The university will welcome new freshmen to campus and get the new academic year off to a spirited start with the Pillars of the Arch Welcome Picnic Aug. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at Legion Field.
The picnic is UGA’s official welcome to a freshman class expected to total about 4,800. The celebration also serves to welcome new faculty and staff, said Rodney Bennett, vice president for student affairs.
Bennett encouraged returning students and faculty to attend the picnic to meet new students and faculty. Dress is casual, and food and soft drinks will be served.
The highlight of the event will be the Pillars of the Arch ceremony in which new students are asked to adopt a set of value statements that define ethical responsibilities of UGA students and faculty.
The picnic will begin with a pep rally led by UGA cheerleaders and the Derby Pep Band. Katy Bowers, student government president, will emcee and introduce UGA President Michael F. Adams, who will make brief remarks.
The program will end with the singing of the Alma Mater, led by Benjamin Dawkins, a master’s degree student in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, and will be followed by a concert by the UGA Steel Drum Band.
Fall semester classes begin Aug. 16.
