New and returning Badgers will soon arrive on campus for Brock University’s inaugural Welcome Weekend — two days of activities aimed at building connections before the start of the new academic year.

Taking place Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6, Welcome Weekend expands on the University’s annual residence move-in and serves as the precursor to Welcome Week filled with orientation and social activities, varsity sports events, live music and more.

Throughout the weekend, more than 2,700 students will move into the University’s residences, joining many off-campus and commuting students as they begin and continue their Brock experience.

“Move-in day can feel overwhelming for both students and their families,” said Cindy Chernish, Director, Housing Services. “Our goal is to help take some of that stress away with our simple and quick carousel approach to unloading that has friendly and helpful volunteers guiding them throughout.”

Students moving into the University’s residence buildings or the Brock Suites are assigned a specific day and one-hour move-in timeslot — with help at the ready upon their arrival.

“Volunteers will greet students and their families, providing assistance in getting everything to the students’ room so they can unpack and settle in,” said Chernish. “Our hope is that families can spend that first day soaking in the excitement of a new chapter, not worrying about all the logistics.”

 All Brock students are invited to come together throughout Welcome Weekend to celebrate with their families, connect with their peers and learn about campus resources that can support a successful start to the academic year.

“Welcome Weekend is about helping students feel at home from the moment they arrive,” said Brad Clarke, Associate Vice-President, Students. “It’s an opportunity to connect with new people, discover the resources that will support their success, experience the energy of the Brock community and celebrate the start of a new adventure. Whether they’re coming here for the first time or returning to campus, we want students to have fun, feel excited for what lies ahead and know they belong at Brock and in Niagara.”

Featured events include Welcome Weekend Live! with food trucks, live music and lawn games in Jubilee Court; Settling-in Social in Rankin Family Pavilion, where key campus resources will be highlighted; and the Brock University Students’ Union Open House in Union Station, part of BadgerFest programming. Alumni Field will host the Brock Badgers’ home openers for women’s rugby and soccer as well as men’s soccer.

The weekend will serve as a kickoff to Welcome Week, running through early September with a wide array of events, including Brock Cares Day of Service, which will see students volunteer with community organizations across Niagara. A full list of events is available on ExperienceBU.

Classes for the Fall Term begin Wednesday, Sept. 9.