EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 New and returning students at The University of Texas at El Paso will be welcomed back to campus this fall with two weeks of events designed to help them connect with resources, campus culture and each other.<\/p>\n
UTEP\u2019s Miner Welcome will feature 14 straight days of student-driven events and celebrations. The long-running tradition is intended to foster a sense of belonging and encourage students to get involved.<\/p>\n
Miner Welcome begins with Move-In Day on Aug. 20 for students living in the university\u2019s three on-campus residence halls and will conclude with the 36th annual Minerpalooza on Sept. 11.<\/p>\n
Miner Welcome is about more than a series of events \u2013 it\u2019s about fostering meaningful connections among students and helping them feel at home at UTEP,\u201d said Vice President for Student Affairs Catie McCorry-Andalis, Ed.D. \u201cWhen students experience a true sense of belonging, they are more likely to succeed both academically and personally. These traditions help set the stage for a successful semester while reinforcing that every student is a valued member of the Miner family.<\/p>\n
One of the signature events is set for the first day of the fall semester. The sixth annual Texas Western Gold Rush is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 24 on Centennial Plaza and will include a live concert, giveaways, fireworks and special guests.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: UTEP projects record fall enrollment topping 27,000, Wilson says in annual address<\/a><\/p>\n Minerpalooza, also scheduled for 6 p.m. on Centennial Plaza on Sept. 11, will serve as the capstone event for Miner Welcome. The event is free and open to the public and will feature games and activities hosted by student organizations, along with a live music lineup that includes Battle of the Bands contestants and other musical artists.<\/p>\n Organizers said Minerpalooza will also include Pete\u2019s Playground, a dedicated kids\u2019 area, as well as food trucks and other vendors. For those over the age of 21, there will be areas to purchase wine and beer. More information is available at utep.edu\/minerpalooza.<\/p>\n Additional highlights from the first two weeks of the new semester include:<\/p>\n On Friday, Aug. 21, Late Night at the Rec will give students, alumni and guests the opportunity to stay at the Student Recreation Center until midnight. Games such as laser tag, a neon pool party and extreme archery are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.<\/p>\n On Sunday, Aug. 23, the Welcome Back BBQ Bash, hosted by Housing and Residence Life, is billed as the largest fall event for campus housing residents and will feature free food, music and games aimed at fostering community and connection.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, Aug. 26, Pete\u2019s Round-Up: Involvement Fair will begin as a two-day event designed to connect students with campus resources, organizations and other opportunities. The fair is intended to help new and returning students discover campus programs, build connections and become more involved in the university community.<\/p>\n The full Miner Welcome schedule is available at utep.edu\/student-affairs\/minerwelcome\/.<\/a><\/p>\n