Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco handing students planners as part of the “Chancellor’s Welcome” event in the Campus Center.

On Sept. 6, UMass Boston welcomed its class of 2026, a community of new Beacons from across the world and from diverse backgrounds. The university’s newest Beacons will start their college experience with numerous fun and exciting events on campus. The Students Arts and Events Council organizes fun, engaging and informative events that will foster an active campus community both physically and virtually. Welcome to Paradise is the theme of Welcome Week, which will host a range of events, including movie evenings, ice cream socials and educational sessions planned in collaboration with on-campus clubs and organizations.
The Welcome Week commenced on Sept. 6 with the Chancellor’s welcome at the Campus Center. Snacks and drinks were provided to the students in the presence of Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco and other administration members. On Sept. 7, there were several other educational events, like information tables sponsored by University Dining Services, the Inclusive Identity Project, Jumpstart and the Undergraduate Student Government. The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion handles the Inclusive Identity Project, which strives “to strengthen the university’s tradition of diversity by developing and implementing a strategic and integrated approach to advancing a university-wide climate that respects values, and supports the academic, social and personal development of diverse faculty, staff and students.” The Undergraduate Student Government, comprised of undergraduate students, acts as a governing body for the students and represents them in administration and in the university community.
On Sept. 8, the new Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Karen Ferrer-Muñiz, interacted with students regarding her role and what Student Affairs has to offer to the students. “The Division of Student Affairs is devoted to creating an integrated learning experience that helps students reach their educational, personal, and professional aspirations.” Dr. Ferrer-Muñiz is really passionate about the student community and the overall campus environment.
A mini-involvement fair was hosted for students on Sunday, Sept. 4.  Many organizations and groups across campus tabled at the event, including The Mass Media!  The event was held to inform students living on campus about the many clubs, activities and organizations they can get involved with.
On Tuesday, Sept. 6, all students were able to attend the Campus Kickoff, which included tabling and information centers hosted by more organizations on campus.  This event was similar to the involvement fair, but it was designed for students from all walks of life to learn about their campus community.
Apart from involvement fairs and information tables, SAEC arranged some fun events. On Sept. 9, SAEC’s First Friday event comprised live music by Boston-based artists, food, lawn games and more. DJ Ryan Machado, Latrell James and bands like Dutch Tulips and The Q-Tip Bandits graced the evening with banger music for the student audience.
Upcoming events
With the first week of classes already down, some major fun events are lined up for the second week. Cultural Collaborative is hosting an ice cream social in collaboration with other student centers. The six student-run Cultural Centers make up the Cultural Collaborative. The Cultural Centers collaborate to plan and develop cross-cultural projects and programs. Asian Student Center, Black Student Center, Casa Latinx, Queer Student Center, Student Veterans Center and Women’s Center are part of the Cultural Collaborative.
The Fall Convocation of UMass Boston will take place on Sept. 14, to mark the official start of academic year 2022-23. Chancellor Suárez-Orozco will address the students in the Campus Center ballroom. Provost Joseph Berger will give the opening remarks with a Keynote Address by The Honorable Gina McCarthy ’76, White House National Climate Advisor. The convocation will begin at 11 a.m..
Another event to look forward to is the Chancellor’s Barbecue which will kick off the semester with great food, games and music. The event is on Sept.14, at 12:30 p.m. on the Campus Center front lawn. To learn more about the events and cubs on campus, please log in to UMBeInvolved, the universiity’s student portal. Welcome to UMass Boston, Class of 2026!