Bulldog Welcome Experience

August 16, 2025 - September 13, 2025

The Bulldog Welcome Experience is designed to provide opportunities for freshmen and new transfer students to become socially engaged and acclimated to Alabama A&M University through programming and activities hosted by various departments and organizations. This experience is coordinated by the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development in partnership with Freshman Academy. Contact studentactivities@aamu.edu for questions.

Freshman students are required to move in on August 15-16 to participate in Bulldog Beginnings, a weeklong interactive experience where they will learn about AAMU’s history, traditions, and leadership as well as get acclimated to campus life. 

Week 1: bulldog beginnings

Saturday, August 16

Class of 2029 Photo | 4:00pm | Louis Crews Stadium | Mandatory 

All freshman students are asked to meet on the football field in Louis Crews Stadium for the Class of 2029 photo before Freshman Convocation. Attire the Class of 2029 polo and black bottoms. The arrival time is 3:30pm. Buses will be available to shuttle students and parents to the stadium beginning at 3:00pm. Buses will pick up in the Patton Hall parking lot and transport to the stadium.  

New Student Convocation & Torch Lighting Ceremony | 6:00pm | Event Center | Mandatory 

All freshman students are required to participate in the official welcome ceremony for new students.  Attire is the Class of 2029 polo and black bottoms. The lineup area will be on the home side of the Louis Crews Stadium. Freshmen will be lined up for the Convocation processional. Voter registration will also be available in this area. 

Doors will open for parents and families at 4:00pm and will close at 5:45pm for the processional. 

Buses will be available to shuttle students and parents from the stadium back to the Patton Hall parking lot beginning at 7:30pm.  

Freshman Convocation Picnic | Immediately following Convocation| Event Center Grass Lot  

Freshman students and their families are invited to this fun celebratory sendoff with food, music, and fun. See above for shuttle information. 

 

Sunday, August 17

Church Fest | 2:00pm-3:30pm | Knight Center Ballroom 

Join us as local churches provide goodies and information about their services around the city. 

Majors Fest | 3:30pm-6:00pm | The Quad 

Stop by to engage with faculty and staff within the academic areas of the 4 Colleges, Freshman Academy, and the Learning Resource Center. Meet with your advisors during this fun interactive 

SGA presents AAMU Chants & Line Dance Class | 7:30pm-9:00pm | Elmore Gym 

Join the Student Government Association to practice popular line dances and learn AAMU chants for events. Presidential Legacy Cup Roll Call: Each team creates a quick chant representing their assigned President to present during the Freshman Focus Workshop. Chants will be presented at the beginning of the AAMU Legacy Live Session. 

 

Monday, August 18

Bulldog Beginnings Workshop | 9:00am-1:00pm | Event Center | Mandatory 

Freshman students are required to participate in these rotational workshops about adulting and transitioning to college. Buses will run from Patton Hall to the Event Center starting at 8:00am then back to Patton Hall as cohorts are dismissed. Sessions are listed below: 

Breakout Rotational Sessions | Each session is 30 minutes with 5-minute transitions between. Each cohort rotates through all four sessions. 

• Freshman Success 101 (Navigate, Blackboard, Academic processes and deadlines) | Facilitated by Freshman Academy  

• Making Good Decisions | Facilitated by Student Conduct & Community Standards 

• Bulldog Safety | Facilitated by Department of Public Safety 

• Freshman Health & Wellness | Facilitated by Student Health & Counseling Services /University Fitness & Recreation Center 

The Bulldog Standard: College Do’s & Don’t’s | 3:00pm | Elmore Gym | Mandatory 

Join the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development for a fun etiquette class filled with do’s and don't’s for class and campus life. Learn how to be the best representation of the AAMU man and woman. Teams can earn points toward the Presidential Legacy Cup for best-dressed and most spirited. 

Freshman Student Leader Interest Meeting | 7:00pm | Buchanan Hall Auditorium 

All freshman students who are interested in leadership positions within the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development are required to attend this information session to learn about the application and selection processes. Application will be available following the meeting. Positions include: 

• Amuite Student Publications: Graphic Designer, Journalist, or Photographer 

• Royal Court: Miss Freshman 

• Student Activities Board: General Body Members 

• Student Government Association: Freshman Senators 

• Freshman Peer Mentor Program: Mentee Cohort 

 

Tuesday, August 19

Bulldogs & Bulletins | 9:00am-12:00pm | Various Campus Locations | Mandatory 

Freshman Academy invites you to participate in meetings with your advisors and students from your major before the semester begins. The Freshman Peer Mentors and other student leaders will be available to assist with finding meeting locations.  

 AAMU Legacy Live! Session | 3:00pm | University Fitness & Recreation Center | Mandatory 

Where AAMU’s traditions come alive through chants, songs, and friendly cohort competition! Join us for a spirited workshop to learn AAMU history and traditions, the Fight Song, Alma Mater, and continue practicing school chants.  Enhance your school pride through activities and tips to help get you more connected to campus.  

Legacy Cup Roll Call (Facilitated by the Freshman Peer Mentors): Groups will present the chants they created during the Line Dance and Chants Class on Sunday.  

Teams will also compete in the Legacy Quiz Battle featuring trivia about AAMU history, traditions, and President bios. Points will go toward the Presidential Legacy Cup. 

 SAB presents Club 1875 | 8:00pm-10:00pm | University Fitness & Recreation Center

Join the Student Activities Board for a fun night of music and dancing! 

 

 

Wednesday, August 20

Rich in Heritage Scavenger Hunt begins | All Day  

Participate in this required scavenger hunt that will help you learn AAMU history. Freshmen will be required to submit your completed hunt materials as your ORI 101 assignment on August 28th.  

 Freshman Yearbook Photos | 11:00am-3:00pm | Welcome Center Conference Room 

Take your yearbook portrait. Wear your Class of 2029 polo. Facilitated by Amuite Student Publications  

 Men on the Hill | 2:30pm-4:30pm| Clyde Foster Auditorium 

Men on the Hill is a dynamic leadership kickoff for incoming male freshmen looking to get involved, build confidence, and connect with peers and mentors. This high-energy session features real talk, leadership insights, and practical tips for navigating campus life. Join current male student leaders for meaningful conversations, networking, and your first steps toward purpose and success at AAMU. 

Women on the Hill | 2:30pm-4:30pm| Buchanan Hall Auditorium 

Women on the Hill is an interactive session designed to empower incoming female freshmen as they begin their AAMU journey. Join current female student leaders for real talk, practical tips on navigating campus life, and advice on building confidence and meaningful connections. Engage in authentic conversations about the college experience and walk away with first-year survival strategies you won’t want to miss! 

 

Thursday, August 21 – Happy First Day of Classes!

Bulldog Q&A Pop Up Stations | 7:30am-5:30pm | Various Campus Locations

Faculty, staff and student leaders will be available at tents on the Quad and near Knight Complex to answer any general first day of class questions.  

 

Friday, August 22

Charting New Connections: Conduct Cab | 9:00am-4:00pm | Pick Up Locations: Knight Complex & Hugine Complex 

Students will be able to get a ride to class, receive swag, and talk to the conduct staff and student conduct board members. Learn more about the conduct process and content of the Student Code of Conduct. 

Freshman Senate & Miss Freshman Candidate Meet & Greet | 12:00pm-2:00pm | Knight Courtyard 

Join SGA to meet the candidates for the Freshman Senator and Miss Freshman positions. 

Freshman Peer Mentors presents Games on the Hill | 5:00pm | The Quad 

Join FPM as we cap off the first week to see which group will take home the Presidential Legacy Cup! Fun Olympic-style field games in teams: Sack Races, Three-Legged Races, AAMU Chant Battles, Trivia Sprints, etc.  

 

Saturday, August 23

Student Leader Elections | 8:00am-11:59pm | Online

Voting for the Freshman Senators and Miss Freshman will take place online. Selections for SAB, Freshmen Peer Mentor Program, and Amuite Student Publications will be made. 

 

Week 2: Get Involved!

Sunday, August 24

International Student Orientation | 10:00am-2:00pm | Knight Ballroom 

All new international students are required to attend this student orientation to assist in acclimating you to campus. 

 Freshman Talent Show | 6:00pm | Buchanan Hall - Bradford Auditorium

Compete in the annual Freshman Talent Show! A sign-up form will be available during the first week. Freshman student leaders will be announced. 

 

Monday, August 25

Building Bulldogs Service Project | All Week 

Freshman Academy invites all freshmen to participate in this service project to create special messages for local elementary school students.  

 Greek 101: Freshmen Only | 6:00pm | Buchanan Hall Auditorium 

Join the Office of Student Activities to learn about sororities and fraternities on campus. Learn the tips, do’s, and don’ts to help you navigate Greek Life. 

 

tuesday, August 26

Freshman Yearbook Photos (make up day) | 11:00am-2:00pm | McCalep Room 107 

Here’s another opportunity to take your yearbook portrait. Wear your Class of 2029 polo. Facilitated by Amuite Student Publications 

CDS presents Part-Time Job Fair | 11:00am-2:00pm | Welcome Center Conference Room 

Join the Office of Career Development Services to explore part-time job opportunities for students. 

First Gen Welcome Mixer | 5:00pm | Clyde Foster Auditorium 

First Generation students are invited to come out to mix and mingle during this fun, interactive event. 

 

wednesday, August 27

RSO Fair | 6:00pm-8:00pm | The Quad 

The Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development invites you to stop by to learn more about the registered student organizations on campus!  

 

Thursday, August 28

Real Talk, Real Consequences Lunch & Learn | 12:00pm-2:00pm | TBD 

Join the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards to continue learning how to make good decisions while in college. Students will review clips of conduct issues and examples of common real life issues on campus. Students will identify them and discuss what they would do in the situation or how to avoid those situations. This event stresses the importance of students knowing the Student Code of Conduct content and upholding it. ?(Registration Required) 

Miss ISA Crowning and Officer Installation | 6:30pm | Knight Ballroom 

Join the Office of Multicultural Affairs for the official crowning of Miss International Student Association and installation of officers! 

 

friday, August 29

Maroon & White Friday | All Day 

Show your school spirit in your AAMU colors or gear! Post photos on Instagram and tag @aamu_studentactivities.  

 

August 30 – September 1 – Happy Labor Day Weekend! 

 

Week 3: bulldog pride!

tuesday, september 2

NPHC presents Bulldog Welcome Yard Show | 6:00pm| The Quad 

Join us for a showcase of the chapters within the National Pan-Hellenic Council followed by a fun party on the Quad! 

 

wednesday, september 3

CDS presents Fall 2025 Career Preparedness Week | 11:00am-2:00pm | Welcome Center Conference Room 

Meet our Sponsors + Industry & Government Cluster and Free Handshake/LinkedIn Headshots 

SGA presents Every Sunny Wednesday | 12:00pm-2:00pm | The Quad 

Join the Student Government Association for the first ESW of the year! We will also host a pep rally to kickoff football season and support our first home game! 

 

thursday, september 4

CDS presents Fall 2025 Career Preparedness Week | 11:00am-2:00pm | Welcome Center Conference Room & Zoom 

Resume Reviews + Mock Interviews (In-Person & Virtual) 

Lounge and Link | 5:00-7:30pm | Library 

Join Freshman Academy to learn more about tutoring and academic resources to help you succeed academically. 

 

Friday, september 5

Maroon & White Friday | All Day  

Show your Bulldog Pride by wearing school colors in preparation for the first home football game! Post photos on Instagram and tag @aamu_studentactivities. 

CDS presents Fall 2025 Career Preparedness Week | 12:30p-2p (Round 1), 3p-3:30p (Round 2) + 4 p (Winners Announced) Zoom 

Shoot Your Shot, 30-Second Elevator Pitch Competition 

 

Saturday, september 6

Louis Crews Classic | 6:00pm | Louis Crews Stadium  

Come out for the first home football game! Freshman students are highly encouraged to participate in the annual Bulldog Blitz before kickoff. T-shirts will be provided. 

 

Week 4: fun on the hill!

sunday, September 7

Sunday Dinner | 4:00pm| Knight and Foster Cafeterias 

Join Freshman Academy Advisors, campus staff, and university leadership for dinner in the cafe! 

 

tuesday, September 9

SAB presents Silent Party | 7:00pm-10:00pm | TBD 

Grab a set of headphones and glow sticks for a fun night of dancing in a safe way! Get there early as headphones are limited! 

 

wednesday, September 10

CDS presents Work-It Wednesday | 4:00pm-5:00pm | Zoom 

Join Career Development Services for a Panel Discussion: Overcoming Impostor Syndrome.

SAB presents Movie Night | 7:00pm | TBD 

Join SAB for a fun outdoor movie experience! 

 

thursday, September 11

Mental Health Sneaker Ball | 5:00pm-8:00pm | Knight Center Ballroom 

Join the Health & Counseling Center for an evening of fun and music with a twist. Wear your best sneakers! 

 

friday, September 12

Maroon & White Friday | All Day  

Show your Bulldog Pride by wearing school colors in preparation for the first home football game! Post photos on Instagram and tag @aamu_studentactivities. 

Bulldog Welcome Bash | 6:00pm | The Quad 

Join the Office of Student Activities & Leadership Development for live music, food trucks, and more! 

 

saturday, September 13

Bulldog Day of Service | 9:00am | Kickoff on the Quad 

Join OSALD and Freshman Academy for a day of service on and off campus.