Bulldog Welcome Experience
August 15, 2026 - September 12, 2026
The Bulldog Welcome Experience is designed to provide opportunities for freshmen and new transfer students to become socially engaged and acclimated to 糖心Vlog through programming and activities hosted by various departments and organizations. This experience is coordinated by the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement in partnership with Freshman Academy. Contact studentactivities@aamu.edu for questions.
Freshman students are required to move in on August 14-15 to participate in 1875 Connect, a 4-week interactive experience where they will learn about AAMU鈥檚 history, traditions, and leadership as well as get acclimated to campus life. New students will be divided into small groups and assigned to an upperclassmen 1875 Connector for the experience.
Week 1: bulldog beginnings
Saturday, August 15
Class of 2029 Photo | 4:30pm | Louis Crews Stadium | Mandatory
All freshman students are asked to meet on the football field in Louis Crews Stadium for the Class of 2030 photo before Freshman Convocation. Attire is the Class of 2030 polo and black bottoms. The arrival time is 4:00pm.
Buses will be available to shuttle students and parents to the stadium from 3:00-5:30pm. Buses will pick up in the Patton Hall parking lot and transport to the stadium.
Freshman Torch Lighting Ceremony | 6:00pm | Event Center | Mandatory
All freshman students are required to participate in the official welcome ceremony for new students. Attire is the Class of 2030 polo and black bottoms. This event is sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment Management.
The lineup area will be on the home side of the Louis Crews Stadium. Freshmen will be lined up for the Ceremony processional. Voter registration will also be available in this area.
Doors will open for parents and families at 4:00pm and will close at 5:45pm for the processional.
Freshman Family Cookout | Immediately following Ceremony | Event Center Grass Lot
Freshman students and their families are invited to this fun celebratory sendoff with food, music, and fun.
Buses will be available to shuttle students and parents from the Event Center back to the Patton Hall parking lot from 7:00-9:00pm.
Sunday, August 16
Church Fest | 2:00pm-3:30pm | Knight Center Ballroom
Join us as local churches provide goodies and information about their services around the city.
Freshman Student Leader Interest Meeting | 5:30pm | Knight Center Ballroom
All freshman students who are interested in leadership positions within the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement are required to attend this information session to learn about the application and selection processes. Application will be available following the meeting. Positions include:
- Amuite Student Publications: Graphic Designer, Journalist, or Photographer
- Royal Court: Miss Freshman
- Student Activities Board: General Body Members
- Student Government Association: Freshman Senators
- Freshman Peer Mentor Program: Mentee Cohort
Monday, August 17
Small Group Activities | 9:00am-3:00pm | Various Locations | Mandatory
Information to come.
Tuesday, August 18
Small Group Activities | 9:00am-3:00pm | Various Locations | Mandatory
Information to come.
Wednesday, August 19
Men on the Hill | 9:00am-3:00pm | Ralph Lee Student Center
Men on the Hill is a dynamic leadership kickoff for incoming male freshmen looking to get involved, build confidence, and connect with peers and mentors. This high-energy session features real talk, leadership insights, and practical tips for navigating campus life. Join current male student leaders and faculty/staff for meaningful conversations, networking, and your first steps toward purpose and success at AAMU.
Women on the Hill | 9:00am-3:00pm | Buchanan Hall Auditorium
Women on the Hill is an interactive session designed to empower incoming female freshmen as they begin their AAMU journey. Join current female student leaders and faculty/staff for real talk, practical tips on navigating campus life, and advice on building confidence and meaningful connections. Engage in authentic conversations about the college experience and walk away with first-year survival strategies you won鈥檛 want to miss!
BWE Social | 6:00pm | Location TBD
More information to come.
Thursday, August 20 鈥� Happy First Day of Classes!
Bulldog Q&A Pop Up Stations | 7:30am-5:30pm | Various Campus Locations
Faculty, staff and student leaders will be available at tents on the Quad and near Knight Complex to answer any general first day of class questions.
Vibes in the Cafe | 11:00am-2:00pm | Wilson Dining Hall
Enjoy music in the cafeteria and connections with fellow Bulldogs on the first day of class.
BWE Social | 6:00pm | Location TBD
More information to come.
Friday, August 21
Freshman Senate & Miss Freshman Candidate Meet & Greet | 12:00pm-2:00pm | Wilson Dining Hall & Knight Courtyard
Join SGA and the Royal Court to meet the candidates for the Freshman Senator and Miss Freshman positions.
Maroon & White Friday: School Yard Edition | 5:00pm | The Quad & Ralph Lee Student Center
More details to come.
Saturday, August 22
Student Leader Elections | 8:00am-11:59pm | Online
Voting for the Freshman Senators and Miss Freshman will take place online. Selections for SAB, Freshmen Peer Mentor Program, and Amuite Student Publications will be made.
Week 2: Get Involved!
Sunday, August 23
International Student Orientation | 2:00pm-5:00pm | Ralph Lee Student Center
All new international students are required to attend this student orientation to assist in acclimating you to campus.
The New Class Act: Freshman Talent Show | 6:00pm | Frank Lewis Gym
Compete in the annual Freshman Talent Show! A sign-up form will be available during the first week. Freshman student leaders will be announced.
Monday, August 24
RSO Fair | 6:00pm-8:00pm | The Quad
The Office of Student Leadership & Engagement invites you to stop by to learn more about the registered student organizations on campus!
Greek 101: Freshmen Only | 6:00pm | Buchanan Hall Auditorium
Join the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement to learn about sororities and fraternities on campus. Learn the tips, do鈥檚, and don鈥檛s to help you navigate Greek Life.
tuesday, August 25
Maroon & White Market | 12:00am-2:00pm | Knight Courtyard
Stop by to support our student entrepreneurs during lunchtime!
Greek 101: Freshmen Only | 6:00pm | Buchanan Hall Auditorium
Join the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement to learn about sororities and fraternities on campus. Learn the tips, do鈥檚, and don鈥檛s to help you navigate Greek Life.
thursday, August 27
Maroon & White Market | 12:00am-2:00pm | Knight Courtyard
Stop by to support our student entrepreneurs during lunchtime!
First Gen Welcome Mixer | 5:00pm | Clyde Foster Auditorium
First Generation students are invited to come out to mix and mingle during this fun, interactive event.
Week 3: bulldog pride!
tuesday, september 2
NPHC presents Bulldog Welcome Yard Show | 6:00pm| The Quad
Join us for a showcase of the chapters within the National Pan-Hellenic Council followed by a fun party on the Quad!
wednesday, september 3
CDS presents Fall 2025 Career Preparedness Week | 11:00am-2:00pm | Welcome Center Conference Room
Meet our Sponsors + Industry & Government Cluster and Free Handshake/LinkedIn Headshots
SGA presents Every Sunny Wednesday | 12:00pm-2:00pm | The Quad
Join the Student Government Association for the first ESW of the year! We will also host a pep rally to kickoff football season and support our first home game!
thursday, september 4
CDS presents Fall 2025 Career Preparedness Week | 11:00am-2:00pm | Welcome Center Conference Room & Zoom
Resume Reviews + Mock Interviews (In-Person & Virtual)
Lounge and Link | 5:00-7:30pm | Library
Join Freshman Academy to learn more about tutoring and academic resources to help you succeed academically.
Friday, september 5
Maroon & White Friday | All Day
Show your Bulldog Pride by wearing school colors in preparation for the first home football game! Post photos on Instagram and tag @aamu_studentactivities.
CDS presents Fall 2025 Career Preparedness Week | 12:30p-2p (Round 1), 3p-3:30p (Round 2) + 4 p (Winners Announced) Zoom
Shoot Your Shot, 30-Second Elevator Pitch Competition
Saturday, september 6
Louis Crews Classic | 6:00pm | Louis Crews Stadium
Come out for the first home football game! Freshman students are required to participate in the annual Bulldog Blitz before kickoff. T-shirts will be provided.
september 7 鈥� Happy Labor Day Weekend!
Week 4: fun on the hill!
sunday, September 7
Sunday Dinner | 4:00pm| Knight and Foster Cafeterias
Join Freshman Academy Advisors, campus staff, and university leadership for dinner in the cafe!
tuesday, September 9
SAB presents Silent Party | 7:00pm-10:00pm | Event Center
Grab a set of headphones and glow sticks for a fun night of dancing in a safe way! Get there early as headphones are limited!
wednesday, September 10
CDS presents Work-It Wednesday | 4:00pm-5:00pm | Zoom
Join Career Development Services for a Panel Discussion: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome.
SAB presents Movie Night | 7:00pm | Louis Crews Stadium
Join SAB for a fun outdoor movie experience! Bring your blankets!
thursday, September 11
Mental Health Sneaker Ball | 5:00pm-8:00pm | Knight Center Ballroom
Join the Health & Counseling Center for an evening of fun and music with a twist. Wear your best sneakers!
friday, September 12
Maroon & White Friday | All Day
Show your Bulldog Pride by wearing school colors in preparation for the first home football game! Post photos on Instagram and tag @aamu_studentactivities.
Bulldog Welcome Bash: DTLR HBCU Tour | 6:00pm | The Quad
Join the Office of Student Leadership & Engagement for live music, food trucks, and more! Winners of the Class of 2029 Legacy Challenge will be announced.
