Students return to UNL for Aug. 25 start of fall semester

            Students from all points of the globe are descending on Lincoln this week as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln prepares to begin its fall semester of classes on Aug 25.

            New and returning students will be welcomed back to campus with the annual Big Red Welcome celebration, which has been expanded this year to six weeks from one week in the past. The expanded Big Red Welcome is designed to give students a better chance to become fully acquainted with what the campus has to offer.

            "Many clubs and departments have traditionally hosted welcome events for new and returning students yet it was difficult for new students to find out when each organization's welcome was being held," said Pat McBride, associate dean for admissions. "We are providing one-stop website (http://bigredwelcome.unl.edu) listing all welcome events will make it easier for new and returning students to accelerate their social integration to UNL."

            Big Red Welcome begins Aug. 22 with a variety of activities, including the New Student Convocation at 5 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, followed by the Cornhusker Marching Band exhibition beginning at 7 at Memorial Stadium. After the band exhibition, new students will line up at 8:30 at the stadium's Gate 15 to be initiated into the Sea of Red by participating in the annual "Tunnel Walk."

            One of the highlights of the festivities will again be the Big Red Welcome Festival 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 24 in the parking lot east of Memorial Stadium at 14th and Vine streets. More than 10,000 students are expected to attend, enjoying free food and a chance to win prizes.

            For a full schedule of Big Red Welcome events, go to http://bigredwelcome.unl.edu.

Writer: Tom Simons, University Communications