Week of Welcome marked by move-in activities and convocation

The week before the start of the fall term shows early signs that a new collegial season is about to begin. It starts with clusters of student leaders and administrators organizing and preparing for the arrival of students and their families. More and more faculty return to their campus offices, prepping for course instruction. Employees across the University of Oregon feel the shift as traffic patterns change, walkways fill and coffee lines grow. By the end of the Week of Welcome, it is clear. The flock is back together. Fall term has arrived, and a new academic year begins. As President Karl Scholz said in his fall term welcome message, “The start of a new year brings a special kind of excitement.” 

Unpack the Quack welcomes new resident students 

On Sept. 25 and 26, hundreds of volunteers helped about 5,000 students move their belongings into the residence halls during the 14th annual Unpack the Quack, a tradition of welcoming students to campus. Ducks flock from far and wide to live in UO residence halls, representing 49 states, five US territories and more than 30 countries. 

Through Academic Residential Communities — partnerships between academic departments and University Housing — and other residential communities, 871 students will live and take classes with others who share their interests and identity.

The Duck supports a student and volunteers during the move-in process.

Volunteers help a student and family member load belongings into boxes to move into a dorm room.

A student provides directions during move-in, pointing people to residence halls.

The Duck helps a new student move into Unthank Hall.

Convocation celebrates a new start 

It was a beautiful sunny day for the annual tradition of celebrating our new students, the class of 2029. Convocation is a Latin word meaning “calling together.” At the UO, it is a celebration of the academy and the start of a new year. Students, families, faculty, staff and trustees gathered at Hayward Field. President Scholz touched on three key concepts: achievement, curiosity and impact, encouraging students to celebrate accomplishments, seek to discover, embrace difference and make the world a better place.  

Students and families cheering during the convocation ceremony.

The video of "Shout" plays as people dance in the stands.

President Scholz shares his excitement with the crowd during convocation.

“We want you to flourish here. That means being attentive to well-being, giving yourself opportunities to grow, being resilient, building community, and discovering your sense of purpose,” Scholz said. 

Capturing the Class of 2029

The excitement and energy of the day carried over to the culminating moment, capturing the first class of 2029 photo. Students, wearing their class T-shirts, transitioned from Hayward Field across the river to Autzen Stadium. With the help of student leaders, staff and volunteers, they practiced UO traditions such as throwing an O and dancing to “Shout,” marking a key moment of officially being a Duck. 

The Class of 2029 show their school spirit as they cross the Willamette River.

Students make their way from Hayward Field to take the Class of 2029 photo.

Students headed toward Autzen Stadium for their class photo.

Students in their Class of 2029 T-shirts cheer in the stands at Autzen Stadium.

We rise with renewed focus 

With another successful Week of Welcome booked, the UO community turns its attention to the start of a new academic year with keen focus on our core mission — educating the whole person, fostering the next generation of transformational leaders. It is our time to move forward realizing the goals and aspirations outlined in Oregon Rising and focusing on what matters most: student success, academic impact and a flourishing community. It is time to dream big again, and to move with momentum toward our greater aspirations.   

—Sandee Bybee, University Communications