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
Thursday, September 25
Unpack the Quack
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 later this summer.
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 is required to participate and space is limited. Sign up through the Running Tour Registration Form.
Community Meetings
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.
Friday, September 26
Unpack the Quack
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Residence hall move-in continues Friday. You'll receive more information from University Housing.
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.
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.
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.
Community Meetings
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.
Duck into the Rec
Time TBD | Student Recreation Center
Come for music, food, live performances, games, competition and more. Learn about all the Rec Center has to offer while you’re a Duck.
Saturday, September 27
FIG Meetings
Times and locations will vary
If you’re in a First-Year Interest Group, check your email for details about your first FIG meeting.
Academic Success
10:00 a.m.–noon | Erb Memorial Union Green
Take this opportunity to explore majors, minors, and new fields of study. This is a great time to learn about all the ways to learn'
Find Your Classes Tours
11:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Erb Memorial Union Amphitheater
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.
Erb Memorial Union (EMU) Open House
Noon–3:00 p.m. | Erb Memorial Union
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. Come see for yourself!
UO Football Watch Party
3:30–7:30 p.m., game starts at 4:30 p.m. | Memorial Quad Lawn
Join other new students to cheer on the Ducks football team as they take on Penn State.
Flock Party
2:00–4:00 p.m. | Erb Memorial Union Green and Straub Hall Green
Connect with clubs and organizations and find your niche at the UO.
Night @ Knight
8:00–10:00 p.m. | Knight Library
Drop by the library for fun, food, and prizes—and to learn more about library resources, spaces, and support services.
Movie on the Lawn
9:00–11:00 p.m. | Memorial Quad Lawn
Bring a blanket and wear a cozy outfit to enjoy a movie on the lawn.
Sunday, September 28
Find Your Classes Tours
10:00–11:15 a.m. | Erb Memorial Union Amphitheater
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.
New Student Convocation
1:00–2:00 p.m. | Hayward Field
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.
Walk to Autzen Stadium
3:00 p.m. | Depart from Hayward Field
Following University Convocation, meet up with your incoming classmates 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.
Class Photo
3:45–5:00 p.m. | Autzen Stadium
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!
Monday, September 29
First Day of Classes
Wear your best UO and Duck gear while attending your official first day of college. You’ve got this!
Transferring Home
Time and location TBD
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!
Tuesday, September 30
Transfer Student Social
Time and location TBD
Meet other transfer students, play some games, and grab some food during this social just for transfer students!
Hall Council Interest Meetings
8:00 p.m. in the Residence Halls
Learn more about ways to get involved in your residence hall!
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 is required to participate and space is limited. Sign up through the Running Tour Registration Form.
Parent and Family Lounge
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Location TBD
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. | Location TBD
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 your student into their new nest and hang out with therapy dogs from FETCH, a local volunteer therapy dog group in Eugene.
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.
Parent and Family Welcome Social
Time and location TBD
Join us Friday evening while your students are in their required community meetings. Registration is required. Check back soon for more details!
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 New Student 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!