Week of Welcome (W.O.W.)

Student Affairs hosts the St. Thomas University (STU)
First Year Convocation & Week of Welcome (WOW) for all new and transfer students.

New Bobcat Orientation(First-Year Students)

We are thrilled to welcome you to our prestigious university as the newest members of our vibrant Bobcat community! As you embark on this exciting journey, we want to emphasize the importance of attending the upcoming New Bobcat Orientation. This orientation program has been carefully designed to help you acclimate to campus life, discover valuable resources, and establish meaningful connections with your peers and faculty members.

The New Bobcat Orientation will start on Thursday, August 17, 2023, to Sunday, August 20, 2023. It serves as a crucial foundation for your university experience, providing you with essential information, guidance, and support as you begin your academic journey. During these four days, you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the campus, explore key facilities, and gain insights into the wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities available to you.

Attending the New Bobcat Orientation is not only a valuable investment in your personal and academic growth but also an excellent chance to forge lasting friendships and connections with fellow students who are embarking on this same exciting path. We encourage you to make the most of this opportunity and immerse yourself fully in the experience.

Week of Welcome (W.O.W.)

All new, transfer, and returning St. Thomas University (STU) students are invited to participate in the Week of Welcome (WOW) events, which will begin on Monday, August 21, 2023, until Sunday, August 27, 2023. This vibrant week of activities and celebrations will help you further integrate into the Bobcat community, discover new interests, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re interested in social events, academic workshops, or community service opportunities, the Week of Welcome has something for everyone.

To ensure your participation in these enriching events, we kindly request that you RSVP now. By doing so, you can secure your spot and receive any necessary updates or reminders leading up to the orientation and Week of Welcome events.

Week of Welcome offers you the opportunity to:

  • Meet your fellow Bobcats and create lifelong friendships.
  • Meet key administrators, faculty and staff.
  • Meet the Student Government Association (S.G.A.) and other student leaders.
  • Learn how to become a leader for life through student leadership and faith formation.

Activities for the Week

NEW BOBCAT ORIENTATION

Thursday, August 17, 2023

NEW BOBCAT ORIENTATION

Welcome New Residents! First-Year Students Move-In Day

Goldbloom Convocation Hall 8:00am-12:00pm

 All first-year students can move into their assigned Residential Halls.

 

President David A. Armstrong, J.D.’s Bobcat BBQ Move-In Day Luncheon

 

Rico Family Plaza, Gus Machado College of Business (Outdoor) at 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

 Meet and greet our 10th President of St. Thomas University (STU) David A. Armstrong, J.D., and faculty and staff. There will be a FREE BBQ served, live music, and fellowship.

 

Bobcat Parents’ Information Session

 

Rico Family Plaza, Gus Machado College of Business Auditorium 100 at 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
Come meet representatives from each department listed below.

  • President’s Office
  • Department of Philanthropy
  • Financial Aid Office
  • Business Office
  • Public Safety Department
  • Student Affairs

 

2023 Transfer Students’ Social

Goldbloom Convocation Hall at 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

 All incoming transfer students will have a chance to mingle and network with other transfer students incoming at St. Thomas University.

 

International Student Orientation (Tentative)

Goldbloom Convocation Hall at 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

 Welcome to STU!  Meet your STU support team and learn how to successfully plan, prepare, and participate in your college experience away from home.  Your new Bobcat family will provide you with the resources and services to help you navigate your new college journey.

 

First-Year Bobcat Dinner

Dining Hall at 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

All first-year students can enjoy a free dinner in the Bobcat Café.

 

Living On Campus, Yes! Meet Your Resident Assistant

Residence Hall Lobby at 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

 Living on campus? Come to your assigned residence hall and meet your Resident Assistant (R.A.)

 

The S’mores, the Merrier! Meet The Bobcat Orientation Team

Tiki Hut at 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

 Enjoy some good old-fashioned s’mores and meet the Bobcat Orientation Team!

Friday, August 18, 2023

Walk Your Class Schedule – Campus Classroom Tour #1 (First-Year Students Only)
New Dining Hall 1st Floor Right Side Entrance at 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

 

Join a Bobcat Orientation Team and tour STU’s academic buildings. See your classrooms and laboratories before the first day of school. Please your fall class schedule.

 

Catholic Identity & Spiritual Growth

Rico Family Plaza, Gus Machado College of Business Auditorium 100 at 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

 

Engage in our Catholic Identity and learn about Faith Formation with STU Campus Ministry.

 

Get Ready to Get Hired: Career Services & You

Rico Family Plaza, Gus Machado College of Business Auditorium 100 at 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM

 

Learn about the internships, job opportunities, and STU’s Experiential Learning requirements for graduation.

 

Your Wellbeing: Health Services, Counseling Center & Baptist Clinic

Rico Family Plaza, Gus Machado College of Business Auditorium 100 at 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM

 

Be a healthy Bobcat.  Learn about health, wellness, and the services and resources available.

 

Be A Safe Bobcat: Public Safety & Community Standards

Rico Family Plaza, Gus Machado College of Business Auditorium 100 at 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM

 

Learn about STU’s safety policies and meet the Director of Public Safety and become familiar with STU’s Community Standards.

 

Meet & Greet your Academic Deans

Rico Family Plaza, Gus Machado College of Business Auditorium 100 at 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM

 

Come meet and greet the Deans of each College at St. Thomas University (STU)

 

Engage Yourself:  Student Organizations & Campus Engagement

Rico Family Plaza, Gus Machado College of Business Auditorium 100 at 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM

 

Meet the student-led clubs and organizations the University has to offer and the importance of getting involved. (Student Government Association- S.G.A., Student Senate, Campus Activities Board – C.A.B., Peer Mentors, Bobcat Ambassadors, and 26 Clubs & Organizations).

 

First-Year Bobcat Social
Student Union & Student Union Courtyard at 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Mandatory! All first-year students will have an opportunity to get to know their student leaders while learning how to network in a safe environment with their peers. Live music and refreshments will be available.

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Returning Students Move-In Day 1 – Welcome Back Bobcats!

New Student Union 2nd Floor Lounge at 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

 

Walk Your Class Schedule – Campus Classroom Tour #2 (First-Year Students Only)

New Dining Hall 1st Floor Right Side Entrance at 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Join the Bobcat Orientation Team and tour STU’s academic buildings. See your classrooms and laboratories before the first day of school. Please your fall class schedule.

 

Bobcats Serve – Community Service Engagement

Goldbloom Convocation Hall at 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM

First-year Bobcats gather to serve the St. Thomas University community. Bobcats will gather on campus, meet with student leaders, and engage in hands-on activities throughout campus. Registration is required.

 

Sunset YOGA By the Lake

East-side Awning, Student Center On The Lake at 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM

 Enjoy a calm and stress-free night of Yoga at Sunset. Bring your Yoga mat if you have one.

Sunday, August 20, 2023

Holy Mass & First-Year Convocation Ceremony
Fernandez Family Center Gym at 10:00 AM –  12:00 PM

MANDATORY for all first-year students. Join us as we bless and officially kick off the start of your academic career in our Catholic faith formation.

 

President’s Welcome Reception Celebration
Fernandez Family Center Lobby at 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Join St. Thomas University’s 10TH President David A. Armstrong J.D. as we celebrate all our first-year students with a fun celebration.

Lawn Party with your R.A.
Villanova Courtyard, New Hall Courtyard at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Hosted by the Office of Residential Community Living.

 

I love STU – Ice Cream Sundae Sunday!
TBD at 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Enjoy STU Sundae!

Monday, August 21, 2023

Thriving in College 101 & Developing Bobcat Pride

New Student Union 2nd floor lounge at 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Learn important tips from student leaders on how to engage yourself at STU and learn what it truly means to be a Bobcat!

 

Bobcat First-Day Kickback BBQ
Villanova Courtyard at 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Celebrate the 1st Day of Classes at the Bobcat Kickback BBQ.  Entertainment, activities, & fun

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Karaoke & Taco Tuesday
Goldbloom Convocation Hall at 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Enjoy a fun night of singing with your friends with complimentary Tacos.

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

SGA’s Common Hour Kickoff Celebration
Gus Machado College of Business Outside at 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Come join our Student Government Association as they kick off the first Common Hour celebration of the year. There will be live music, food, and games.

 

IGNITE The Year: Faith, Fellowship, and Fun at STU
TBD at 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Join us for a night of food, social activities, and faith formation at Campus Ministry’s First IGNITE meeting of the year. !GNITE meets each Wednesday.

 

In-Person Escape Room

TBD at 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Work together as a team to think critically, engage in a challenging and fun atmosphere, and unlock the curious clues of the Escape Room!

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Mobile & Virtual Reality Gaming & Food Truck Takeover
Goldbloom Convocation Hall at 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Join us at St. Thomas University’s first food truck Bobcat Rally. There will be tons of food trucks, games, and music. Show us your Bobcat spirit.

Friday, August 25, 2023

The Silent Headphone Takeover Party
Goldbloom Convocation Hall at 9:00 PM –1:00 AM

Students can enjoy a fun night of dancing and music.

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Student Football Tailgate
Ken Stibler Way at 10:30 AM – NOON
Calling all Bobcats, join us for the ultimate tailgate experience before STU takes on Fort Lauderdale University for the season opener. The tailgate will feature live entertainment, raffle prize giveaways, and much more. Must have your STU ID to receive a wristband for free entry.

 

STU Football vs Fort Lauderdale University (Season Opener)
AutoNation Field at NOON – 3:00 PM
Join us as we cheer on our STU Bobcats as they compete against Fort Lauderdale University for the Season Opener.

Sunday August 27, 2023

Holy Mass

Chapel of St. Anthony at 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

 

Celebrate the first week of school with prayer and faith formation.  Holy Mass is held each Sunday at the Chapel of St. Anthony.

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