August 15-30, 2026
Weeks of Welcome (WOW) is designed to celebrate the start of a new term, welcome the USA community back to campus, and connect students to the people, places, and groups that drive relationships and belonging at South. We have designed a schedule full of academic and social events to highlight our exceptional campus community.
Our goal is to help you get connected and make sure your time at South is phenomenal. You will have the opportunity to meet students across a wide range of areas, learn about student organizations, and discover opportunities to connect with faculty in learning experiences ranging from the classroom to the Gulf of Mexico. We look forward to meeting you at one of these opening events. Welcome to South Alabama!
Things to do during Weeks of Welcome
First Night: Rock the Rec
Student Recreation Center
6-9pm
Jaguar Productions is teaming up with Campus Recreation and Wellness to kick off the
school year with First Night: Rock the Rec. This Rec Center takeover will feature
giveaways, interactive activities, and opportunities for connection all throughout
the night. If you are a new student, spent all day moving boxes, or just want to have
a fun night, this event is for you!
Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Informational Handouts, Music, Giveaways, Raffle or Drawing
Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Informational Handouts, Music, Giveaways, Raffle or Drawing
Meet the Greeks
Sorority Commons
12-3 pm
The Fraternity and Sorority Life Cookout is an event designed to introduce prospective
members to the FSL community in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Attendees have the
opportunity to meet chapters from across all councils, learn about membership opportunities,
and ask questions in a relaxed environment.
Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel
Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel
Residence Hall Meetings
Residence Halls
6:30-8 pm
Meetings are scheduled by the residence halls respective RLCs, if you need specific
contact information, reach out to USA Housing or Asten Cosby.
Event Includes: Informational Handouts
Event Includes: Informational Handouts
Class of 2030 Group Photo
Moulton Bell Tower
10:30 am (Photo taken at 10:40AM)
Kick off your South journey by joining fellow new students for the official Class
of 2030 Group Photo! Gather at Moulton Tower beginning at 10:30 a.m., with the photo
being taken promptly at 10:40 a.m. This is your chance to celebrate the start of your
college experience, show your Jaguar pride, and be part of a memorable campus tradition.
Wear your South gear and help us capture this special moment as we welcome the newest
class to campus.
Jaguar Jubilee - Official Welcome Celebration
Mitchell Center
11 am-Noon
Let the good times roar! Join us at the Mitchell Center for Jaguar Jubilee, South
Alabama's annual kickoff celebration to welcome the new academic year. This high-energy
tradition brings together new and returning students for a morning full of Jaguar
spirit, featuring show-stopping performances by the Jaguar Marching Band, South Alabama
Cheerleaders, and appearances from our beloved mascots, SouthPaw and Miss Pawla.
Inspired by Mobile's rich Mardi Gras heritage, Jaguar Jubilee will fill the Mitchell Center with vibrant visuals, lively music, exciting surprises, and plenty of Jaguar pride. Don't miss this unforgettable celebration as we come together to launch another year at South.
Inspired by Mobile's rich Mardi Gras heritage, Jaguar Jubilee will fill the Mitchell Center with vibrant visuals, lively music, exciting surprises, and plenty of Jaguar pride. Don't miss this unforgettable celebration as we come together to launch another year at South.
Southbound Open House
Mobile Townhouse
12:30-2 pm
Join the Southbound Orientation Leaders for our Open House immediately following the
Jaguar Jubilee. Get your questions answered, find your classes, and connect with fellow
incoming Jags before the first day of class kicks off. We’re here to help you feel
confident and prepared as you start your South journey. Refreshments will be available
while they last!
Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Informational Handouts, Music, Giveaways
Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Informational Handouts, Music, Giveaways
College of Arts and Sciences Department Open House and Ice Cream Social
Multiple Locations
1-3 pm
Join the A&S Dean in the Humanities Courtyard for an Ice-Cream Social, and visit A&S
Departments for an Open House.
Locations: Humanities Courtyard and the following open-house locations: Art and Art history-VAB 172, Biology-LSB 124, Chemistry-CHEM 223, Communication-CB 108, Earth Sciences-ELSB 136, English-HUMB 240, History-HUMB 344, SOMES-EOB lobby, Math/Stat-MSPB 325, Modern and Classical Languages HUMB 322, Music-PAC 1072, Philosophy-HUMB 124, Physics-MSPB 115, Political Science/Criminal Justice-HUMB 226, Psychology UCOM 1000, Sociology/Anthropology/Social Work - HUMB 34, Theatre-PAC 1052 Event Includes: Free Food, Giveaways
Locations: Humanities Courtyard and the following open-house locations: Art and Art history-VAB 172, Biology-LSB 124, Chemistry-CHEM 223, Communication-CB 108, Earth Sciences-ELSB 136, English-HUMB 240, History-HUMB 344, SOMES-EOB lobby, Math/Stat-MSPB 325, Modern and Classical Languages HUMB 322, Music-PAC 1072, Philosophy-HUMB 124, Physics-MSPB 115, Political Science/Criminal Justice-HUMB 226, Psychology UCOM 1000, Sociology/Anthropology/Social Work - HUMB 34, Theatre-PAC 1052 Event Includes: Free Food, Giveaways
Study Abroad Open House
Study Abroad Office, Meisler Hall 2300
2-4 pm
Stop by the Study Abroad Office to meet the study abroad staff and ambassadors while
learning about your opportunities to study abroad!
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts, Giveaways
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts, Giveaways
Leadership Launch: Air Force ROTC - All Aces Welcome
Moulton Tower
2:30-4:30 pm
Introduction to Air Force ROTC, where you will work in small teams, solve fast-paced
problems, and experience the mindset, teamwork, and confidence it takes to lead as
a cadet. You will have the chance to interact with current cadets and explore opportunities,
and see how your college journey can launch into a path of leadership and service.
No experience required—just show up ready to step up and see if you’ve got what it
takes to earn your place among the aces and earn a commission as an Air Force officer.
Event Includes: Informational Handouts, Music
Event Includes: Informational Handouts, Music
WOW Help Tents
Various Campus Locations
7:30 am-3:30 pm
Got questions about your schedule or where to find campus resources? Navigating your
first semester as a Jag? Swing by a Help Tent and connect with friendly fellow Jags
ready to guide you, share tips, and help you to start off on the right paw! Don’t
miss out on making connections and getting the support you need.
Locations: Mobile Townhouse, Visual Arts Building Lawn, Meisler Hall, MacQueen Alumni Center, USA Landscape by HKS/MCOB) Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Informational Handouts, Music, Giveaways
Locations: Mobile Townhouse, Visual Arts Building Lawn, Meisler Hall, MacQueen Alumni Center, USA Landscape by HKS/MCOB) Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Informational Handouts, Music, Giveaways
Engineering Week of Welcome!
Shelby Hall, West Entrance
8-9:30 am
The College of Engineering is excited to welcome all #engineeringjags to the Fall
semester! Join us for donuts, coffee, music, and to get your semester started!
Event Includes: Free Food, Music
Event Includes: Free Food, Music
Pep Rally and Movie Night at the Stadium
Hancock Whitney Stadium
6-9 pm
Join Jaguar Productions and USA Athletics for the perfect end to your first day of
class! Make your way to Hancock Whitney Stadium to enjoy a pep rally with USA Athletics
and the JMB where you will learn all of the game-day traditions and chants. After
that, come down onto the field to be in an aerial photo to commemorate the start of
the school year! Finally, stick around on the field to watch the sunset and enjoy
a movie on the big screen.
Event Includes: T-Shirt or Apparel
Event Includes: T-Shirt or Apparel
Self Defense Training Class Student Center Ballroom 3:30PM-5:30PM
Join the Title IX Office during WOW for a Self-Defense Training designed to help students
build confidence, increase personal safety awareness, and learn practical techniques
for protecting themselves in uncomfortable or dangerous situations. This engaging
session will provide valuable tips on recognizing warning signs, setting boundaries,
and responding effectively while promoting empowerment and safety on campus.
Event Includes: Door Prizes
Event Includes: Door Prizes
SSWO's Back to School Celebration Humanities Building Basement Floor - Department of Social Work 5PM-7PM
This event will take place in the humanities basement level lobby, where we will have
light refreshments, activities, and a place to relax to start the year off right!
Event Includes: Food, Informational Handouts
Event Includes: Food, Informational Handouts
WOW Help Tents
Various Campus Locations
7:30 am-3:30 pm
Got questions about your schedule or where to find campus resources? Navigating your
first semester as a Jag? Swing by a Help Tent and connect with friendly fellow Jags
ready to guide you, share tips, and help you to start off on the right paw! Don’t
miss out on making connections and getting the support you need.
Locations: Mobile Townhouse, Visual Arts Building Lawn, Meisler Hall, MacQueen Alumni Center, USA Landscape by HKS/MCOB) Event Includes: Locations: Mobile Townhouse, Visual Arts Building Lawn, Meisler Hall, MacQueen Alumni Center, USA Landscape at by HKS/MCOB) Event Includes: Informational Handouts
Locations: Mobile Townhouse, Visual Arts Building Lawn, Meisler Hall, MacQueen Alumni Center, USA Landscape by HKS/MCOB) Event Includes: Locations: Mobile Townhouse, Visual Arts Building Lawn, Meisler Hall, MacQueen Alumni Center, USA Landscape at by HKS/MCOB) Event Includes: Informational Handouts
Engineering Week of Welcome!
Shelby Hall, West Entrance
8-9:30 am
The College of Engineering is excited to welcome all #engineeringjags to the Fall
semester! Join us for donuts, coffee, music, and to get your semester started!
Event Includes: Free Food, Music
Event Includes: Free Food, Music
Back to Business I Dirty Soda Bar
Mitchell College of Business I 2nd Floor Lobby
10:30 am-12:30 pm
Swing by the Mitchell College of Business second-floor lobby to kick off the semester
with a custom-mixed "dirty soda". It’s the perfect chance to grab a refreshing treat
and make new connections!
Event Includes: Free Food
Event Includes: Free Food
Beat the Heat: Cool Down & Connect
Academic Services Center
12-3 pm
Got questions about your schedule or where to find campus resources? Navigating your
first semester as a Jag? Swing by a Help Tent and connect with friendly fellow Jags
ready to guide you, share tips, and help you to start off on the right paw! Don’t
miss out on making connections and getting the support you need.
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts, Giveaways, Drinks
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts, Giveaways, Drinks
Welcome to the Neighborhood
Each Residence Hall
6:30-8:30 pm
Housing will invite all residents to hang out and meet their neighbors over donuts!
Event Includes: Free Food
Event Includes: Free Food
Free Genetic Testing
Biomedical Library Lobby
10 am-3 pm
Free genetic testing in collaboration with Catalyst by Southern Research.
Event Includes: Informational Handouts, Giveaways
Event Includes: Informational Handouts, Giveaways
Pop Into Fall
North HUMB Building Lobby
1-4 pm
Please join the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, & Social Work for our Pop into
Fall event, where students can "pop in" to mingle with other students. While doing
so, students can enjoy a free popcorn bar where they can create their own popcorn-themed
snack. Students are also encouraged to "pop in" to their professors' offices to say
hello and chat, and can collect stamps from these visits. Students who obtain at least
three stamps will then be eligible to win a prize!
Location: Ground floor basement and surrounding offices. Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts, Raffle or Drawing
Location: Ground floor basement and surrounding offices. Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts, Raffle or Drawing
Study Abroad: Explore Your Popsibilities
Meisler Hall Patio
2-4 pm
Join the Office of International Education for popsicles, popcorn, and soda pop and
explore your possibilities for Study Abroad! Meet the advisors and Study Abroad Ambassadors
to learn more about program options and scholarship opportunities.
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts, Giveaways
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts, Giveaways
Soccer vs. Alabama State
The Cage
6-8:30 pm
Home opener for the Soccer season at The Cage.
Event Includes: Music, Giveaways
Event Includes: Music, Giveaways
East Coast Swing Lesson and Dance Party
Dining Hall Meeting Room
6:30-9 pm
Join us for the kickoff meeting of the USA Ballroom Dance Club! This free event will
feature an East Coast Swing dance lesson led by one of our incredible instructors,
followed by an open dance floor featuring styles such as Lindy Hop, waltz, West Coast
Swing, merengue, salsa, cha cha, hustle, foxtrot, and more! This will be the kickoff
party for our weekly meetings which feature a 1-hour dance lesson followed by the
open dance floor.
Event Includes: Music, Free Dance Lesson, Open Dance Floor
Event Includes: Music, Free Dance Lesson, Open Dance Floor
Whats the Scoop on Title IX Athletic Annex Parking Lot 11:30AM-1:30PM
“What’s the Scoop on Title IX?” is an engaging and interactive event designed to help
students learn more about their rights, resources, and protections under Title IX.
Come by and grab a scoop of ice cream or make your own sundae while asking questions
on how Title IX supports and protects our campus community. We will be located in
the parking lot across the street from the MacQueen Alumni Center. Just look for the
Title IX tent.
Event Includes: Free Food
Event Includes: Free Food
Friendship Friday with Global USA
Meisler Hall - 2nd Floor
1:30-3:30 pm
Wind down the first week of classes at Friendship Friday with Global USA. Mix up a
dirty soda and mingle with fellow jaguars. There will be a friendship bracelet making
station and other activities to help take away the first week stress. Don't miss out
on trying popular snacks from around the world!
Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Music,
Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Music,
Soccer vs. Samford
The Cage
1-3:30 pm
Soccer vs Samford at 1 PM
Event Includes: Music, Giveaways
Event Includes: Music, Giveaways
Color Rush Dodgeball Intramural Fields
7:00-8:30 pm
Paint the campus with South Sports Intramurals! Get ready to let the paint fly in
the most chaotic, colorful dodgeball game on campus! Dodge splatter-loaded dodgeballs,
duck the drips, and dive into a wild mess of paint and fun. Wear white if you dare,
as this is your choice to turn your t-shirt into a work of art. Come for the chaos,
stay for the memories! Let's get messy!
Get on Board Day
Student Center Ballroom, North and East Lobbies
11 am-1 pm
Get On Board Day is an opportunity for USA's 270+ student organizations to reach out
to new and returning students, letting them know about each organization's purpose
and goals, and promote membership.
Event Includes: Informational Handout
Event Includes: Informational Handout
Run Club First Meeting
Intramural Field
6-7 am
The USA run club meets every Tuesday at 6am at the Intramural fields and every Thursday
at 6am at the Glenn Sebastian trails on campus! All paces and walkers are welcome
to join!
Event Includes: Informational Handouts, Music
Event Includes: Informational Handouts, Music
Part Time Job Fair
Student Center Ballroom
11 am-1 pm
Looking for a flexible part-time job? Stop by the Student Center Ballroom to connect
with on-campus departments and local off-campus employers who are ready to hire students!
Plus, we're kicking off the semester with games and a jag-tastic photo booth. See
you there!
Transfer T-Shirt Swap
Student Center Mall
9 am-1 pm
All new transfer students are invited to join us for the Transfer T-Shirt Swap! You’ve
done the hard work, made the transfer, and now it’s time to look the part. Join us
for this transfer-centered celebration as a part of our Weeks of Welcome! New transfers
can bring in a t-shirt from their previous institution and trade it in for a new South
Alabama t-shirt. Those in attendance can chat with our transfer coordinator, and meet
some of our transfer ambassadors and Tau Sigma representatives. Come join us as we
commemorate the start of your journey as a Jaguar!
Event Includes: Free T-Shirt or Apparel
Event Includes: Free T-Shirt or Apparel
Radical Readings
HUMB Courtyard
11 am-12:30 pm
Join the English Department for refreshments and to hear faculty and students read
their favorite radical literary passages! For questions, contact Dr. Laura Vrana at
vrana@southalabama.edu.
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts
Ice Cream Social
Biomedical Library Lobby
11 am-1 pm
Build your own sundae or float while getting familiar with the Biomedical Library
and its amenities.
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts
Sweet Start with Academic Advising & Career Development
Academic Services Center
1-3 pm
Come hang out with Academic Advising and Transfer Services (AATS) and Career Development
at the Academic Services Center! This is a casual opportunity to meet our teams while
you grab a sweet treat and get creative. What’s Happening: Cool off with free ice
cream and toppings. Make your own button - choose from a variety of designs. Take
a creative break between classes with DIY crafts.
Event Includes: Free Food, Giveaways, Arts and Crafts
Event Includes: Free Food, Giveaways, Arts and Crafts
Sweet Tea with AED
Allied Health Lobby
5-8 pm
It is a networking event for new members interested in joining AED, we will be serving
sweet tea and cookies in the Allied Health Lobby.
Event Includes: Free Food, Free drinks
Event Includes: Free Food, Free drinks
The Hot Seat: The Ultimate Trivia Challenge Student Recreation Center
7:30-9:00 pm
Can you survive the hot seat? Join us for the biggest quiz show on campus! In this
trivia challenge, contestants will try to survive our question gauntlet to earn a
chance to sit in The Hot Seat. The longer they stay, the greater your chances to win
the grand prize!
Run Club First Meetings
Glenn Sebastian Trails
6-7 am
The USA run club meets every Tuesday at 6am at the Intramural fields and every Thursday
at 6am at the Glenn Sebastian trails on campus! All paces and walkers are welcome
to join!
Event Includes: Informational Handouts, Music
Event Includes: Informational Handouts, Music
Zine Zone
Marx Library CAE
11AM-2PM
Kick off the semester with creativity, nostalgia, and a little 90s flair at the library!
Create your own zine—a DIY mini-magazine using paper, pens, collage, and your own
ideas. Reflect on your journey, goals, or vision for the school year in a fun, retro-inspired
space with analog music, snacks, and hands-on creativity. No experience needed—just
bring your ideas and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with Marx Library and the
Center for Academic Excellence.
Event Includes:Free Food, Informational Handouts
Event Includes:Free Food, Informational Handouts
Reading and Open Mic Event
Student Center Room 203
4-5 pm
English Majors read from their stories and poems. Event is open to everyone.
Event Includes: Free Food
Event Includes: Free Food
Full Moon Kayak with Outdoor Adventures 5:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Join Outdoor Adventures to kayak on Chickasaw Creek, just north of Mobile! We will
start before sunset and finish under the full moon. Pre-Registration Link is required.
Cost is $15 per student. Email outdooradventures@southalabama.edu for questions.
Location: William Brooks Park, 601 US-43, Chickasaw, AL 36611
Location: William Brooks Park, 601 US-43, Chickasaw, AL 36611
South Wesley WOW Movie Night
SC Terrace
6-8 pm
Join South Wesley for a Week of Welcome Movie Night featuring Monsters University!
Enjoy a fun, relaxed evening with free pizza, popcorn, and pretzels while hanging
out with friends and meeting new classmates. Stick around for card games before and
after the movie and start the semester off right with great food, fun, and company!
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts
School of Computing Game Night
5:30-8 pm
Level up your Week of Welcome at the School of Computing Game Night! Join us for
video games, board games, free pizza, and a chance to meet fellow students while having
a great time.
Location: Room 2119, Shelby Hall
Location: Room 2119, Shelby Hall
Chill Zone: CEDAR Social
CEDAR (Educational Services Building)
11 am-2 pm
Students are invited to come by CEADR, meet the staff, and enjoy free ice cream! Stop
in, connect, and learn more about the support and resources available to you.
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts, CEADR Swag
Event Includes: Free Food, Informational Handouts, CEADR Swag
Swim into the Semester with SoMES!
Gulf and Coastal Sciences Building
11:30 am-1 pm
Come kick off the new academic year with a Friday afternoon filled with pizza, snacks,
and activities around the Gulf and Coastal Sciences Building. Meet with faculty, staff,
student organizations and other students in our Marine Sciences and Environmental
and Sustainability Sciences majors. We'll have food, a scavenger hunt, fun giveaways,
and marine and environmental sciences-themed crafts!
Events Include: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Informational Handouts, Giveaways, Raffle or Drawing
Events Include: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Informational Handouts, Giveaways, Raffle or Drawing
Jagstravaganza
Moulton Belltower
5-8 pm
To wrap up Week of Welcome, Jaguar Productions is hosting an ultimate block party
at the Moulton Belltower. Come and enjoy attractions, make and takes, and interactive
activities. This is a can't-miss event full of connection, entertainment, and endless
fun! Follow @JPSouthAL on Instagram for more information. We will see you there!
Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Music, Giveaways
Event Includes: Free Food, Free T-Shirt or Apparel, Music, Giveaways
