Welcome Home
Week of Welcome 2025 will be special indeed, as we look to provide an amazing kick off for our incoming first-year and transfer students. Week of Welcome (WOW) is our way of welcoming you to the flock as a new UO student and celebrating what will be an exciting next chapter in your educational journey.
The week will kick off with our first signature event on Friday, September 26, following Unpack the Quack, our University Housing move-in experience. For more information about Unpack the Quack, check out the move-in website.
For the most up-to-date WOW information and schedule, keep checking this webpage for details as we approach September!
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The primary residence hall move-in days for fall 2025 are Thursday, September 25, and Friday, September 26. University Housing will send more information about your move-in experience.
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Residence Hall Community Meetings are an opportunity to meet your floormates, your resident assistant (RA), and orient yourselves to living in on-campus at the UO. For students who move in on Thursday, this meeting is mandatory.
Check your My Housing portal or ask your RA for your meeting date and location.
7:00 p.m.
Join us for events in residence halls around campus, hosted by the Residence Hall Association. We’ll have a hypnotist in the Global Scholars Hall Great Room, inflatables on the Global Scholars Hall Lawn, games in Kalapuya Ilihi Room 117, crafts in the new residence hall, karaoke in Carson Hall, a silent disco on the Living Learning Center Lawn, and crafts and a movie in Barnhart Hall!
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The primary residence hall move-in days for fall 2025 are Thursday, September 25, and Friday, September 26. University Housing will send more information about your move-in experience.
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Show your UO spirit and wear Ducks gear today! Stop by the Student Welcome Center in your green and yellow gear and receive a special Duck Friday giveaway or take a photo at the specialty Duck Friday photo area.
Duck out your day with specialty UO crafts with the Craft Center.
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Duck out your day with specialty UO crafts with the Craft Center.
Take a break from settling into your new nest and hang out with therapy dogs from FETCH, a local volunteer therapy dog group in Eugene.
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Take a break from settling into your new nest and hang out with therapy dogs from FETCH, a local volunteer therapy dog group in Eugene.
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Thor is the UO's explosive detection K9, and he works hard every day to keep campus and the community safe. Meet Thor and his handler, UOPD Officer Anthony Button, as they show you a day in the life of an explosive detection team. In the meantime, you can follow along with Thor’s adventures on his Instagram, @uopd_thor.
3:00–5:00 p.m.
Welcome Black* students and families to the Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center Open House! Come explore our space, connect with community, and learn about the resources, programs, and support available to you. We’re excited to celebrate your journey and be part of it!
*Black is an inclusive term for ANYONE who identifies as Black, African, African American, Afro-Latinx, Afro-Caribbean, or the African Diaspora.
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Residence Hall Community Meetings are an opportunity to meet your floormates, your resident assistant (RA), and orient yourselves to living in on-campus at the UO. This meeting is mandatory for all residents.
Check your My Housing portal or ask your RA for your meeting date and location.
8:00–10:00 p.m.
Kick off your first weekend at the UO with music, live performances, free food, games, and inflatable competitions! Come hang out and see everything the Rec Center has to offer during your time as a student.
If you’re in a First-Year Interest Group, check your email for details about your first FIG meeting.
9:00–11:00 a.m.
If you’re in a First-Year Interest Group, check your email for details about your first FIG meeting.
Take this opportunity to connect with student support resources and explore majors and minors. This is a great time to gather all your building blocks for the fall term.
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Take this opportunity to connect with student support resources and explore majors and minors. This is a great time to gather all your building blocks for the fall term.
No need to get lost. Bring your fall schedule and your walking shoes. We’ll help you look like an expert on your first day of classes.
11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
No need to get lost. Bring your fall schedule and your walking shoes. We’ll help you look like an expert on your first day of classes.
noon
The Erb Memorial Union (EMU) is your student union, where you can get involved, find your people, learn new crafts, meet new friends, adopt a favorite student spot, and more. Explore for yourself with an interactive tour with snacks, prizes, and activity passport.
2:00–4:00 p.m.
The Flock Party provides a fun, interactive, and informative celebration to welcome students and set the tone for the new year. Find an organization to join, get free food and swag, and have a blast at the UO's block party we call the Flock Party!
3:30–7:30 p.m.
It’s finally here. Game day! Cheer on the Oregon Ducks as they take on Penn State for an incredible game day experience with the Oregon Pit Crew. We encourage students to bring a chair or lawn blanket to sit and enjoy the watch party. Free food and Oregon Ducks giveaways available while supplies last.
8:00–10:00 p.m.
Kick off the year with us in Knight Library and enjoy live music, late night bites, a photobooth, mini-golf, trivia, carnival games, a video game lounge, DIY crafts (like tote bags and bracelets), instrument petting zoo, and prizes. This event has something for everyone! To see the full range of activities, check out the Guide to Knight at Night.
Bring a blanket and wear a cozy outfit to enjoy a movie on the lawn.
9:00–11:00 p.m.
Bring a blanket and wear a cozy outfit to enjoy a movie on the lawn.
No need to get lost. Bring your fall schedule and your walking shoes. We’ll help you look like an expert on your first day of classes.
10:00–11:15 a.m.
No need to get lost. Bring your fall schedule and your walking shoes. We’ll help you look like an expert on your first day of classes.
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Convocation is the traditional “calling together” of the university community as we start the new year and celebrate our new students. Parents and family members are welcome to attend.
2:00 p.m.
Following Convocation, meet up with your incoming classmates outside Hayward Field to make your way over the river and through the woods to Autzen Stadium.
For accommodations related to disability, please contact Student Orientation Programs at 541-346-1159 to learn more about the Access Shuttle to Autzen Stadium.
3:00–5:00 p.m.
This is one of our favorite traditions here at the UO. Meet at Hayward Field make the walk to Autzen Stadium with your incoming classmates. You’ll even receive your class T-shirt before entering the field!
Meet other transfer students, play some games, and grab some food during this social just for transfer students.
7:00–8:30 p.m.
Meet other transfer students, play some games, and grab some food during this social just for transfer students.
Meet other new transfer students and get connected to clubs and resources just for transfer students. You’ll also receive a “I transferred hOme” T-shirt!
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Meet other new transfer students and get connected to clubs and resources just for transfer students. You’ll also receive a “I transferred hOme” T-shirt!
Come learn how you can help plan events, advocate for residents, and build leadership skills. Bring your ideas and your friends!
8:00 p.m.
Come learn how you can help plan events, advocate for residents, and build leadership skills. Bring your ideas and your friends!
PARENT AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Thursday, September 25
Unpack the Quack
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Have your student check their My Housing portal for details about move-in!
Explore Eugene
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Student Welcome Center, Unthank Hall
There’s something about Eugene that makes it more than just special. Learn about the local businesses, eateries, shops, and sites to explore while in town.
Running Tour
9:30–10:30 a.m. | Student Welcome Center, Unthank Hall
Discover the history behind Eugene’s nickname “TrackTown USA” on a 3.7-mile tour of running trails surrounding the UO campus. Ambassadors run at a comfortable pace (10-minute mile) and stop frequently to point out landmarks, for an approximately 45-minute experience. Registration for this tour is closed and at capacity.
Parent and Family Lounge
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Erb Memorial Union, Lease Crutcher Lewis Room (023 EMU)
Come relax, enjoy refreshments, write a letter to your student, and meet university faculty members and staff. This is an informal space, and families are welcome to come and go as they please.
Parent and Family Marketplace
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Student Welcome Center, Unthank Hall
Immerse yourself in the traditions of the UO through activities and events and connect with community partners who want to welcome you and your Ducks family to the city of Eugene. Students, parents, and family members are welcome.
Friday, September 26
Unpack the Quack
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Have your student check their My Housing portal for details about move-in!
Explore Eugene
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Student Welcome Center, Unthank Hall
There’s something about Eugene that makes it more than just special. Learn about the local businesses, eateries, shops, and sites to explore while in town.
It's Duck Friday!
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Student Welcome Center, Unthank Hall
Show your UO spirit and wear Duck gear today! Stop by the Student Welcome Center in your green and yellow gear and receive a special Duck Friday giveaway or take a photo at the specialty Duck Friday photo area.
Duck Friday Crafts with the Craft Center
10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. | Student Welcome Center, Unthank Hall
Duck out your day with specialty UO crafts with the Craft Center.
Parent and Family Lounge
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Erb Memorial Union, Lease Crutcher Lewis Room (023 EMU)
Come relax, enjoy refreshments, write a letter to your student, and meet university faculty members and staff. This is an informal space, and families are welcome to come and go as they please.
Parent and Family Marketplace
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Student Welcome Center, Unthank Hall
Immerse yourself in the traditions of the UO through activities and events and connect with community partners who want to welcome you and your Ducks family to the city of Eugene. Students, parents, and family members are welcome.
Therapy Dogs
10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Student Welcome Center, Unthank Hall
Take a break from settling into your new nest and hang out with therapy dogs from FETCH, a local volunteer therapy dog group in Eugene. Come meet UOPD’s new K9 Support Therapy Dog, Daisy, and her handler, UOPD Officer Rebekah Galick.
Meet and Greet with Thor
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | Student Welcome Center, Unthank Hall
Thor is the UO's explosive detection K9, and he works hard every day to keep campus and the community safe. Come meet Thor and his handler, UOPD Officer Anthony Button, as they show you a day in the life of an explosive detection team. In the meantime, you can follow along with Thor’s adventures on his Instagram, @uopd_thor.
Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center Open House
3:00–5:00 p.m. | LRP Black Cultural Center
Welcome Black* students and families to the LRP Black Cultural Center Open House! Come explore our space, connect with community, and learn about the resources, programs, and support available to you. We’re excited to celebrate your journey and be part of it!
*Black is an inclusive term for ANYONE who identifies as Black, African, African American, Afro-Latinx, Afro-Caribbean, or the African Diaspora.
Saturday, September 27
Explore Eugene on Your Own
It’s your day to relax and enjoy everything Eugene has to offer. Whether It’s hiking, rafting, wine tasting, golfing, or checking out the Saturday Market, there’s so much to explore. Visit the Eugene, Cascades and Oregon Coast website to find local businesses and book your experience.
Football Watch Party – Oregon Ducks vs. Penn State Nittany Lions
3:30 p.m., game kickoff at 4:30 p.m. | Graduate Eugene, Trophy Room
Join fellow Ducks and alumni at the Graduate Eugene for a spirited watch party as Oregon takes on Penn State! Hosted with the UO Alumni Association's Lane County Chapter, it's the perfect chance to cheer on the Ducks, connect with your Duck family, and enjoy the energy of game day. Want to know if there will be future watch parties in your hometown? Connect with the UO Alumni Association during the watch party!
Sunday, September 28
New Student Convocation
1:00–2:00 p.m. | Hayward Field
Come to hear from UO President Karl Scholz and academic leaders. Your student’s academic journey starts here.
Walk to Autzen
2:00–2:45 p.m. | Departs from Hayward Field
After Convocation, follow other family members to Autzen Stadium for the class photo and pep rally. It’s over the river and through the woods. The walk to Autzen Stadium is about 30–35 minutes long. Experience this game day tradition.
Class Photo
3:00–4:00 p.m. | Autzen Stadium
Duck families are invited to get a Duck’s eye view of the fun happening at Autzen Stadium as the students take their traditional class photo!