Before students even begin classes for the fall 2019 semester at Temple University Ambler, they will be met with a special week-long celebration!

Temple University Ambler has planned several activities for students to help them start the year off right by meeting new friends, having fun and acclimating to their new environment.

"Welcome Week — and the first weeks of the semester in general — are a time for the campus to welcome all of the new and returning students," said Megan Cranney, Assistant Director of Student and Campus Life. "It gives them a period of spirit and fun as they begin their academic year."

On Friday, August 23, new students are invited to take a bus to Convocation at Main Campus. Students are asked to report to the Ambler Campus at 8:15 a.m. in the Learning Center Parking Lot. The bus will return to campus at around 6 p.m., giving students plenty of time to enjoy the festivities downtown.

"Students are encouraged to bring a bag of some sort as they will probably receive freebies throughout the day," said Cranney. "They'll also receive a campus t-shirt to wear for Convocation."

Students are required to register for the bus from Ambler Campus by filling out the form online.

The celebration continues on Saturday, August 24, with a campus barbeque and pool party from 3:30 to 7 p.m. And that's not all! Students will be able to show off their skills during Esports in Temple Ambler's brand new Esports facility! The day will also include lawn games, giveaways and more!

At 7:30 p.m., load up the car for a night of family fun and nostalgia! Students and the general public are invited to enjoy a drive-in movie experience with Aladdin (2019) showing in the big campus parking lot on Meetinghouse Road! The drive-in movie is free for all Temple students, faculty staff and alumni with pre-registration (for the public, it is $10 per car)! Register online at alumni.temple.edu/drivein. 

There will be free bus transportation from Main Campus to and from the event! For more information, contact 267-468-8423 or megan.cranney@temple.edu.

On Monday, August 26 — the first day of classes — the Library lawn will be filled with informative booths featuring the campus student organizations and departments from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come for the free food and stay for the games, music and fun! Check out information booths to learn about all of the important "outside the classroom" stuff that you need to know and become a part of!

The Campus Resources Fair moves inside for the evening on August 26 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Learning Center Lobby and the 2nd Floor Lounge. Temple Ambler will also celebrate Mac & Cheese Monday during the Resources Fair.

"It goes without saying that everything is better with mac & cheese. We're hoping students socialize over everyone's favorite comfort food while learning more about the campus," said Cranney. "We want them to grab a bite and hang out to celebrate their first day on campus or their first day back to campus. Vegan snacks will also be available."

With a full semester ahead, how could a welcome back party last for just one day? The Welcome Back Party continues on Tuesday, August 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Library lawn followed by the Campus Resources Fair from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Learning Center.

On Wednesday, August 28, the Involvement Fair will include representatives from student organizations, local community service organizations and on-campus departments that will share information about how to join, volunteer, or secure a campus job/work study! The event, which will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the Library lawn, will also include free food and giveaways!

"The goal of the Involvement Fair is to help students become part of the campus community in significant ways," Cranney said. "Students will be able to find part-time jobs on campus that provide invaluable experience will also acknowledging that their academic and educational experiences at Temple come first."

Ready Player One, or Two or more at Game Night on Thursday, August 29 in The Perch, Bright Hall! Hang out at the newest student lounge, The Perch and dive into video games, board games pool, snacks and more from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Capping off the week, students, faculty and staff are invited to cheer on the Owls as they take on Bucknell in the season home opener on Saturday, August 31! Free bus service from Temple University Ambler is available so make plans now to join the excitement at Lincoln Financial Field! The bus will leave the Ambler Campus Learning Center Parking Lot at 12 p.m. Please arrive by 11:45 a.m.  

For more information on Week of Welcome and other Office of Student Life activities and events at Temple University Ambler, contact 267-468-8423 or megan.cranney@temple.edu.