University Community Welcomes Students Back to the Nest for Spring Semester

Welcome Week is an exciting time for students at the University of the Incarnate Word. It's a time to meet new people, take part in fun activities and learn about campus offerings. The Spring 2024 Welcome Week was no exception, with a jam-packed schedule of events and activities to kick off a new semester at the Nest! It’s all made possible by the University’s Campus Life team.

“Our welcome back activities are just one way for showing our students how much they are valued and to help them get reconnected into campus life,” shared Dean of Campus Life Dr. Chris Summerlin. “Students have been extremely happy and appreciative of all the activities going on around campus.”

Those activities started with Cardinal Mini Cart on Tuesday. To help combat the cold, students were treated to free snacks on Dubuis Lawn. Wednesday was dedicated to informing new and returning students of the many ways to get involved on campus at the Greek Life and Club Sports Meet and Greet, as well as the Student Org Fair. In perhaps students’ favorite day of the week, Thursday brought a new hit event called Tamales y Mas, presented in partnership with First Year Engagement and Career Services. The event provided free tamales, pan dulce and hot chocolate for lunch between classes. That evening, the Campus Activities Board hosted a Music Bingo night, featuring a celebration of music through the decades. Finally, the week ended with Red’s Arcade in the Rosenberg Sky Room, an event that provided the chance for students to unwind after the first week of classes with games and food.

“Welcoming back students to spring semester is an energizing experience for the campus community,” said Summerlin while reflecting on the week’s festivities. “You can tell that our Cardinals are rested, rejuvenated, and ready for an amazing spring semester. It is always wonderful to see how excited the students are to be back on campus as they move back into the residence halls, return to classes and reunite with friends.”

Though Welcome Week has come to an end, that doesn’t mean the fun has. In between exams, classes and study sessions, Cardinals will enjoy fan-favorite events such as Viva UIW and Cardinal Prom throughout the spring semester. Students are encouraged to regularly check their UIW email and UIW Engage in Cardinal Apps for information on upcoming events!