The first week of classes: probably the busiest week for the campus out of the semester. People are running around, trying to figure out their schedules and trying to get financial aid to pay for school.
Is there any way to unwind while on campus and forget that you just spent $400 on textbooks?
Why, yes!
The Student Arts and Events Council (SAEC), as it does every year, holds an opening week of events and free giveaways (while supplies last) throughout campus. This semester the series of events are entitled “Welcome to the Chill Zone.”
There are a multitude of events happening this semester. Some include Ed Laquidara, exotic animal handler who has been at UMass Boston before to showcase his animals for students to pet and take pictures with; a volunteer and a student involvement fair; a comedian; and ice sculptures created by the same man who does them for First Night here in our cozy city of Boston.
Keep those eyes open for free swag, too, as that’s the one most memorable thing from opening week.
MONDAY Jan. 23:
Animal Safari: Come see different exotic animals and pet them (if you dare!)
Campus Center 1st fl. terrace, 12-2 p.m.
Student Center Open House: All seven student centers (Queer SC, Student Veteran’s Center, Asian SC, Casa Latina, Black SC, ARMS Center and Women’s Center) will be having an hour-long open house in order to welcome new and returning students.
Campus Center 3rd fl., Rm. 3100, 12-1 p.m.
TUESDAY Jan. 24:
Ice Sculptures: These pieces of art will be created by the same artist from First Night Boston.
Campus Center Plaza (outside), 11 a.m.
Volunteer Fair: Want to give back to the Greater Boston community? Come and check out which organizations are looking for volunteers. You just might find the perfect one!
Campus Center 1st fl. terrace, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Student Center Open House: All seven student centers (Queer SC, Student Veteran’s Center, Asian SC, Casa Latina, Black SC, ARMS Center, and Women’s Center) will be having an hour-long open house in order to welcome new and returning students.
Campus Center 3rd fl., Rm. 3100, 12 – 1 p.m.
WEDNESDAY Jan. 25:
Tickets on Sale: Tickets for the Celtics game versus the Bobcats (Feb 7) go on sale at Student Activities. $35 for students and $38 for staff/faculty.
Campus Center 3rd fl., Student Activities Front Desk
Ice Sculptures: These pieces of art will be created by the same artist from First Night Boston.
Campus Center Plaza (outside), 11 a.m.
Student Involvement Fair: Looking to get involved on campus? More than 100 student organizations will be present with information pertaining to involvement.
Campus Center 1st fl. terrace, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Center Stage features Sean Bott: This comedy mentalist grew up in the capital of Saudi Arabia, where inhaling desert dust and scorching heat severely warped his brain. Come watch as he charms the UMass Boston student body.
Campus Center 3rd fl. ballroom, 5 p.m.
THURSDAY Jan. 26:
Ice Sculptures: These pieces of art will be created by the same artist from First Night Boston.
Campus Center Plaza (outside), 11 a.m.
Student Center Open House: All seven student centers (Queer SC, Student Veteran’s Center, Asian SC, Casa Latina, Black SC, ARMS Center, and Women’s Center) will be having an hour-long open house in order to welcome new and returning students.
Campus Center 3rd fl., Rm. 3100, 12 – 1 p.m.
Your Island Oasis: Free stuff!
Campus Center 1st fl. terrace, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
“Shadow Initiation Spell” Opening Reception: This provocative exhibit features the work of Vela Phelan, an internationally renowned performance, assemblage, sound, and video artist. “Shadow Initiation Spell” is a merging of Buddha and Baby Jesus, time and space, mind and body and life and death, all in one energy form. Come to the opening reception on Jan. 26 from 4:30 – 8 p.m. This exhibit will be at UMass Boston from Jan. 23 to Feb. 15.
The Harbor Art Gallery, McCormack Hall 1st fl., 4:30 – 8 p.m.
Red Hot Tailgating: Come show your support for the men’s basketball team at the game versus Tufts! Three-point and half-court shot contest during halftime!
Clark Athletic Center, 7 p.m.
Movie Under the Stars: On a 30-foot screen, “Puss in Boots” and “Moneyball” will be viewed. Open to all.
Campus Center UL, Atrium, “Puss in Boots” at 7 p.m., “Moneyball” at 8:45 p.m.
FRIDAY Jan. 27:
Student Center Open House: All seven student centers (Queer SC, Student Veteran’s Center, Asian SC, Casa Latina, Black SC, ARMS Center, and Women’s Center) will be having an hour-long open house in order to welcome new and returning students.
Campus Center 3rd fl., Rm. 3100, 12 – 1 p.m.
Night on the Town: Attend a special evening at the Museum of Science! Each UMass Boston student will get a ticket with a valid ID (maximum of four).
Science Park, Cambridge, 5 – 9 p.m.
Go Beacons!: Go support the men’s hockey team as they play Babson!
Clark Athletic Center, 7 p.m.
MONDAY Jan. 30:
Free Symphony Orchestra Performance by Beijing Musicians: The RDFZ, a prestigious high school in Beijing, brings their symphony orchestra over to Boston to perform. Hosted by the UMass Boston Confucius Institute.
BC High Auditorium, 3 p.m.
TUESDAY Jan. 31:
Women’s Leadership Institute Kick-Off with America Ferrera: Have you heard of the TV show “Ugly Betty”? If not, you must be living under a rock. Come out of there on January 31st to hear America Ferrera, star of the show you’ve never heard of, speak about how race and class have affected her career and level of success. A reception will follow (free food!).
Campus Center 3rd fl. ballroom, 4 p.m.
WEDNESDAY Feb. 1:
Chinese New Year Celebration: Come experience a musical extravaganza, courtesy of the UMass Boston Confucius Institute. The Zhejiang University Wenqin Arts Troupe will only be visiting two other universities in New England during their time here, so be sure to swing by! RSVP by Jan. 27 to Enrollment Information Services at 617-287-3944.
Campus Center 3rd fl. ballroom, 5 p.m.