The University of Toledo is ready to welcome new and returning residents to campus for the 2018-19 academic year.

UT President Sharon L. Gaber will roll up her sleeves to help students unpack their belongings and move into their on-campus rooms from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 at Parks Tower, which is reopening after a $12 million upgrade. She will be joined by Dr. Andrew Hsu, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, vice president for student affairs.

Fall classes at UT begin Monday, Aug. 27.

New Rockets will be welcomed to UT at the New Student Convocation at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 in the Glass Bowl (Rain location: Savage Arena) when Gaber and faculty and staff members will greet new students and talk about what it means to be a Rocket. The event will be followed by a barbecue in the Flatlands.

During the first few weeks of classes, the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership in the Division of Student Affairs has planned a number of events to encourage students to meet new friends, have fun and learn about the University.

The events to welcome students to the new school year include:

Friday, Aug. 24

• Paint Party, 8 p.m., the Flatlands. Students are invited to dance, paint and make new friends. This event is sponsored by Campus Activities and Programming.

Saturday, Aug. 25

• Slip-n-Slide, 11 a.m., hill by Parks Tower. Presented by the Interfraternity Council, the event is a cool way to learn about Greek life at UT.
• Bonfire, 8 p.m., the Flatlands. The Resident Student Association hosts this annual tradition that includes pizza.

Monday, Aug. 27

• Sundae on a Monday with President Gaber, 4 p.m., Centennial Mall. Rain location: Thompson Student Union Trimble Lounge. Meet President Gaber and taste free ice cream.

Wednesday, Aug. 29

• Student Involvement Fair and Part-Time Job Fair, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Centennial Mall. Rain locations: Thompson Student Union Auditorium and Rooms 2582 and 2584.
• Pep Rally, 12:30 p.m., Centennial Mall, steps outside Thompson Student Union. Rain location: Thompson Student Union Auditorium.

Saturday, Sept. 1

• President’s Tailgate, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., lot 25 near Rocket Hall. Students are invited to meet President Gaber. Stop by for free food, music, games and prizes.
• Toledo vs. Virginia Military Institute, 7 p.m., Glass Bowl. Students are admitted free with their Rocket ID; faculty and staff can buy tickets half price with ID.

Thursday, Sept. 13

• President’s Backyard Barbecue, noon to 2 p.m., Centennial Mall.

For a full list of events, go to utoledo.edu/studentaffairs/welcomeweek.