Welcome Week 2023 — 8/21 to 8/25

A Million Dreams: Fall Assembly 2023

The faculty and staff are invited to kick-off the 2023-24 academic year in community with a morning reception followed by the annual tradition of remarks from university leaders.

Come celebrate accomplishments of colleagues and friends, revel in the success of TWU Athletics, find inspiration in Momentum: Strategic Plan 2028 that the community has woven together, and take a sneak peek at what is around the corner from the provost, chancellor and president, and others.

• Free parking is available in the Oakland Complex parking garage on levels 2 to 4 (anywhere above the reserved spaces on level 1)
• ASL interpreters will stand at house left (stage right) with reserved seating nearby for those who desire the interpreter option
• Spanish interpreters will provide translation from English to Spanish with a headset available to pick up near the entrance to Margo Jones Performance Hall
• Streaming of the remarks will be available, but the best experience is in person
• Those coming from Houston can ride the bus to Denton (and back), see the RSVP form for all the details
• For those who will stay in Houston or Dallas but want to gather in community on each campus, we will stream the remarks in Houston - Auditorium 2120 and Dallas - Room 2504
• Campus leaders will host the traditional morning reception on Pioneer Circle in Denton and outside the streaming rooms in Houston and Dallas
• Student athletes will welcome you in person at the fall assembly wearing maroon and white to kick off our Maroon Monday tradition. Those faculty and staff who attend the assembly in person wearing maroon can enter into a drawing for a $100 Pioneer Fan wear gift certificate sponsored by the TWU Athletics. There will be two drawings: one for staff and one for faculty—must be present to win. Winners will be announced at the close of the assembly. Come show your Pioneer Pride by wearing maroon on Monday!

Start this year off inspired by the “million dreams for the world we’re gonna make.”

Week’s schedule

Find more detailed descriptions of the activities below the schedule or for more activities this week—and throughout the year—see the TWU Calendar of Events.

Monday, August 21, 2023

Tuesday, August 22

Wednesday, August 23

Thursday, August 24

Friday, August 25

Headshots

Faculty and staff are invited to drop in at the Eberly Recital Hall (Music 103) outside of Margo Jones Performance Hall to have a university headshot made. You will receive a link to download your preferred digital image for free from the university’s photo storage website two weeks from the photoshoot. Available:

• Monday 8–9:30 am and 1–5 pm
• Tuesday and Wednesday 8 am –12 pm and 1–5 pm

Faculty Ice Cream Social

The Faculty Senate is excited to host its annual Ice Cream Social at the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership in Old Main. All faculty members are welcome and encouraged to attend! Even if you are not an ice cream enthusiast, we look forward to seeing you. It is a great opportunity to interact with colleagues from different departments and colleges. Mark your calendars and enjoy the ice cream and engaging conversations with fellow faculty members!

New Faculty Orientation

New faculty will receive personalized invitations via email. If you need more information or you did not receive an invitation, please contact Dr. Lynda Murphy at 940.898.3405 or call the Center for Faculty Excellence at 940.898.3426.

First-Year Convocation

This event kicks off the academic year for incoming students new to a four-year university with some inspiration for success and insights into our particular traditions. Faculty and staff are invited to join the audience and meet a new student. Such interactions can make an impactful difference in success outcomes for new students.

Whether you are able to attend convocation or not, everyone is invited to the post-event First-Year Feast in the Dining Hall. The feast is hosted by the Center for Student Development, Student Government Association, and TWU Dining Services. Come enjoy food, music, games, and prizes while making first year students feel welcome.

For more information, please contact the Center for Student Development at 940.898.3626.

Teaching and Learning Symposium

The Center for Development, Design, and Delivery (CD3) invites the TWU Community to the annual Teaching and Learning Symposium. This half-day event will be held in the Southwest Ballroom of Hubbard Hall on Thursday, August 24th from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. The symposium will feature in-person Table Talks and Roundtable presentations. Check-in will begin at 9 am outside of the Southwest Ballroom. The symposium will begin at 9:30 am and end with lunch and conversation time at noon. All are welcome to attend.

Block Party

Student Life invites faculty and staff to meet new students in a fun, student-focused annual tradition aimed at easing the on-campus transition and building participants’ identity as a TWU Pioneer. Enjoy food and music, connect with students, and be a part of their connection to each other and Denton community resources. Staff volunteers will receive a complimentary food wristband at the beginning of their shift. Departments can also purchase wristbands for their staff members to enjoy the Block Party fun and food trucks. Pre-ordered wristbands will be available for pick up starting August 23rd. See email from Mara Jackson, Student Union Programming for details.

Page last updated 10:52 AM, April 15, 2024