University of Oregon students, staff, faculty members, alumni and community members are encouraged to  dig in and get their hands dirty to clean up the campus grounds during University Day on Thursday, May 18.

No preregistration is required to volunteer at the annual campuswide beautification event. Helpers can join fellow Ducks and check in under the Colombia Hall covered area at East 13th Avenue and University Street between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Volunteers will be assigned to a section of campus to plant flowers, weed garden beds, spread bark dust, paint rocks or clean up litter. Supplies are provided and employees should check with their supervisor before joining the event.

“University Day is a fun and tangible way to give back to the campus and take part in a tradition that is rooted in the spirit of Duck pride, community and service,” said Beccah Maley, the major student events coordinator in the Division of Student Life.

Sharing one hour of time earns participants a free University Day T-shirt and the satisfaction of contributing to a century-old UO tradition. Student participants will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win UO swag.

University Day dates back to 1904 as part of Junior Weekend, when projects included laying the walk to University Hall, followed by a meal. It has always been a spirited event to prepare the university grounds for June commencement ceremonies.