the stadium.
Freshman Torch Lighting Ceremony | 6:00pm | Event Center | Mandatory
All freshman students are required to participate in the official welcome ceremony for new students. Attire is the Class of 2030 polo and black bottoms. This event is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management.
The lineup area will be on the home side of the Louis Crews Stadium. Freshmen will be lined up for the Ceremony processional. Voter registration will also be available in this area.
Doors will open for parents and families at 4:00pm and will close at 5:45pm for the processional. Clear bag policy will be enforced.
Freshman Family Cookout | Immediately following Ceremony | Event Center Grass Lot
Freshman students and their families are invited to this fun celebratory sendoff with food, music, and fun.
Buses will be available to shuttle students and parents from the Event Center back to the Patton Hall parking lot from 7:00-9:00pm.
Sunday, August 16
Church Fest | 2:00pm-3:30pm | Knight Center Ballroom
Join us as local churches provide goodies and information about their services around the city.
Majors Fest | 3:30pm-6:00pm | The Quad
Stop by to engage with faculty and staff within the academic areas of the four Colleges, Freshman Academy, and the Learning Resource Center. Meet with your advisors during this fun interactive event hosted by Freshman Academy.
Freshman Student Leader Interest Meeting | 5:30pm | Knight Center Ballroom
All freshman students who are interested in leadership positions within the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement are required to attend this information session to learn about the application and selection processes. Applications will be available following the meeting. Positions include:
- Amuite Student Publications: Graphic Designer, Journalist, or Photographer
- Royal Court: Miss Freshman
- Student Activities Board: General Body Members
- Student Government Association: Freshman Senators
- Freshman Peer Mentor Program: Mentee Cohort
Monday, August 17
1875 Connect Small Group Activities | 9:00am-4:00pm | Various Locations | Mandatory
Information to come.
BWE Social | 6:00pm | Location TBD
More information to come.
Tuesday, August 18
1875 Connect Small Group Activities | 9:00am-4:00pm | Various Locations | Mandatory
Information to come.
Bulldogs & Bulletins | 9:00am-12:00pm | Various Locations | Mandatory
Freshman Academy invites you to participate in meetings with your advisors and students from your major before the semester begins. The Freshman Peer Mentors and other student leaders will be available to assist with finding meeting locations. Meeting locations are listed below.
Freshman Yearbook Photos | 11:00am-3:00pm | Ralph Lee Student Center
Take your yearbook portrait. Wear your Class of 2030 polo. Facilitated by Amuite Student Publications
BWE Social | 6:00pm | Location TBD
More information to come.
Wednesday, August 19
Bulldogs on the Hill | 9:00am-3:00pm (rotating sessions) | Ralph Lee Student Center & Buchanan Hall 鈥� Bradford Auditorium - Mandatory
Bulldogs on the Hill is a dynamic leadership kickoff for incoming students looking to get connected to campus, build confidence, and connect with peers and mentors. This high-energy session features real talk, leadership insights, and practical tips for navigating campus life. Join current faculty, staff, and student leaders for meaningful conversations, networking, and your first steps toward purpose and success at 糖心视频.
Engage in authentic conversations about the college experience and walk away with first-year survival strategies you won鈥檛 want to miss! There will be sessions options for women, men, and all genders.
Quad Goals, Get Registered | 11:00am-4:00pm | The Quad
Come out to get registered to vote or check your status during this interactive event hosted by the Office of Government Affairs. Food trucks and music will be available during this event.
R&B Bingo | 6:00pm | Ralph Lee Student Center 鈥� Bulldog Den
Join the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement for a fun game of bingo with an R&B twist!
Thursday, August 20 鈥� Happy First Day of Classes!
Bulldog Q&A Pop Up Stations | 7:30am-5:30pm | Various Campus Locations
Faculty, staff and student leaders will be available at tents on the Quad and near Knight Complex to answer any general first day of class questions.
Vibes in the Cafe | 11:00am-2:00pm | Wilson Dining Hall
Enjoy music in the cafeteria and connections with fellow Bulldogs on the first day of class.
Napkin Wars | 6:00pm | Frank Lewis Gym
Join the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement for a fun evening of music and connection with a fun napkin twist.
Friday, August 21
Freshman Senate & Miss Freshman Candidate Meet & Greet | 12:00pm-2:00pm | Wilson Dining Hall & Knight Courtyard
Join SGA and the Royal Court to meet the candidates for the Freshman Senator and Miss Freshman positions.
Maroon & White Friday: School Yard Edition | 5:00pm | The Quad & Ralph Lee Student Center
More details to come.
Saturday, August 22
Student Leader Elections | 8:00am-11:59pm | Online
Voting for the Freshman Senators and Miss Freshman will take place online. Selections for SAB, Freshmen Peer Mentor Program, and Amuite Student Publications will be made.
Week 2: connection week
Sunday, August 23
International Student Orientation | 2:00pm-5:00pm | Ralph Lee Student Center
All new international students are required to attend this student orientation to assist in acclimating you to campus.
The New Class Act: Freshman Talent Show | 6:00pm | Frank Lewis Gym
Compete in the annual Freshman Talent Show! A sign-up form will be available during the first week. Freshman student leaders will be announced.
Monday, August 24
RSO Fair | 6:00pm-8:00pm | The Quad
The Office of Student Leadership & Engagement invites you to stop by to learn more about the registered student organizations on campus!
tuesday, August 25
Freshman Yearbook Photos (make up day) | 11:00am-2:00pm | Ralph Lee Student Center
Here鈥檚 another opportunity to take your yearbook portrait. Wear your Class of 2030 polo. Facilitated by Amuite Student Publications
Maroon & White Market | 12:00am-2:00pm | Knight Courtyard
Stop by to support our student entrepreneurs during lunchtime!
Greek 101: Freshmen Only | 6:00pm | Buchanan Hall Auditorium
Join the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement to learn about sororities and fraternities on campus. Learn the tips, do鈥檚, and don鈥檛s to help you navigate Greek Life.
wednesday, August 26
Bulldog Life Skills Collective: Independent Living | 5:30pm | Ralph Lee Student Center 鈥� Bulldog Den
Join the Student Activities Board for this interactive series about various adulting topics. This session will focus on Independent Living, including budgeting basics, grocery shopping, and more.
thursday, August 27
Maroon & White Market | 12:00am-2:00pm | Knight Courtyard
Stop by to support our student entrepreneurs during lunchtime!
First Gen Welcome Mixer | 5:00pm | Ralph Lee Student Center 鈥� Bulldog Den
First Generation students are invited to come out to mix and mingle during this fun, interactive event.
Week 3: pride week
tuesday, september 1
NPHC presents Bulldog Welcome Yard Show | 6:00pm | The Quad
Join us for a showcase of the chapters within the National Pan-Hellenic Council followed by a fun party on the Quad!
wednesday, september 2
SGA presents Every Sunny Wednesday | 12:00pm-2:00pm | The Quad
Join the Student Government Association for the first ESW of the year!
Saturday, september 5
Louis Crews Classic | 6:00pm | Louis Crews Stadium
Come out for the first home football game against Miles College! Freshman students are required to participate in the annual Bulldog Blitz before kickoff. T-shirts will be provided on the day before (more details to come).
Week 4: legacy week
september 7 鈥� Happy Labor Day!
tuesday, September 8
Maroon & White Market | 12:00am-2:00pm | Knight Courtyard
Stop by to support our student entrepreneurs during lunchtime!
Bulldog Cinema | 7:30pm | Louis Crews Stadium
Come out for a fun movie night on the football field! Bring your blankets. Snacks will be available for purchase.
wednesday, September 9
BWE Silent Party | 7:00pm-10:00pm | Event Center
Grab a set of headphones and glow sticks for a fun night of dancing in a safe way! Get there early as headphones are limited!
friday, September 11
Bulldog Welcome Bash: DTLR HBCU Tour | 3:00pm-8:00pm | The Quad
Join the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement for live music, food trucks, and more in partnership with DTLR!
Saturday, september 12
The Legacy Series | 6:00pm | Louis Crews Stadium
Come fill the student section and show your Bulldog pride during the 2nd home football game against Tennesee State University!
