Auburn College of Education hosting fall semester Welcome Week for incoming students

Auburn’s College of Education is kicking off the fall semester with its very own Welcome Week for its incoming students, and the agenda is packed with events to make campus feel like home.

“Welcome Week is one of my favorite times of the year because our building comes alive with energy, excitement and possibility,” said Claudia Hendrix, the college’s engagement coordinator. “It’s a chance to help students feel at home, discover resources and begin their journey toward becoming exceptional educators. It's also a wonderful opportunity for our faculty and staff to further connect with students and help create a welcoming community from day one.”

Students will “start sweet” with Map Your Monday, where college faculty and staff members will hand out assorted donuts and help students find their way to their classrooms. The same event will be offered Tuesday morning.

Talk it Up Tuesday features games, stories and studio fun. Students will explore the College of Education Building’s two podcast studios through fun activities, including studio bingo. During Pitch Your Podcast, students can share their own podcast ideas and contribute ideas for the college’s student-hosted podcast, Auburn Ed Talks. In the College of Education Building’s first-floor Commons area, students will have the opportunity to step up to the mic and share their “why” behind their desire to become teachers and health care professionals.

Wednesday’s theme is Check It Out, and activities will be set up throughout the College of Education Building to help students learn the space and visit with representatives from various student organizations to get involved with the college. Students can spin a prize wheel and vote on their favorite teacher-themed hot takes while enjoying snacks and drinks in the Commons. Wednesday also features the Explorer Challenge, a scavenger hunt that takes students through the building to check out the resources, people and spaces that will help them succeed throughout the semester.

During Paws and Peace of Mind on Thursday, students are invited to relax, refuel and recharge with self-care activities. Snacks will be provided, and Auburn’s Student Counseling & Psychological Services will be visiting the building with therapy dogs. Students can also check out the mindfulness station, which includes various relaxing activities such as chair yoga and coloring sheets. Rounding out the week of events is a Backyard Pizza Party, hosted by the College of Education Student Council. Students can grab a slice of pizza and play yard games on the greenspace behind the College of Education Building.

“We’re excited to get to know our new students and continue building the community within our college,” said Cassie Montgomery, the college’s assistant director of Communications and Marketing.

The full list of activities is below:

Map Your Monday

7:45 a.m. – Start sweet, find your way.

Talk it up Tuesday

7:45 a.m. – Start sweet, find your way

11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Story Studio, Step into the Studio, Pitch Your Podcast

Check It Out Wednesday Wednesday

9:30-11:30 a.m. – Spin the Wheel, Teacher Hot Takes, Explorer Challenge, Snacks

Paws and Peace of Mind Thursday

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Snacks, Mindfulness Station

11 a.m.-12 p.m. – Therapy dogs

11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. – Backyard Pizza Party