Residence Hall Community Events - Orientation and First-Year ...

We believe every student at the University of Minnesota has the potential to do well. We know you can 

succeed. Our job is to help you identify your talents, develop those talents into strengths, and direct 

those strengths toward activities and experiences that will help you succeed. 

Welcome Week is one of the many experiences the University of Minnesota offers to help you learn how 

to develop your strengths so that you can have a successful first year of college. 

By attending Welcome Week you will: 

• See familiar faces. 

• Recognize people from your college. 

• Understand what is expected of you academically. 

• Know where classes and resources are located. 

• Identify when and where to ask for help. 

• Be proud to be a Minnesota Golden Gopher! 

Handbook = Schedule & Guide 

Table of Contents 

This handbook complements your personalized 

Welcome Week schedule and is your guide for 

your first year. Keep it with you, take notes and 

take away a key message from each event you 

attend. Other things you can do to get the most 

out of Welcome Week include: 

• Ask questions... 

look for anyone in a Welcome Week T-shirt. 

3 

4 

5 

Expectations for Your Journey 

Free-Time Activities 

Kick-Off Day: 

Wednesday, August 29 

• Wear your nametag... 

it lets people know who you are and gets you 

into events! 

9 

College Day: 

Thursday, August 30 

• Exchange names and numbers... 

stay connected after WW! 

• Keep your U Card with you at all times... 

it’s your ticket into major events. 

• Keep the WW Hotline number 612-369-1005 

available... 

in case you get separated from your group. 

• Wear comfortable footwear... 

there is a lot of walking! 

19 

29 

41 

U of M Day: 

Friday, August 31 

Community Engagement Day: 

Saturday, September 1 

Community Exploration Day: 

Sunday, September 2 

• Choose your attitude... 

this program is as great as you make it! 

• Follow your dinner rotation... 

it’ll help alleviate traffic in the dining halls. 

• Check out the tips... 

at the bottom of various pages throughout the 

handbook. 

51 

54 

62 

Prepare for Classes: 

Monday, September 3 

Make the Most of Your 

Gopher Experience 

Campus Maps 

1

Parking and Transit 

The East River Road Parking Garage is the designated Welcome Week parking location for commuter students. 

If you’d like a free parking coupon, you must park here. 

Visit the Parking and Transportation Services website (umn.edu/pts) for information on sustainable 

transportation options to, from, and around campus-including how to get around by bike, bus, rail, or foot. 

Review transit tables in each day’s detailed schedule pages to learn how to get to the specific day’s events. 

The Campus Connector will follow the schedule below. This does not reflect service during the academic year. 

A Safe You is a Safe U 

Date Time Interval 

Tuesday, August 28 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Every 15 Minutes 

Wednesday, August 29 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Every 15 Minutes 

Thursday, August 30 7:00 a.m.–1:00 a.m. Every 15 Minutes 

Friday, August 31 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m. Every 15 Minutes 

8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Every 5 Minutes 

6:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. Every 15 Minutes 

Saturday, September 1 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Every 15 Minutes 

10:00 p.m.–Midnight Every 30 Minutes 

Sunday, September 2 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Every 30 Minutes 

12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Every 15 Minutes 

6:00 p.m.–Midnight Every 30 Minutes 

Monday, September 3 9:30 a.m.–Midnight Every 30 Minutes 

Safety and security are among the University’s top priorities. Below are some resources to promote campus safety. 

Important Phone Numbers 

Emergencies: 911 

U Police: 612-624-COPS (2677) 

Crisis Counseling 

Crisis Connection (24 hr): 612-379-6363 

Mental Health 

Boynton Mental Health Clinic 

(8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., M, T, W, F and 

9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Th): 612-624-1444 

Counseling and Consulting 

University Counseling & Consulting Services 

(8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., M–F): 612-624-3323 

Sexual Assault 

Aurora Center (24 hr): 612-626-9111 

Campus Escorts 

Walking or bike escort (24 hour): 612-624-WALK (9255) 

Gopher Chauffeur 

Free door-to-door transportation offered near campus 

(10:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m., weekends): 612-388-6911 

More at umn.edu/prepared 

Your College Journey 

Your transition to the U is ongoing. You will participate in activities and have additional experiences that will 

help you develop your strengths and work toward success. At the time of graduation you should be able to 

demonstrate the Student Learning and Development Outcomes listed below. We have suggested ways to 

apply the Student Development Outcomes during Welcome Week. 

Student Learning Outcomes // www.slo.umn.edu 

Your College Day activities, coupled with other Welcome Week events, will begin your journey to excelling in 

the learning outcomes. Look for more opportunities during your first year for continued growth. 

• Can identify, define, and solve problems 

• Can locate and critically evaluate information 

• Have mastered a body of knowledge and a mode of inquiry 

• Understand diverse philosophies and cultures within and across societies 

• Can communicate effectively 

• Understand the role of creativity, innovation, discovery, and expression across disciplines 

• Have acquired skills for effective citizenship and life-long learning 

Student Development Outcomes // www.sdo.umn.edu 

Student Development 

Outcome 

Responsibility & 

Accountability 

Independence & 

Interdependence 

Goal Orientation 

Self-Awareness 

Resilience 

Appreciation of 

Differences 

Tolerance of 

Ambiguity 

Definition 

Making appropriate decisions and accepting 

consequences of your actions. 

Appropriately determining when to act alone 

and when to enlist the help of others. 

Understanding how to use your strengths to 

complete tasks in a timely manner. 

Showing interest in and expecting the best 

from others and yourself. 

Recovering from disappointments to continue 

to work successfully. 

Valuing differences and seeking out others 

who are different than you and working 

effectively with them. 

Working and performing well under 

complicated situations with little instruction. 

How to Demonstrate it at Welcome Week 

There’s no help waking up for Welcome Week events. 

You’re on your own! 

When going to interest sessions on U of M day, go to the one 

you are interested in and meet up with your group later. 

During Welcome Week you will have the opportunity to set 

academic goals for yourself, especially during College Day. 

When meeting new people you need to know who you are in 

order to present yourself genuinely to others. 

If you become tired after a long day, you must bounce back 

the next day; every day is important! 

Throughout the week you will be meeting many different 

people from many different backgrounds. Being respectful 

is important. 

Your Welcome Week Leader (WWL) may need to change 

something at the last minute. Learn to go with the flow! 

2 3

Free-Time Activities 

While You’re in Coffman: 

• Pick up your U-Pass at the Information Desk if you purchased one online. It allows you to ride Metro Transit buses. 

• Stop by the Tech Stop (located on the 1st floor) if you have any questions about campus technology, 

accessing internet connections, or resolving computer problems. 

While Online, Check Out: 

• Welcome Week on Facebook http://z.umn.edu/wwfacebook and Twitter @ofypUMN. Don’t forget to use your 

class hashtag #gopher16. 

• Kick It! activities on myu.umn.edu – you may win some prizes! 

• Scholarships for which you, specifically, are eligible: scholarships.umn.edu. 

• Grad Planner to help you map your next four years: plan.umn.edu. 

• Engage! Search to find out how to get involved: engage.umn.edu. 

• It All Adds Up campaign at www.umn.edu/italladdsup and take the energy conservation pledge. 

• The U of M Strengths site at strengths.umn.edu to learn more about utilizing your strengths. 

Work out at the Rec Center on the East Bank: 

Tuesday, August 28 – Friday, August 31: 5:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

Saturday, September 1: 

Sunday, September 2: 

Monday, September 3: 

8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

U of M Bookstores Hours 

Stop by the U of M Bookstores - at Coffman (CMU) and the St. Paul Student Center (SPSC) - during Welcome Week 

and beat the upperclassmen to the stacks! Check out the many text options available to you including new, used, 

ebooks and rentals. Visit us online at http://www.bookstores.umn.edu/textbooks/searchbooks.html to create 

your personalized reading list and to view your text options. 

Wednesday, August 29 CMU: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. SPSC: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Thursday, August 30 CMU: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. SPSC: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Friday, August 31 CMU: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. SPSC: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Saturday, September 1 CMU: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. SPSC: Closed 

Sunday, September 2 CMU: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. SPSC: Closed 

Monday, September 3 CMU: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. SPSC: Closed 

Anytime 

Ask your Welcome Week Leader (WWL) to help you and your group members find your classroom locations. 

Stay connected to friends and family – send a text message or email. 

Introduce yourself to your Community Advisor (CA) in your residence hall or meet some people at the 

Commuter Connection, located in 236 CMU (hours may vary). 

Meals 

Breakfast - On your own 

Lunch - On your own 

Dinner - 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. 

* See your personal schedule for dining locations. 

Reminders 

• Make sure to be on time for your Kick-Off 

Meeting: it’s the first time that you will meet 

your group and your WWLs! 

• The Target Run is a great way to pick up any 

of the things that you may have forgotten to 

bring to campus. 

Today’s Events: 

Welcome Week Check-in 

Kick-Off Meeting 

Residence Hall 

Community Events 

Target Run 

4 

5

Kick-Off Day Event Schedule 

Welcome Week Check-In 

• This is the first step to Welcome Week! 

• Check-in occurs in the Great Hall of CMU or Bailey Hall Lobby. You will receive your personalized schedule, 

handbook, nametag, cinch bag, water bottle, and other materials needed for the week. 

• If you haven’t received your college shirt, be sure to find out how to do that at check-in. 

Kick-Off Meeting 

• This is an opportunity for you to meet your small group members and WWLs, start making friends, and learn 

expectations for the week from your WWLs. 

• You will be with this group throughout the week, so be sure to exchange names and contact information. 

• Each Welcome Week group will be assigned a group meeting spot (GMS) to make sure it is easy 

to find each other. 

• See the personalized schedule you received at check-in for your assigned location. 

Kick-Off Meeting Departure 

Group Meeting Location Meeting Times Escort Transportation 

Commuter/Off Campus CMU - Front Plaza 4:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. WWLs Walking 

Bailey Bailey Hall - Upper Lobby 7:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. CAs Walking 

Middlebrook Middlebrook Breezeway 7:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. CAs Walking 

Other Res. Halls/ 

Res. Apartments 

In front of building 7:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. CAs Walking 

Residence Hall Community Events 

• Get settled and start meeting people in your residence hall, including your CAs. 

• Each residence hall will have activities planned for a night of relaxation and meeting new people. 

• Look for specific details in your building or talk to your CA to see what activities are planned. 

Target Run (Sponsored by Housing & Residential Life and Orientation & First-Year Programs) 

Forget something Do you have enough hangers Snacks Want to coordinate any purchases for your 

room or apartment with a friend or roommate The Target Run is a perfect opportunity for you to pick up 

last-minute items, meet new students, and have a good time! Take one of the provided buses to Targetit’s 

the place to be! 

Target Run Departure 

Group Buses depart from First bus to Target 

departs at 

Last bus to Target 

departs at 

Middlebrook 21st Ave. S. at 4th St. S. 10:00 p.m. 11:50 p.m. 

Sanford/Wilkins/Dinkytown University Ave. in front of Sanford 10:00 p.m. 11:50 p.m. 

University Village 4th St. SE at 25th Ave. SE 10:00 p.m. 11:50 p.m. 

Comstock/Yudof West side of Comstock Hall on the East River Road 10:00 p.m. 11:50 p.m. 

Bailey Buford Ave. in front of SPSC 10:00 p.m. 11:50 p.m. 

Superblock Oak St. SE in front of Territorial/Frontier Halls 10:00 p.m. 11:50 p.m. 

Commuters/Off Campus Any of the above bus locations 10:00 p.m. 11:50 p.m. 

Dinner 

• Eat dinner before your Kick-Off Meeting if you live in a residence hall. Please follow the time listed on your 

personalized schedule. 

• If you’re a commuter or you live off campus you’ll eat dinner after your Kick-Off Meeting with your group and 

WWLs. Be sure to bring your U Card with you. 

• The Commuter Connection student group will be at the Commuter Kick-Off Dinner. Sign up for prizes to be 

awarded on Friday at Free Bowling & Billiards for Commuters. 

Quick Note from 

Orientation & First-Year Programs: 

It is natural to feel homesick, even if you have 

spent time away from home previously. Give 

yourself some time to adjust to your new 

surroundings. Homesickness is a temporary feeling 

for most students. Talk to your CA, your academic 

adviser, or campus employer for assistance. 

Call or e-mail home but avoid getting into 

the habit of going home every weekend. 

This is especially important during the 

beginning of the school year. 

6 7

Security Monitor Program: 624-WALK 

Remember how the “Buddy System” kept you safe on all those field trips 

That’s where we come in. 

College Day! 

How it works: 

1. Call (612)-624-WALK (or 4-WALK from any campus phone) with your name, pickup location, and 

destination to arrange for a walking escort. 

2. A trained, uniformed, Student Security Monitor will meet you at your location and walk with you to 

your destination. 

For more information: 

Visit our website at: www.umn.edu/police/escort.html 

Email us at: escort@umn.edu 

Meals 

Breakfast - 7:00 a.m.–8:30 a.m. 

Lunch - 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. 

Dinner - 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. 


Reminders 

• Make sure to bring your U Card to all 

activities this day. 

• Wear your College T-shirt today! 

• For Convocation you will be sitting with 

your college. 

• You might not be seeing your group very 

much today, so be sure to check in with 

other members and see how their day went. 

• For the Jermaine Davis event, you will be 

sitting with your group. 


New Student Convocation 

College Day Activities 

Jermaine Davis Keynote 

Fun Zone 

8 

9

College Day Event Schedule 

Breakfast 

College Day Activities and Lunch* 

• Make sure to eat breakfast in your designated location. 

• Each college has planned a day of activities. For descriptions see pages 15-17. 

• Commuters/Off-Campus groups: Check your personalized schedule to see if you signed up for this meal. 

• The activities will showcase opportunities that are a part of each college and will show you real-world 

applications of what you will learn at the U of M. 

College Day! 

Convocation // Mariucci Arena 

• New Student Convocation is your official start to Welcome Week. 

• President Eric W. Kaler will welcome you as the Class of 2016 and you will learn about 

campus traditions and history. You will also hear from a recent alumna, a faculty 

member, and show your Gopher pride. 

• Turn to pages 12-13 for the Convocation Program. 

• For CEHD, CSE, CLA this is the first day of class! 

• Be sure to wear your college T-shirt if you have one! 

• If you are in CLA you will need your U Card to get into lunch. All other colleges will use meal tickets. 

* Beverages sponsored by the Office for Student Affairs. 

Dinner 

College Day! 

• When you get there, be sure to sit with your college and make sure that you enter through 

the East Lobby Entrance (Oak Street, across from TCF Bank Stadium). 

Please follow your assigned dining time on your personalized schedule to avoid waiting in line. 

• Be sure to bring your U Card! 

Convocation Departure 


Bailey Bailey Hall Upper Lobby 8:45 a.m.-9:15 a.m. (every 15 minutes) CAs Shuttle Bus 

Middlebrook Middlebrook Breezeway 8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. CAs Walking 

Commuter/Off campus GMS 8:45 a.m.-9:15 a.m. WWLs Walking 

Other Res. Hall/ 


In front of building 8:45 a.m.-9:15 a.m. CAs Walking 

Convocation Seating Assignments 

College Seating Location 

CLA Sections 7-10 & 16-19 

CBS Section 14 

CEHD Section 15 

CDes Section 13 

CSE Sections 11 & 12 

CSOM Floor Front (F1) 

CFANS Floor Back (F2) 

Mariucci Arena 

13 

11-12 

14 

15 

F2 

7-10 

F1 

16-19 

STAGE 

Quick Note about Cyberbullying: 

One instance of online bullying or victimization can last a 

lifetime. It starts on a phone or a computer, but spreads to friends 

and family - and beyond - in less than one second. 

Bullying often involves bystanders, and the incidents usually are 

not isolated. You can report bias you experience on campus: 

diversity.umn.edu/eoaa/aboutreporting 

10 11

Convocation Program 2012 

About Our Speakers and Musicians 

College Day! 

The University of Minnesota’s official welcome to the Class of 2016 and a celebration 

of University tradition and a spirit of academic excellence and community. 

Did U Know 

Slideshow about the University 

Welcome and Academic Procession (please stand) 

National Anthem (please remain standing) 

Professor Philip Zawisza, School of Music 

Message to the Class of 2016 

President Eric W. Kaler 

Advice to the Class of 2016 

Brittany Resch, Class of 2012 

Meet the Faculty 

Professor Mark Seeley, Department of Soil, Water, and Climate 

Professor Tim Diem, School of Music 

Academic Recession 

Announcements and Dismissal 

Jenny Porter, Orientation & First-Year Programs 

Philip Zawisza 

A native of Niles, Michigan, and graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, Philip Zawisza completed his 

master’s degree at Indiana University with Nicola Rossi-Lemeni, and began his solo career with the Santa Fe 

Opera and the Lyric Opera of Chicago on radio and television PBS broadcasts. A renowned opera singer 

and song recitalist, Zawisza has performed throughout the United States, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, 

Spain, and France. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Voice at the University of Minnesota, and recently 

performed at Carnegie Hall with Professor Paul Shaw. 

President Eric W. Kaler 

Eric W. Kaler assumed office as the 16th president of the University of Minnesota on July 1, 2011. Prior to 

that, he served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs and vice president for Brookhaven 

National Laboratory affairs at Stony Brook University in Stony Brook, New York. President Kaler received 

his undergraduate degree from the California Institute of Technology and his Ph.D. in chemical engineering 

from the University of Minnesota. As president, he is committed to academic excellence and access to the 

University for all qualified students. 

Brittany Resch 

Brittany Resch graduated magna cum laude in 2012 with a major in Global Studies and a minor in Finnish. 

Originally from Birnamwood, Wisconsin, Brittany began her undergraduate career with an internship at the 

Minnesota State Senate, and continued to hold various internships around the Twin Cities throughout the next 

four years. She was also an active member of the CLA Ambassadors, a diverse leadership group representing 

the College of Liberal Arts on campus and in the community. A summer course called The Civil Rights 

Movement: A History and Consequences inspired Brittany to focus her studies on issues of social justice and 

human rights. She has been working at the United States Attorney’s Office as a student clerk for two years, 

and she is excited to continue her work there as she prepares to begin her first year at the University 

of Minnesota Law School this fall. 

College Day! 

Mark Seeley 

Mark Seeley is a Professor in the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate at the University of Minnesota. 

He serves as an extension climatologist and meteorologist, coordinating weather and climate educational 

programs with the National Weather Service, the Minnesota State Climatology Office, and other state agencies. 

He is also active in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Literacy Program, 

and has traveled around the United States and to the United Kingdom for his work. Dr. Seeley has also been 

a weekly commentator on Minnesota Public Radio’s Morning Edition news program since 1992. 

Timothy Diem 

Timothy Diem, School of Music, is entering his 13th year of teaching at the University of Minnesota and his 

eighth year as the Director of the Marching Band. Diem, a native of Delano, Minnesota, oversees all Athletic 

Band activities at the U and also works with the University and Campus Bands. 

12 13

Jermaine Davis // Mariucci Arena 

Sponsored by Auxiliary Services 

Mariucci Arena 


College Day! 

• Jermaine is described as “an authentic and real 

person” who understands the obstacles and frustrations 

individuals can encounter on their journey throughout life. 

• Jermaine can address challenges realistically because 

he has faced and overcome some of life’s toughest 

challenges. 

• He will provide you with practical strategies and lots of 

fun to help you make the most of your college experience 

and make it your own. 

• Be sure to bring your U Card! 

7-10 

11-12 

13 

F2 

F1 

STAGE 

14 

15 

16-19 

• Each residence hall will have specific activities planned for a night of relaxation and meeting new people. 

• Look for details in your building or talk to your CA. Possible examples might include a Rock Band/karaoke 

night, a scavenger hunt, or a paper airplane contest! 

College Day Event Descriptions 

Carlson School of Management (CSOM) // Carlson Atrium/Hanson Hall 

• Join your classmates for a welcome lunch in the Carlson Atrium. 

College Day! 

Jermaine Departure 

• Break into small groups with your Carlson Crew Leader for an interactive team building project. 

• Grab some ice cream and hear from current Carlson students about “Carlson As We Know It”. 


Bailey Bailey Hall Upper Lobby 7:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m. CAs Shuttle Bus 

Middlebrook Middlebrook Breezeway 7:30 p.m.-7:45 p.m. CAs Walking 

Commuter/ off campus GMS 8:00 p.m. WWLs Walking 

Other Res. Hall/ 


In front of building 7:45 p.m.–8:00 p.m. CAs Walking 

College of Biological Sciences (CBS) // McNamara Alumni Center 

• Start your first year on the right foot and build connections with your peers. 

• Learn strategies for your academic and personal success. 

• Explore campus to learn about resources and research labs using SCVNGR. The keyword is: CBS. 

Jermaine Seating Assignments 

• Hear from current CBS students about their college journey. 

• Remember to wear comfortable footwear, as you will be out and about exploring campus! 

Group Seating Location Group Seating Location 

Frontier Section 14 & 15 Comstock & UV Floor Back (F2) 

College of Design (CDes) // Rapson Hall 

Territorial Floor Front 1 (F1) Pioneer Section 16 & 17 

Middlebrook Section 10 & 11 Centennial Section 12 & 13 

Sanford Section 12 Commuter/Off Campus Section 17, 18 & 19 

Bailey Section 8 & 9 Wilkins, Yudof Section 15 

Connect… 

with College of Design faculty, staff, and students. 

with local design professionals. 

with each other. 

Collaborate… 

Fun Zone // University Fieldhouse 

Sponsored by Recreational Sports, Student Unions & Activities, Intercollegiate Athletics, and Be Greek 

• Try your hand at Rock Band, air volleyball, laser tag, lawn games and more! 

• Put on your dancing shoes and join hundreds of your classmates in the Cha Cha slide. 

• Watch the Gophers take on the University of Nevada-Las Vegas in the opening game of the 2012 football season. 

• Come get a bite to eat, receive giveaways (while supplies last), watch your classmates participate in fun activities 

or just hang out with the rest of the Class of 2016. 

to solve a design challenge. 

to begin creating your network of friends. 

to learn about your personal strengths and those of your classmates. 

Create… 

a design community. 

a better understanding of your individual strengths. 

a unique acoustic experience. 

• Free food provided by Jimmy John’s and Qdoba. 

14 15

College Day! 

College of Education & Human Development (CEHD) // CMU/Burton Hall 

• We’ll start our college activities with lunch in Coffman Memorial Union. 

• First, you’ll receive your CEHD iPad and will learn how it can and will be used during your time in CEHD. 

Next, you’ll get to connect with CEHD Student Services staff to learn more about your Strengths and start 

to get to know your new classmates. 

• You will then have the chance to jump start your first semester with your first day of class for 

PSTL 1525W/V. You will meet your instructor and get a brief introduction to what you can expect 

from the class throughout the semester. 

• We’ll end our day together at the CEHD Block Party (in front of Burton Hall) for music, games, and dinner. 

Get ready for some fun! 

College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences 

(CFANS) // St. Paul Student Center (SPSC) 

• Following a brief welcome by the Dean in the St. Paul Student Center (SPSC) Theater, lunch will be served. 

Over lunch you’ll chat with professors, staff, alumni, and students to get answers to your questions about 

being a new CFANS student and making a successful transition to college life. 

• During the afternoon’s St. Paul Amazing Race competition, you’ll join a team of other first-year students and 

explore campus to learn more about its resources, locate different facilities, get introduced to faculty research 

through “CFANS in the News” sessions, and participate in team challenges connected to CFANS and St. Paul 

campus traditions. 

• You’ll meet with faculty and other new students in your major before the Awards Ceremony at the end of the day, 

after which you’ll travel back home for dinner and evening programming with your Welcome Week group. 

College of Science & Engineering (CSE) // Mariucci Arena 

• Lunch will be provided in the Mariucci Arena Concourse and plaza. 

• Associate Dean Paul Strykowski will offer an introduction to the Freshman-Year Experience Course 

(CSE 1001H) in Mariucci Arena. This class which will focus on the intersection of academic excellence, 

personal growth, academic integrity and ethics, team work, project-based activities, student engagement 

opportunities, and career services. 

• Learn about the Innovation Project options for CSE 1001 introduced by Prof. Paul Imbertson. 

• Student leaders and officers will share stories of personal development available through student group 

participation, internship opportunities, leadership, study abroad, and research opportunities - all of the 

secrets to future success. These student panels will be held in the Coffman Union Theater. 

• Connect with your First-Year Experience instructor, teaching assistant and classmates in the first class meeting. 

• Meet members of many student organizations such as the Science & Engineering Student Board, the Society 

of Women Engineers, Society of Hispanic Engineers, Active Energy Club and Institute of Electrical and Electronics 

Engineers who will be sponsoring an ice cream social - prizes will be given. Must be present to win! 

College of Liberal Arts (CLA) // Northrop Mall, Northrop Auditorium, and Various Campus Classrooms 

Lunch and Organization Fair 

Lunch will be served on Northrop Plaza. Enjoy the Mall area while you meet up with students in your FYE section, 

learn about CLA-centric student organizations, and connect with other CLA resources. In the event of inclement 

weather, lunch and the organization fair will be held in the Fieldhouse. 

Where do you go after lunch Please refer to the personalized agenda you received at Welcome 

Week check-in for your schedule and room locations. Here are some more details regarding the 

sessions you will attend: 

The First-Year Experience 

Welcome to class!! Whether it is CLA 1001, 1005, or 

1001H, all CLA students will be participating in CLA’s 

First-Year Experience. In this session, you will attend 

your first day of class for The First-Year Experience. 

You will connect with your Program Assistant (PA) and 

your fellow classmates to learn about class goals, 

review the semester plan, and log into Moodle. You 

will also spend some time getting to know everyone 

in your class, so you can begin to create a successful 

start to your first-year experience!! 

The Common Reading and U 

Now that you and all other CLA first-year 

studencts have received a copy of the common 

reading, let’s bring it to life through the eyes 

of our faculty. In this session, you will hear our 

dynamic faculty discuss “Never Let Me Go” (by 

Kazuo Ishiguro) in terms of their discipline and 

academic interests. Each session will have a 

focus related to your course theme to help you 

apply the book to your interests. 

CLA Information Table: Questions Need clarification Visit the CLA College Day Info Table on 

Northrop Plaza in front of Johnston Hall. 

Experience CLA! Details 

You’ll work with a group of students to accomplish Experience CLA!, a CLA-centered scavenger hunt 

powered by SCVNGR. The Experience CLA! keyword is: CLA 

How to Play SCVNGR 

SCVNGR is a mobile scavenger hunt game. If your College is using SCVNGR during College Day, 

follow these instructions to get started and play. 

• If you are playing in a group, choose somebody from your group who is willing to use their mobile 

phone and has a text message package that will accommodate 30 or 40 text messages (standard 

text message rates will apply). 

• Text the keyword to 728647. Your college will tell you what keyword to use. 

• You will receive text message instructions of where to go and what to do! 

• If you have a smartphone, you may also download the “SCVNGR” app from your app store. 

• Make sure to stay on your College Day Schedule. 

Have fun! 

College Day! 

16 17

Top Ten Reasons to Study a Second Language 

1. Research shows that knowledge of other languages boosts your understanding of languages in general and 

enables you to use your native language more effectively. 

2. Play Words With Friends with players from across the world. 

3. Knowledge of a foreign language will allow you to compare and contrast cultures. Learning a language is not 

just learning about its pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary; it is learning to see the world, including your own 

culture, as the other culture sees it. 

4. Impress your date; order the sushi in Japanese. 

5. Any travel experience will be largely shaped by your ability or inability to see beyond the surface of the 

culture. If you’d like to stray from the tourist centers and explore the real country, consider learning the language. 

6. With 1 of 6 U.S. jobs tied to international trade, there is a high demand for workforce with language skills 

and international expertise. 

7. A person competent in other languages can bridge the gap between cultures, contribute to international 

diplomacy, and promote national security and world peace. 

U of M Day! 

8. Not planning on majoring in a language You can expand your edcuational opportunities in your major 

program by studying a foreign language. Knowing a second language allows you access to more materials, 

scholars, internships and grants in your chosen field of study. 

9. Knowing another language and culture gives you the opportunity to see yourself and your own culture from 

an outside perspective. Contact with other languages and cultures gives you the unique opportunity to step 

outside your familiar scope of existence and view your culture’s customs, traditions, and norms as well as your 

own value system through the eyes of others. 

10. Here’s a riddle... What do you call a person who speaks two languages Bilingual. And what do you call a 

person who speaks one language American. While only 9% of Americans speak both their native language 

and another language fluently, 50% of Europeans are fully bilingual. Be prepared to compete in the global 

marketplace: Be one of the 9%. 

All students have the opportunity to study a second language. The following languages are offered at 

the University of Minnesota and are available for all students: 

Akkadian 

American Sign Language 

Arabic 

Chinese - Classical 

Chinese - Modern 

Coptic 

Dakota 

Dutch 

Finnish 

French 

German 

Greek – Classical 

Greek – Modern 

Hebrew – Biblical 

Hebrew – Modern 

Hindi/Urdu 

Hmong 

Icelandic – Old Norse 

Icelandic – Modern 

Italian 

Japanese – Classical 

Japanese – Modern 

Korean 

Latin 

Norwegian 

Ojibwe 

Polish 

Portuguese 

Russian 

Sanskrit 

Somali 

Spanish 

Swahili 

Swedish 

Ugaritic 

(Note: The College of Liberal Arts considers language study to be a cornerstone of a well-rounded education. Most, but not 

all, of the languages listed above are available to complete CLA’s second language requirement. Please consult with your 

academic adviser as you make plans for your degree.) 

Meals 

Breakfast – 7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. 

Lunch – 10:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 

Dinner – 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. 


Reminders 

• Check the weather! 

You may need an umbrella. 

• Wear comfortable shoes: 

You’ll be walking a lot. 

• Bring your U Card so you can get access 

to today’s events! 

• Don’t wear high heels to Pride & Spirit: 

You will not be allowed on the field if you do. 


U of M Day Rotations 

Free Bowling & Billiards 

for Commuters 

Pride & Spirit 

Gophers After Dark 

18 

19

U of M Day Event Schedule 

Breakfast 

Pride & Spirit Departure 

• Make sure to eat breakfast in your designated location. 

• Commuters/Off-Campus groups: Check your personalized schedule to see if you signed up for this meal. 


Commuters/Off campus GMS 7:30 p.m. WWLs Walking 

Bailey Bailey Upper Lobby 7:30 p.m. CAs Shuttle Bus 

U of M Day Exploration 

• Have you been to the East Bank yet How about the West Bank Be honest, have you been to 

the St. Paul campus Today is your day to explore the entire U of M campus and learn about 

available resources. 

• You will explore campus with your WWLs and small group, so be sure to meet them at the 

designated times to travel to each campus. 

• You will eat lunch with your small group at the Class of 2016 Cookout. 

• Descriptions of events and sessions you’ll attend on each bank can be found on pages 22–28. 

• You will need your U Card for the Class of 2016 Cookout and Respect U. 

Middlebrook Breezeway 7:30 p.m. CAs Walking 

Other Res. Halls/ 


In front of building 7:30 p.m. CAs Walking 

Gophers After Dark // CMU 

Sponsored by Student Unions & Activities 

U of M Day! 

Dinner 


Gophers After Dark is a U of M tradition that features free, or low-cost, weekend programming such as films, 

comedians, entertainment and activities for students in Coffman Union and the St. Paul Student Center. 

• Hypnotist, Dr. Jim Wand (sponsored by Housing & Residential Life): Great Hall 

• Private Screening of 21 Jump Street: Theater 

• Free Concert featuring Red Daughters: Whole Music Club 

• Tie Dye T-shirts presented by the Minnesota Daily: Riverbend Plaza 

• Caricature Artists: Art Gallery 

• Free Bowling and more: Goldy’s Gameroom 

• Henna Tattoos, Balloon Twisting, Glitter Tattoos, and Face Painting: Roaming 

• Photo Booth: Fireplace Lounge 

• Purchase season tickets for your favorite Gopher Sports: Fireplace Lounge 

• Free Food (while supplies last): 

Nacho Bar: Corridor, Cube, and Whole Music Club 

Sundae Bar: Goldy’s Gameroom 

Decorate Your Own Cupcakes 

Corn Roast: Riverbend Plaza 

U of M Day! 

Free Bowling & Billiards for Commuters // CMU, Goldy’s Gameroom 

Sponsored by the Commuter Connection 

• Hosted by the Commuter Connection, this event will allow commuter students to connect with one another 

before attending Pride & Spirit. 

• Remember signing up for prizes at the Commuter Kick-Off Dinner This is your chance to win them! 

Must be present to win. 

Pride & Spirit // TCF Bank Stadium 

Sponsored by Intercollegiate Athletics 

• Pride & Spirit will be your chance to learn all the cheers, chants, and songs that make the U of M unique 

on game days. You will get to see TCF Bank Stadium and have your picture taken on the field for the 

Class of 2016 Photo. 

• Football Coach Jerry Kill, the Spirit Squad, the U of M Marching Band, and Goldy Gopher will all be there 

to help you celebrate your first week as a Golden Gopher. 

• You will be going on the actual field, so no high heels are allowed. Also, no bags or water bottles are 

allowed in the stadium. 

• Your name tag and U Card are necessary to get into the event. 

• Arrive early to get your fan photos on the big screen. 


• Each residence hall will have specific activities planned for a night of relaxing and meeting new people. 

• Look for specific details in your building or talk to your CA. Some activities may include a fondue party, 

Dance Dance Revolution, and a room decorating contest. 

Quick Note from One Stop 

Take the easy money. Always complete your Free 

Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Exhaust all other financial aid options before 

turning to more expensive private loan programs. 

Learn more at http://z.umn.edu/LLASfinaid. 

20 21

U of M Day Event Descriptions 

Required Sessions 

Live Like a Student // CMU-Theater, SPSC-Theater 

Presented by One Stop Student Services 

East Bank Activities 

Recreation Center Open House // Minneapolis Recreation and Wellness Center 

Hosted by Recreational Sports 

Welcome to the college lifestyle! As a student, you can expect to get better acquainted 

with life on limited means. This session will discuss budgeting, student loans, credit 

cards, free and low-cost activities, valuable resources for managing your finances, and 

tools to help you find a job on campus. We’ll help you get creative and find ways to 

enjoy life on a student budget. 

Get active and have some fun at the Recreation & Wellness Center! Rec Sports offers some of the best 

programs and services to help students discover new interests while staying active and connecting with 

friends. Take in a group fitness class, shoot some hoops, go bouldering, or take a sneak peek at the new Rec 

Center expansion (coming in 2013). Follow @UMNRec for news, updates, and free Welcome Week prizes! 

U of M Day! 

Making Strengths S.T.I.C.K. // Willey Hall 

Presented by the Office for Student Engagement 

You’re at the U but what does that have to do with Woo Prior to Welcome Week you took StrengthsFinder® 

and received your Top 5 Talent Themes. This fun and interactive session will give you a chance to learn more 

about the Strengths approach and how making them S.T.I.C.K. (through Skills, Time, Intention, Community and 

Knowledge) can help you create a meaningful and successful “U” experience. See pages 56-59 for a list of all 

34 Talent Themes. 

Class of 2016 Cookout* // CMU-Great Hall, SPSC-Northstar Ballroom 

Join your fellow classmates for a delicious meal served by university volunteers and Housing & 

Residential Life Community Advisors. The Class of 2016 Cookout will be held on the East Bank and on the St. 

Paul campus; your Welcome Week Leader(s) will lead you to your small group’s assigned location. You will 

need your U Card to get into the cookout! 

The University of Minnesota’s Recycling Program thanks you for participating in one of the many zero-waste 

events held on our campus each year. Zero-waste means that all of the products being used at this lunch are 

either bio-degradable and will be composted, or recyclable and will be sorted at our on-campus facilities. The 

recycling containers on campus are color-coded for ease of use; maroon is for cans and bottles, gold is for 

newspaper and other recyclable papers, and gray is for strictly office paper. 

*Beverages provided by the Office for Student Affairs. 

Respect U // University Fieldhouse 

Learn what it takes to “Respect U” and your University! This event will expose you to critical 

issues that are important to your student body. 

Faith, Spirituality, and Meaning in College 

Interfaith Campus Coalition 

Respectful questions of faith and spirituality will 

be posed for students to respond to and Interfaith 

Campus Coalition staff will be available to engage 

students in dialogue as desired. 

Breaking Barriers 

International Student Scholar Services 

Break the walls between people you might 

think are very different from you, and instead 

build long-lasting friendships with your peers 

from diverse backgrounds! 

Finding Balance 

Provost’s Committee on Mental Health 

Stop by and learn how to manage stress and find 

balance in college. 

Student Conduct Code Jeopardy 

Office for Student Conduct & Academic Integrity 

Join us for an engaging way to learn more about 

the University’s Student Conduct Code which 

includes the Guiding Principles that highlight the 

importance of respect and responsibility as a 

student at the University of Minnesota. 

Silent Witness 

The Aurora Center 

Created in Minnesota in 1997 and now viewed 

annually in 47 states, the silent witness figures tell 

personal stories that can help us learn how we 

all can make a difference in the issues of sexual 

assault and relationship violence. 

The Social Scene on Fraternity Row 

Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life 

Fraternities and Sororities will provide an overview 

of respectful social expectations for taking 

advantage of the social scene on Fraternity Row. 

Voices and Values at the U Libraries 

University Libraries 

Explore University Libraries’ collections to think 

critically, find your voice, and respect the values 

of those who have come before you. 

Creating an Inclusive Campus 

Office for Equity and Diversity 

Diversity is everybody’s everyday work, so get 

connected! Play our interactive game and be part 

of making our campus a welcoming and inclusive 

community. 

STEP UP! Bystander Education 

Bystander Education Advisory Committee 

Learn how you can be part of a caring Respect 

U community that addresses a wide-range of 

issues including academic integrity, alcohol abuse, 

anger, depression, discrimination, disordered 

eating, gambling, hazing, relationship abuse 

and sexual assault. This program helps students 

learn strategies and techniques to intervene both 

directly and indirectly in both emergency and nonemergency 

situations. 

OURspace.com.es and 

the Minnesota Student Association 

Minnesota Student Association (MSA) 

OURspace.com.es is a student created and 

sponsored online environment to facilitate students 

to educate, communicate, and share with each 

other about mental health related topics. 

U of M Day! 

22 23

St. Paul Activities 

Academic & Career 

U of M Day! 

Sustainability Action! // Learning & Environmental Sciences 

Presented by the Institute on the Environment and University Services 

During Welcome Week, the Institute on the Environment’s rotunda transforms into a space for dynamic displays and 

activities about sustainability. The building bursts with energy as students participate in sustainability games for fun 

and prizes; take a picture as your favorite symbol of sustainability; see the campus organic farm’s bounty and assist 

with planting crops; and discuss world-renowned research with sustainability leaders who are trying to solve our 

earth’s most pressing environmental problems. Most importantly, you can learn how to get involved in improving our 

campus’ sustainability as a new member of the University of Minnesota community. 

Academic Survival in Action! // Magrath Library 

Presented by University Libraries 

Learn how to avoid or survive a variety of academic worst-case scenarios while exploring fun and interactive stations. 

The University Libraries have more than books. We have a range of useful (and sometime surprising) services and 

resources to help you thrive at the University. Scout out the the following: 

• Study smarter: Tips for surviving your first exam. 

• Attack your hunger pangs with Tips for Res Hall cooking. 

• Make the most of your small living space with Feng Shui and other design ideas. 

• Research your way to an A! Tips on surviving your first paper. 

• Lights! Camera! Action! Survive your first media project. 

• Preserving history in Minnesota: Explore our seed catalogs exhibit Take the Academic Survival Test for snacks, 

prizes and a chance to win an iPod nano. 

West Bank Activities 

Interest Sessions 

• Interest sessions focus on three main topic areas: Academic & Career, Community & Diversity, 

and Health & Safety. 

• If you participated in the Welcome Week Event Selection, you’ve already selected which sessions you are 

interested in and should attend those sessions. Check out your personalized schedule to remember the session 

you selected. 

• If a session is full, please attend a different session. 

College Academic Success: 

It may not be what you think! 

Find out here. Find out now. // Anderson 370 

Student Academic Success Services (SASS) 

and University Counseling and Consulting 

Services (UCCS) 

So you’ve heard that college is different from high 

school about 1,000 times by now. This presentation 

will look at academic blindspots students often don’t 

see. Considerations for what you need to know for 

academic success will be discussed. 

How to explain to your parents 

where that $100 went! // Blegen 225 

U Card Office 

Parents don’t always understand that there’s more to 

college spending than books and food. You’ll learn 

about the different accounts attached to your U Card, 

how they work, what works best for you, and how to 

explain why the $100 your parents deposited into your 

FlexDine account can’t be used to print that 20-page 

paper due today! 

Please Don’t Ask Me 

What My Major Is! // Blegen 250 

Center for Academic Planning and Exploration 

(CAPE) 

If you are undecided about your major, know that 

you are not alone! Even those who say they are 

heading toward a certain major or career often end 

up changing their mind. Learn some ways to make 

the “major decision” a bit easier and even fun. Find 

out about great resources and perhaps even narrow 

down your choices in this session! 

Sherlock Holmes, Secret Caverns 

and Ninjas: What the... // Anderson 230 

University Libraries 

Come hear about the unusual and priceless items 

in the University Libraries and how YOU can use 

these items to ace your papers and projects. From 

a book burned by Nazis to Holmes’ Baker Street 

studio we’ve got unique collections tucked away in 

underground caverns. Respect the past and discover 

the scholar in you. 

Undergraduate Research 

Opportunities // Anderson 210 

Undergraduate Research Opportunities 

Program (UROP) 

Learn about undergraduate research opportunities 

at the University of Minnesota and how to get 

involved for credit or pay. Even first-year students 

do undergraduate research. The Undergraduate 

Research Opportunities Program (UROP) provides 

funding for students to gain hands-on experience with 

faculty mentors in all disciplines. Learn how to apply 

for this and other research opportunities to enhance 

your academic and career portfolio. 

Where in the World 

Will U Go // Anderson 310 

Learning Abroad Center 

Hear first-hand experiences of U students who 

have been abroad. You’ll be inspired to plan your 

international adventure; choose from over 300 

programs; explore options in over 70 countries; enroll 

in classes for any academic major, complete servicelearning 

requirements, teach English, work, intern, 

research, or volunteer abroad. Where in the world will 

U choose to have a meaningful experience 

U of M Day! 

24 25

Community & Diversity 

Health & Safety 

U of M Day! 

BFF 4 Life: 

True College Friendships // Blegen 130 

Orientation & First-Year Programs (OFYP) 

*Not available at 9:00 a.m. timeslot 

Who will your best friends be in college Will your 

random roommate end up being a friend for life Hear 

from current U of M students about their experiences 

making friends during their first year of college. This 

session will debunk some of the myths about college 

friendships and discuss different ways to meet friends 

during your first semester. 

GLBTA Life at the “Q of M”: 

Top 10 Things to Know // Blegen 125 

Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Ally (GLBTA) 

Programs Office 

With 40+ GLBTA student groups & initiatives at 

the U of M, it’s easy to get involved in GLBTA Life, 

but where do you get started Have you heard 

of QSCC, Lavender House, Tretter Collection, 

Trans Commission, Tongues Untied, or Schochet 

Scholarships Come learn about GLBTA campus 

resources, GLBTA student jobs, and helpful hints to 

safely navigate this new “Q of M” world. 

Make Your Mark. Make a 

Difference at the U with 

Your Student Government // Blegen 220 

Minnesota Student Association (MSA) 

Come meet leaders from the Minnesota Student 

Association, your undergraduate student government, 

to learn how you can make a difference in the 

decisions that affect you most. 

True Life: 

I’m a First-Year Student // Anderson 350 



Each student at the U has had their own unique 

experience during their first year. This session will 

showcase the good, bad, and ugly of some current 

students’ first-year experiences. You will also hear 

some advice from these same students about 

what you can do to make the best out of your own 

experience here at the U. 


Work your way to the top. 

Work if you can when you’re in school. 

It makes education more affordable, 

shows a solid work ethic and balance 

in professional and personal goals. 

Learn more at: 

http://z.umn.edu/studentjobs 

University of Minnesota 

Jeopardy // Blegen 240 

The Minnesota Daily 

Come compete for prizes by answering questions 

about recent news stories, ongoing community issues 

and things that will affect you in the future related to 

university administration, neighborhoods, student life, 

student groups and public affairs, safety, health etc.! 

The Minnesota Daily looks forward to meeting you! 

W.I.L.D. 101 // Blegen 215 

Women’s Center 

Are you a leader Do you want to be a leader In this 

highly interactive session, the Women’s Center will 

introduce several opportunities on campus for women 

to develop their leadership abilities, including our 

programs and involvement opportunities. 

“You Betcha” 

Minnesota Culture // Blegen 235 



Have you ever wanted to learn how to speak 

Minnesotan Well this is the session for you! Learn 

about what it’s like to live in Minnesota, what the 

culture is like, and Minnesota’s traditions and 

qualities! Discover some tips on how to stay warm 

this winter, and find out interesting things about 

Minnesota and its many unique events and activities! 

Be-WISE-er Bingo! // Blegen 260 

Boynton Health Service, Student Network for 

Abuse Prevention (SNAP) 

SNAP encourages peers to be-WISE-er when 

making choices about alcohol through an interactive 

and engaging educational program. From pouring 

demonstrations to Fatal Vision goggle activities, we 

hope you drop in, be part of the fun, and pick up 

some tips on how to party smart if you or your friends 

choose to drink. 

Don’t Jack My Stuff // Blegen 155 

University of Minnesota Police Department 

(UMPD) 

A quiz show-style information session about crime on 

campus and how to avoid it. You will learn about what 

thieves steal on campus, how they steal it and how 

to prevent them from jacking your stuff. You can win 

prizes for participation. 

Get a Grip // Blegen 110 

PubH 1001: Success Over Stress – 

Rothenberger Institute 

College is a whole new ball game, so learn some 

strategies to help you thrive through “Success Over 

Stress” (SOS). SOS Teaching Assistants will introduce 

you to some often-overlooked stress management 

techniques including physical activity, relaxation, time 

management, and healthy cognitive coping skills. This 

session will feature entertaining videos as well as a 

game for wild and crazy prizes. 

Quick Note from It All Adds Up: 

Let’s Talk // Blegen 115 

University Counseling and Consulting Services 

Ever felt the need to vent or get something off your 

chest Sharing your concerns with another person 

can make a very positive difference. Attend this 

session to learn about where on campus you can 

stop by and have an informal conversation with a 

counselor about what’s going on in your life. No 

appointment, no cost, no paperwork. 

Let’s Talk About Sex! // Blegen 10 

Sexual Health Awareness and Disease Education 

(SHADE), Boynton Health Service 

Come hear from members of the student group 

SHADE about sexual health. Get free safer sex 

supplies, learn skills to make safer sex decisions, 

and discover resources available to you here at 

the U of M. 

Love Shouldn’t Hurt: Together We Can 

Change Our Campus Culture! // Blegen 105 

The Aurora Center 

Join our session to learn about communicating verbal 

consent to a partner, how to speak out against sexual 

violence, and useful ways to intervene if you see 

violence occurring. Additionally, you’ll get a rundown 

on how to help a friend and an overview of the Aurora 

Center’s services. Sexual violence is everyone’s issue 

and YOU can prevent it! 

Bike! It keeps you healthy, keeps the air cleaner and helps you win cool stuff. 

Register to be Zapped at Oak Street Bike Center! 

Walk up one floor and down two. Every elevator ride costs the University about 

a dime. The most efficient elevator is the one not moving. Please take the stairs. 

U of M Day! 

26 27

Community 

Engagement Day! 

Health & Safety (cont.) 

Navigate the U of M Campus... 

Without Getting Lost // Anderson 330 

Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) 

Bus, bike, walk or drive How do YOU plan to get 

around Parking and Transportation Services offers 

many options for getting to and around campus. 

Learn about campus buses, U-Pass (the unlimitedride 

city bus pass), parking contracts, and more. Did 

you know that the popular Jones-Eddy crossing will 

see one bus and 60 pedestrians every minute PTS 

will help you safely get around! 

Now You’re an Adult: 

Don’t Get Busted! // Blegen 120 

University Student Legal Services 

Understand your legal rights and responsibilities. 

Do’s and Don’t’s on the internet, alcohol impacts, 

credit card use, finding good housing and goal 

orientation will be discussed. Interested in law 

You will also be able to get information about 

educational and career opportunities. 

Sleep, Eat & Exercise // Anderson 270 

PubH 1005: Sleep, Eat & Exercise – 


College is a constantly changing experience, 

and maintaining your health will keep you balanced 

through it all. SEE teaching assistants will introduce 

you to the often overlooked areas of college life that 

influence success, including nutrition, sleep, and 

physical activity. This session will feature tips and 

demos on staying healthy on a budget and trivia 

questions for prizes. 

Stay Classy Through College // Anderson 250 

PubH 1003: Alcohol & College Life – 


How do you balance academics and a social life 

How do you party smarter What happens if you 

get an alcohol citation How many U students 

drink Where can you find a safe ride home 

Hear the unbiased facts from Alcohol & College Life 

teaching assistants, students who’ve been there. 

This session will feature entertaining videos and 

trivia for premium prizes. 

Meals 

Brunch – 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 

Dinner – 4:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. 

*See your personal schedule for dining locations. 


Reminders 

• You will be outdoors for the Walk for Water 

Engagement 5k, so prepare for the weather. 

• You’ll need your U Card to get into 

Explore-U & Mall of America. 

• To attend the Late Night at Mall of America, 

you will have to board a bus at a specific location. 

Water bottles, bags and beverages will not 

be allowed on the buses. 

Community Engagement 


Engagement Activity: 

5k Walk for Water 

Explore-U 

Diet Coke Classic 

Volleyball Tournament 

Late Night at Mall of America 

28 

29

Community Engagement Day Event Schedule 

Brunch 

Dinner 

• Brunch times vary from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Check your personal schedule for your assigned time. 

• If you have a later brunch time, be sure to eat something before going to the community 

engagement program. 

• Commuters/Off-Campus groups: If you selected this meal in your Event Selection, you will use your U Card 

to enter the dining hall. Please review your personal schedule to see if you registered for this meal. 


Community Engagement Interest Sessions // STSS 

Fraternity Recruitment Jamboree // CMU-Front Plaza 

Men are invited to register for Fraternity Recruitment to formally visit all chapter houses and learn 

more about the Greek community. Recruitment events will begin Sunday, September 2 and continue 

through the first week of school, more details are provided at begreek.org. Ice cream and drinks will 

be provided between 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 

• Community Engagement interest sessions are hosted by several community partners from around the 

Twin Cities. See pages 32-37 for details. 

• If you participated in Welcome Week Event Selection, you’ve already selected which session you 

are interested in and should attend that session. Check your personal schedule to verify the session 

you selected. 

• If a session is full, please attend a different session. 

• Your Welcome Week group will not be together for this session, but you should meet up with them 

before going to the next event. 

Diet Coke Classic Volleyball Tournament // Sports Pavillion 

• Watch the Gopher Women take on Albany. 

• Use your U Card for free admission to the 8:00 p.m. match. 

Late Night at Mall of America (MOA) 

(Sponsored by Housing & Residential Life and Orientation & First-Year Programs) 

Engagement Activity: 5k Walk for Water // CMU - Great Hall & Theater 

• Spend Saturday night riding roller coasters, viewing exotic aquatic life, miniature golfing or hanging out with 

SpongeBob SquarePants at MOA. 

• Welcome Week will provide every student with a FREE wristband for unlimited rides at Nickelodeon Universe 

(normally $29.95) and admission to SeaLife Aquarium (normally $18.95). You will receive your wristband when 

you board the bus. 

• You can purchase discounted tickets for Moose Mountain golf ($2.00) on-site. 

• Be sure to bring your U Card so you can get on the bus. 

• Please wear your nametag and leave bags and water bottles at home. 



• H2O for Life is a non-profit organization that raises money to help developing countries gain access 

to clean water. One of the ways they do this is through a 5k fundraiser called “Walk for Water.” 

• In many developing countries people have to walk over three miles to collect water for their families 

to use—walking a 5k (just over a three-mile distance) raises awareness for this issue. 

• Your Welcome Week small group will walk a 5k around campus while learning about ways to get 

engaged both on and off campus. See map on page 35. 

• We ask you to think not just about the content in today’s programs, but about how you will incorporate 

a topic you’re passionate about into your college experience. 

Mall of America Departure 



Departure Locations Departure Times Return Times Last Bus Leaves MOA 

Explore-U // Mariucci Arena 

• At this exciting event you will have the opportunity to learn about and interact with over 120 student groups 

in which you can get involved. 

• Sample products and freebies while visiting exhibitor displays from major vendors and retailers as well as 

local entertainment venues, restaurants and businesses. 

• Don’t forget to fill out an Explore-U Passport and turn it in before leaving for your chance to win one of the 

many exciting door prizes! 

• See page 38-39 for some of our participating sponsors. 

St. Paul Campus St. Paul Student Center 9:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. 1:00 a.m. 

Minneapolis Campus 

In front of Mariucci Arena 

on 4th St. SE 

9:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m.–1:00 a.m. 1:00 a.m. 


• Each residence hall will have specific activities planned for a night of relaxing and meeting new people. 

• Look for specific details in your building or talk to your CA. Some activities may include a root beer float 

night, make your own smoothie, or tie dye your new U of M gear! 

30 31





Access to Education 

Breakthrough Saint Paul Internship & 

Volunteer Opportunities // STSS 432A 

Breakthrough Saint Paul 

Breakthrough Saint Paul helps motivated middle and 

high school students overcome adversity to prepare for 

college with the support of older students passionate 

about education. We are seeking college students 

interested in spring 2013 tutoring and college essay 

coach positions, as well as applicants for our summer 

2013 paid teaching internship. Please visit www. 

breakthroughsaintpaul.org to learn even more about us! 

Democracy in Action - 

Hennepin County Library! // STSS 117 

Hennepin County Library 

Hennepin County Library opens its doors to all people to 

accomplish its mission - to nourish minds, transform lives 

and build community together. University students can 

help by tutoring in the K12 Homework Hub program. Or 

by tutoring adults in the Adult Homework Help program 

and the Franklin Learning Center. Opportunities to work 

with library materials are also available. 

English as a Second Language (ESL) 

Class Assistant // STSS 530B 

Cedar Riverside Adult Education Collaborative 

Assist teachers in ESL classes by tutoring adult students 

one-on-one or in small groups, lead citizenship tutorials, 

and assist computer lab users with emails, resume 

building, job searches, and English learning software. 

Homework ’n’ Hoops // STSS 412 

Project for Pride in Living 

“That program made me want to do my homework!” - 

Andre, former participant. These words show the impact 

our program has had on low-income,elementary school 

youth. Each volunteer develops a relationship with one 

child week after week by doing homework, playing math 

and language games, reading books and playing in the 

gym and game room. 

Democracy & Human Rights 

Election 2012: Our Voices Count // STSS 230 

Minnesota Public Interest Research Group 

The Minnesota Public Interest Research Group (MPIRG) 

was founded by students at UMTC who recognized that 

decision makers were ignoring the responsible solutions 

to Minnesota’s biggest problems. We are a grassroots, 

student-directed, nonpartisan, nonprofit that empowers 

and trains students to take collective action for social, 

economic and environmental justice. Connect with us 

on Facebook: MPIRG Twin Cities. 

Environmental Sustainability 

Environmental and Gardening 

Volunteer Opportunities 

in Minneapolis Parks // STSS 131B 

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board 

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board exists to 

provide places and recreation opportunities for all 

people to gather, celebrate, contemplate, and engage 

in activities that promote health, well-being, community, 

and the environment. Learn about the amenities and 

programs that the Minneapolis park system has to offer 

as well as ways that you can engage in one-time and 

ongoing volunteer opportunities in natural areas and 

gardens throughout the city. 

Sierra Club: Minnesota’s Largest Grassroots 

Environmental Organization // STSS 432B 

Sierra Club 

As the world’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental 

organization, the Club’s 1.3 million members possess the 

unique ability to empower people and influence policy 

through community activism, outreach and litigation. 

The Sierra Club’s North Star Chapter represents the 

organization’s nearly 18,000 members in Minnesota and 

has worked statewide since 1968. The North Star 

Chapter’s priorities are encouraging the use of clean 

energy, promoting sustainable land use, and ensuring 

protection of wild places. 

Poverty, Homelessness & 

Social Sciences 

A Place to Call Home: 

Building Communities with 

Habitat for Humanity // STSS 330 

Habitat for Humanity at the U of M 

Want to build a house, meet new friends, or travel the 

country Get involved with Habitat for Humanity! We 

work to raise awareness of affordable housing issues in 

the Twin Cities through educational events, fundraising, 

and volunteer opportunities to fit all schedules. Join our 

bi-weekly meetings, weekend house builds, campus 

events, event committees, spring/winter break service 

trips, and more! 

Help End Homelessness // STSS 530A 

St. Stephen’s Human Services 

Our mission is to end homelessness. We seek volunteers 

willing to learn about the issues facing individuals and 

families struggling with homelessness and advocate on 

behalf of those we serve. We offer a variety of volunteer 

opportunities: shelter overnights, job room assistants, 

shelter meal groups, childcare, free store help, donation 

drives, and more. Find out how you can serve alongside 

us at www.ststephensmpls.org/. 

Kids Against Hunger // STSS 118 

Kids Against Hunger 

Kids Against Hunger is a nonprofit humanitarian foodaid 

organization aiming to eradicate world hunger. They 

accomplish this with satellites of volunteers who package 

highly nutritious meals. These meals are then distributed 

to over 60 countries worldwide and locally through 

partnerships with humanitarian organizations. The meals 

are often life-saving and give recipients an opportunity to 

go from starvation to being self-sufficient. 

Second Harvest Heartland: 

Reinventing Hunger Relief // STSS 512B 

Second Harvest Heartland 

Second Harvest Heartland’s mission is to end hunger 

through community partnerships. Today, 1 in 10 

Minnesotans is at risk of hunger. We invite students to 

help us achieve our mission through an experience 

sorting and packing food at one of our warehouse 

facilities or by distributing food at one of our mobile 

pantries. Together, we can end hunger! 

Public Health 

Be The Match 

(National Marrow Donor Program): 

It’s Not What You Think! // STSS 512A 

Be The Match National Marrow Donor Program 

Be The Match, operated by the National Marrow 

Donor Program, is the global leader in providing marrow 

transplants to patients with leukemia, lymphoma and 

68 other life-threatening diseases. We started in 1987 

and since then have facilitated over 50,000 transplants. 

We continue to grow the national registry of potential 

marrow donors plus educate the public about our lifesaving 

mission. 

Volunteering at Hennepin County 

Medical Center // STSS 220 

HCMC Volunteer Services Mission 

As a volunteer, you will be part of our family of health 

care providers and staff who extend excellent service 

to our patients, their families and visitors. You will have 

the ability to; enhance the care and service provided 

by our professional and nonprofessional staff, provide 

the human need to give care and service, observe 

health care professionals in a variety of careers, and 

support the staff in fulfilling the mission of Hennepin 

County Medical Center. 



32 33


5k Map of Walk for Water 

Youth and Family Services 

Arc’s Value Village // STSS 121 

The Arc Greater Twin Cities/Arc’s Value Village 

The Arc’s Mission is to secure for all people with 

intellectual and developmental disabilities and their 

families the opportunity to realize their goals of where 

and how they live, learn, work and play. Proceeds 

at Arc’s Value Village Thrift Stores support vital Arc 

programs and services for people with disabilities, 

and volunteers are needed daily to help unpack and 

sort donations at four Value Village locations. 

Be an Arts Mentor! // STSS 420B 

Free Arts MN 

The mission of Free Arts Minnesota is to bring the 

healing powers of artistic expression and caring adult 

mentors into the lives of abused, neglected and at-risk 

children and their families. Learn how you can make 

a difference in the life of a child today! 

sports team - there are 13 sports to choose from. In 

addition, learn about adult sports leagues that you 

can participate in year-round. 

Come learn about an unusual YMCA, 

the University Y // STSS 131A 

University Y 

What’s at the UY U of M student leadership and 

service opportunities galore! Join us and build your 

leadership skills, resume, earn U of M credit, apply 

your strengths, be trained on issues such as youth 

development, healthy living and social responsibility. 

Opportunities to use your work study (some positions 

volunteer based), serve urban youth. Mentor and be 

mentored! 

4 

3 

2 



Big Brothers Big Sisters 

Mentoring Opportunities // STSS 114 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater 

Twin Cities 

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities 

has been helping children achieve success by 

matching them with adult mentors who are able to 

meet regularly with them in the communities they 

live or the schools they attend. Volunteers meet with 

children just two to four times a month for fun and 

simple activities. 

Coach Youth Sports in 

Minneapolis Parks // STSS 312 

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board 

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board exists 

to provide places and recreation opportunities for 

all people to gather, celebrate, contemplate, and 

engage in activities that promote health, well-being, 

community, and the environment. Make a difference 

in the lives of Minneapolis youth by coaching a youth 

High Quality 

Out-of-School Time // STSS 123 

East Side Neighborhood Services 

East Side Neighborhood Services is a long-standing 

multi-service organization serving under-resourced 

and under-served families living in NE and SE 

Minneapolis. The youth programs of ESNS’ mission 

is creating places that empower and educate all 

youth to thrive. 

We believe that providing meaningful learning 

opportunities is key to youth reaching their fullest 

potential. At the heart of our program design is our 

ability to create positive relationships with youth and 

their family, create a learning culture that engages 

each youth and takes a strength-based approach. 

Our programs provide both academic, social and 

emotional support for all youth K-8. 

Students for One Heartland 

One Heartland // STSS 144 

One Heartland is a national nonprofit that provides 

camping and year-round support programs to 

children and families affected by HIV/AIDS and 

other serious health and social challenges. We 

have opportunities at the U of M for students to 

participate in the annual Dance Marathon, our 

student group Students for One Heartland, as 

well as internship and career opportunities! 

7 

6 

8 

9 

5 

Your Welcome Week Leader(s) will lead 

you through this 5k walk and tell you about 

different engagement opportunities at each 

point on the map. 

1 



34 35

First-Year Initiatives Just for You! 

Engage in Your Community 

In addition to the required Orientation & Welcome Week programs, Orientation & First-Year Programs (OFYP) 

offers additional programs throughout the first year. OFYP assists you by offering several programs and 

communications to keep you informed. Participate in any combination of the programs we offer to customize 

your first-year experience and ensure that you have a smooth transition to the U of M! 

During your Community Engagement Experiences, we hope that you: 

Learned the importance of engaging in community issues that you are passionate about. 

Discovered that you should not only strive to do well in your classes but that you can 

also learn outside of the classroom. 

Realized that not only are you a student on campus, but also a member of the larger 

Twin Cities community. 



Class of 2016 eNewsletter 

The Class of 2016 eNewsletter is a monthly 

publication sent to you throughout the academic 

year. The publication includes a monthly checklist 

of task items to keep you on track during your first 

year. It also includes a section of resources each 

month to help you with specific transitional topics 

related to academics, engagement, finances and 

health and wellness. 

“Year 1” on MyU Web Portal 

MyU is the official University of Minnesota Web 

portal and your cyber connection to the U’s online 

community! Year 1 is a feature available only to 

first-year students on MyU. It changes weekly, 

and has articles on transitional issues common to 

first-year students. 

Kick It! 

Kick off each semester with online navigation of 

campus resources and engagement opportunities 

highlighted by Kick It!, and you will be entered into 

raffle drawings to win prizes. Hundreds of prizes are 

given out weekly, including gift certificates, iPods and 

other great giveaways! 

Start today by logging onto myu.umn.edu. 

Be a Leader! 

Although most of our programs serve new students, 

we also recruit and train many students to lead our 

programs. As you reflect on your Orientation and 

Welcome Week experience, consider applying to 

become a Welcome Week Leader for Fall 2013 or an 

Orientation Leader for summer 2014. Developing your 

leadership skills will benefit you at the U of M and well 

into the future. 

Check out www.ofyp.umn.edu/employment. 

@Home in Minnesota 

Are you from out of state If so, check out @Home in 

MN! This program assists you in your transition by 

connecting you to other students, faculty and staff 

from your home state. Additional programming and 

outings are available throughout the year to learn 

about Minnesota culture and traditions. 

Visit www.ofyp.umn.edu for details. 

At the University of Minnesota, we expect that students integrate 

experiences in the community into their academic career. 

Students are engaged with the campus or community when they use their experiences 

intentionally as stepping stones to create a mutually beneficial change in the community. 

As you commit to incorporating community engagement into your college career, take 

advantage of some of these opportunities available to University of Minnesota students. 

Service-Learning Classes = Take a class that incorporates a community engagement 

experience into coursework. Academic community engagement deepens and enhances 

your understanding of course material and builds your sense of civic responsibility. 

HECUA = Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs offers domestic off-campus study 

programs focused on social justice issues. For a semester or a summer term, concentrate on 

the environment, the arts, poverty, race or agriculture. Most programs include an internship in 

the Twin Cities focusing on issues connected to your program. 

The Community Engagement Scholars Program = You can participate in this program to 

receive official University recognition for doing public service. The Scholars program combines 

volunteering, service-learning classes, reflections and a capstone community project. 

Volunteering = Schedule an advising appointment to learn about opportunities to 

contribute to Twin Cities community groups, gain experience for your resume, and 

learn more about social issues. 

All of these services and more are provided by the 

Community Service-Learning Center, located in 240 Appleby Hall. 



Quick Note from OFYP 

Be sure to “like” Orientation & First-Year Programs 

on Facebook, join the U of M Class of 2016 

Facebook group, and continue to use #gopher16 

on Twitter throughout your first year! 

Phone = 612-626-2044 

Email = csl@umn.edu 

Web = servicelearning.umn.edu 

36 37

Explore-U Vendors 

GOLD LEVEL 

Acme Comedy Company 

ACR HealthCare Group 

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union 

Anytime Fitness 

AT&T 

Bywater Business Solutions/Dairy Queen 

Gopher Sports 

GrandMarc Seven Corners 

Imation 

Jefferson at Berry 

Jimmy John’s 

Metro Transit 

Nickelodeon Universe 

Mall of America 

Papa John’s Pizza 

Potbelly Sandwich Shop 

Qdoba Mexican Grill 

Raising Cane’s 

Sport Clips 

Sprint 

Stadium View Apartments 

TCF Bank 

United States Marine Corps (USMC) 

U.S. Bank 


Bookstores 

UPS 

Valleyfair 

Wells Fargo 

Zipcar, Inc 

Maroon Level 

Aveda Institute (Minneapolis) 

Bierman Place Apartments 

Big 10 Restaurant 

Bruegger’s Bagels 

ByME Inc. 

CorePower Yoga 

Custom Airbrush Tan on the Go 

Darque Tan 

Elmwood Properties 

First Avenue & 7th St. Entry 

Minnesota Wild 

Nice Ride Minnesota 

Punch Pizza 

SEA LIFE Minnesota 

The Emily Program 

University Commons 

University Guide 

University LifeCare Center 

U of M Bike Center 

Vertical Endeavors 

Walker Art Center 

YourYoga 

38 39

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 

11:30AM–1:30PM 

coffman union • front plaza 

CELEBRATE THE START OF THE SCHOOL 

YEAR AND JOIN IN ON THE ULTIMATE 

GOLDEN GOPHER 

PEP FEST! 

FEATURING 

THE MINNESOTA MARCHING BAND, spirit squad 

performance, music, prizes & More! 

Also Featuring 

Speech from 

Coach Kill! 

sua.umn.edu/events 

Meals 

Brunch – 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 

Dinner – 4:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. 


Reminders 

• You will be outside for community 

exploration, so remember to check the 

weather and plan accordingly. 

• Residential Students: Ask your CA when 

and where your House Meeting will be held. 


Community Exploration 

Residence Hall House 

Meetings 

Late Night Entertainment 

40 41

Community Exploration Day Event Schedule 

Brunch 

• Brunch is the opportunity for you to eat before you go on your community exploration trip. 

• Commuters/Off Campus Groups: If you selected this meal in your Event Selection, you will use your U Card 

to enter the dining hall. Please review your personalized schedule to see if you registered for this meal. 

Community Exploration 

• You are now part of the Twin Cities community. This is a chance to explore all of the great opportunities you 

can enjoy as a resident. 

• To view a full description and a map of your side trip: 

• Downtown Minneapolis pages 44–45 

• Minneapolis Riverfront District pages 46–47 

• Uptown Minneapolis pages 48–49 

Dinner 


Residence Hall House Meetings 

• This required meeting will take place in your residence hall. Meet the people you will be living with all year 

and learn the key points about living on campus. 

• Talk to your CA to find out the time and location of your meeting. 

Late Night Entertainment 

Sorority Recruitment Information Session (6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.) // CMU-Great Hall 

• Students can register & check-in for recruitment. 

• Presentations at 6:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. 

Bailey Hall Students: Please note the Campus Connector schedule on page 2 of this handbook. 

If your house meeting is at 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m. you should plan to register for sorority recruitment 

online at www.BeGreek.org. 

This is your time to see what sorority life is like at the U! Stop by for a few minutes or stay for a while 

to hear about all of the social, academic, career networking, and other great opportunities the Greek 

community has to offer. This is also your chance to have any questions answered that you may have 

about sorority life and recruitment. By participating in recruitment, you will meet the members of the 

Greek community and see the inside of each chapter house. In order to participate, all women must 

register for recruitment either in advance or at the recruitment check-in at www.BeGreek.org. Snacks 

will be provided. We can’t wait to see you there! 

Pick-Up Sports at the Fieldhouse (8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.) 

Stop by at anytime and join a pick-up game of basketball, ultimate Frisbee or lightning. 

Recreational sports staff will be at the event, so stop and ask them how to get involved in their programs. 


Exploration Day! 


• Each individual residence hall will be providing opportunities for residents to connect and learn how they can 

be a part of developing the building’s community. Residence hall staff will facilitate activities for residents to get 

to know one another and also learn about opportunities for leadership and involvement. 

• Look for specific details in your building or talk to your CA. 

Quick Note from It All Adds Up: 

Recycling one aluminum can saves enough 

energy to run a computer for three hours. 

Recycling 1 ton of aluminum saves enough 

energy to run the average home for 10 years. 

Learn what you can do to save energy on 

campus at: www.umn.edu/italladdsup 



42 43

WILLOWST 

NICOLLETAVE 

Community Exploration Descriptions & Maps 



Downtown Minneapolis 

Take part in a text-based scavenger hunt that will help you discover the hot spots in downtown 

Minneapolis. To participate, just text: “wwdowntown” to 728647 to get started! The places featured 

in the scavenger hunt and more are featured on the map. 

Getting to Downtown Minneapolis: 

East Bank Students: You will be leaving with your Welcome Week group from 4th Street SE in front of 

Mariucci Arena on the East Bank Campus. 

Bailey Hall Students: You will be leaving with your Welcome Week group from the St. Paul Student 

Center and will be dropped off at your Community Exploration location. 

Returning from Downtown Minneapolis: 

All students will pick up a shuttle bus back to campus where you were dropped off - 

8th Street South and 2nd Avenue South. 

• Please note that all returning buses will be taking students back to 4th Street SE on the East Bank 

campus. Students living in Bailey Hall will have to take the Campus Connector back to the St. Paul 

campus. 

• The last bus will depart from downtown Minneapolis at 4:00 p.m. 

Area Description 

Explore downtown Minneapolis, an area that is rich with entertainment opportunities. Check out iconic, 

historical hot spots such as Rand and Foshay towers or find out where to get your tickets for a state-of– 

the-art sports facility such as Target Field or Target Center. Make sure to walk through the theatre district 

and see what’s playing at the State and Orpheum theatres or what the next concert is at First Avenue & 

7th St. Entry. After Welcome Week, catch Metro Transit buses 3, 6, or 16 to take you downtown. 

Downtown Facts! 

Minneapolis’ famed skyway system connecting 52 blocks (nearly 

five miles) of downtown makes it possible to live, eat, work and 

shop without going outside. 

7THAVEN 

WBI94TOLYNDALEAVEN 

INTERSTATE94 

HENNEPINAVETOWBI394 

6THAVEN 

INTERSTATE394 

16THSTN 

BORDERAVEN 

HARMONPL 

CLIFTONPL 

8THAVEN 

7THSTN 

GLENWOODAVE 

LINDENAVE 

ROYALSTONAVEN 

HOLDENSTN 

CURRIEAVE 

CHESTNUTAVE 

15THSTW 

OAKGROVEST 

13THSTN 

SPRUCEPL 

7THAVEN 

6THAVEN 

12THSTN 

13THSTS 

YALEPL 

SPRUCEPL 

4THSTN 

TWINSWAY 

LASALLEAVE 

10THSTN 

GARAGEAEXIT 

5THSTN 

! 

HAWTHORNEAVE 

GRANTSTW 

3RDSTN 

! 

TargetField 

3RDAVENTOWBI394 

HARMONPL 

5THAVEN 

! 

! 

GARAGEBEXIT 

9THSTN 

EBI94TO4THSTN 

BUSEXIT 

TargetCenter 

OrpheumTheater 

13THSTS 

GRANTSTE 

1STAVES 

WASHINGTONAVEN 

! PeaveyPlaza 

! 

! 

FirstAvenueandSeventhStreetEntry 

NICOLLETMALL 

11THSTS 

12THSTS 

3RDAVEN 

16THSTE 

2NDSTN 

4THSTN 

7THSTS 

2NDAVEN 

1STAVEN 

Bus Drop-off/Pick-up 

1STSTN 

MARQUETTEAVE 

FoshayTower 

4THAVES 

MinneapolisCentralLibrary 

4THSTS 

HIGHWAY65 

HIGHWAY65 

3RDAVES 

9THSTS 

5THAVES 

2NDAVES 

6THSTS 

5THAVES 

14THSTE 

15THSTE 

3RDSTS 

8THSTS 

10THSTS 

16THSTE 

HENNEPINAVE 

1STSTS 

4THAVES 

PORTLANDAVE 

PARKAVE 

2NDSTS 

14THSTE 



The first children’s department in a library is said to be that of the 

Minneapolis Public Library, which separated children’s books from 

the rest of the collection in December 1889. 

/ 

CLIFTONAVE 

17THSTE 

INTERSTATE94 

DowntownMinneapolis 

INTERSTATE94 

Feet 

0 280 560 840 1,120 1,400 

44 45




Minneapolis Riverfront District 

Take part in a text-based scavenger hunt that will help you discover the hot spots of the Minneapolis 

Riverfront District. To participate, just text: “wwriverfront” to 728647 to get started! The places featured 

in the scavenger hunt and more are featured on the map. 

Getting to Minneapolis Riverfront District: 

West Bank Students: You will be leaving with your Welcome Week group from the corner of 2nd Street S. 

and 21st Avenue S. behind Anderson Library. 

Returning from Minneapolis Riverfront District: 

All students will be catching a bus back to campus on the north side of 2nd Street S. 

between Chicago and Park Avenue in front of the Mill City Museum. 

• The final bus will depart at 4:00 p.m. from this location. 

• Please note that all returning buses will drop students off on the corner of 2nd Street S. and 21st Avenue S. 

behind Anderson Library. 


The Minneapolis Riverfront District includes the world-renowned Guthrie Theater and the Mill City Museum. 

Check them out - along with nearby Gold Medal Park. The Mill City Farmers’ Market is from 8:00 a.m. to 

1:00 p.m. every Saturday through October 15 near the Guthrie. Make sure to walk across the river on the 

Stone Arch Bridge for student-discounted movie tickets at St. Anthony Main. The historic area has the oldest 

brick buildings in the city, and is the site of live concerts sponsored by area businesses. After Welcome 

Week, hop on the 3, 6, 16, or 50 for a quick bus ride to the area. 

Minneapolis Riverfront Facts! 

Only in the Metrodome has there been a Super Bowl, a World Series 

and a NCAA Final Four Basketball Championship. 

The Guthrie Theater is the largest regional theatre in the country. 

MARQUETTEAVE 

3RDAVES 

ISLANDAVEW 

2NDAVES 

1STSTS 

8THSTS 

9THSTS 

NICOLLETST 

! 

! 

HENNEPINAVE 

4THSTS 

4THAVES 

5THAVES 

EASTMANAVE 

WESTRIVERPKWY 

NicolletIsland 

MilwaukeeRoadDepot 

3RDSTS 

PORTLANDAVE 

WILDERST 

6THSTS 

7THSTS 

1STAVENE 

HENNEPINAVEE 

MERRIAMST 

PARKAVE 

2NDSTNE 

LOURDESPL 

! 

! 

! 


KIRBYPUCKETTPL 

5THSTS 

10THAVES 

CHICAGOAVE 

BANKST 

Metrodome 

MAINSTSE 

MillRuinsPark 

MillCityMuseum 

! 

CENTRALAVESE 

WASHINGTONAVES 

11THAVES 

! 

2NDAVESE 

GuthrieTheater 

3RDSTS 

UNIVERSITYAVESE 

2NDSTSE 

3RDAVESE 

! 

2NDSTS 

5THSTSE 

! 

4THSTSE 

StoneArchBridge 

11THAVES 

3RDSTS 

GoldMedalPark 

12THAVES 

SBI35WTOWBI94 

6THSTSE 

4THAVESE 

5THAVESE 

HennepinIslandPark 

13THAVES 

6THAVESE 

INTERSTATE35W 

15THAVES 

CEDARAVES 



/ 

RiverfrontDistrict 

0 270 540 810 1,080 1,350 Feet 

46 47

RUSSELLAVES 

FREMONTAVES 


Uptown Minneapolis 

Take part in a text-based scavenger hunt that will help you discover the hot spots of Uptown Minneapolis. 

To participate, just text: “wwuptown” to 728647 to get started! The places featured in the scavenger hunt 

and more are featured on the map. 

22NDSTW 

OLIVERAVES 

LAKEPL 

GIRARDAVES 

24THSTW 

25THSTW 



Getting to Uptown, Minneapolis: 

East Bank Students: You will be leaving with your Welcome Week group from 5th Street SE behind 

Mariucci Arena on the East Bank Campus. 

Returning from Uptown, Minneapolis: 

All students will pick up a shuttle bus back to campus where you were dropped off - on the 

corner of Hennepin Avenue and 32nd Street W. 

• Please note that all returning buses will be taking students back to Mariucci Arena on the 

East Bank campus. Students living in Bailey Hall will have to take the Campus Connector 

back to the St. Paul campus. 

• The final bus will depart from Uptown at 4:00 p.m. 


Head to Uptown for a day of shopping in the many boutique and specialty stores around Calhoun 

Square. This Minneapolis neighborhood is known for the wide variety of restaurants and coffee shops, 

so stop and enjoy some culinary delights. Spend a day enjoying the weather and water at either Lake 

Calhoun or Lake of the Isles. Uptown is merely a short bike ride away from campus when you take the 

Midtown Greenway bike and pedestrian path. After Welcome Week, take Metro Transit bus lines 2, 4, or 

6, or express Route 113. 

Uptown Facts! 

Minneapolis’s name was derived from a combination of Sioux and Greek 

words meaning “city of waters.” No name could suit the area better: 22 

lakes exist within the city limits and afford Minneapolis the nickname 

“City of Lakes.” 

LakeCalhoun 

LakeoftheIsles 

27THSTW 

KNOXAVES 

KNOXAVES 

JAMESAVES 

EASTLAKECALHOUNPKWY 

THEMALL 

IRVINGAVES 

33RDSTW 

EUCLIDPL 

LAGOONAVE 

LAKESTW 

251/2STW 

HENNEPINAVE 

! ! WalkerLibrary 

Lyn-Lake 

! 

! 

GIRARDAVES 

28THSTW 

MidtownGreenway 

CalhounSquare 

32NDSTW 

HUMBOLDTAVES 

HOLMESAVES 

GIRARDAVES 

FREMONTAVES 

26THSTW 


EMERSONAVES 

31STSTW 

COLFAXAVES 

29THSTW 

BRYANTAVES 

DUPONTAVES 

ALDRICHAVES 

33RDSTW 

34THSTW 



The city’s Chain of Lakes (five, in all) includes Uptown’s Lake of the Isles 

and Lake Calhoun. All of the lakes are attached by a 12-mile system of 

walking, biking and running paths. 

/ 

UptownMinneapolis 

35THSTW 

Feet 

0 220 440 880 1,320 1,760 

48 49

Seeking Worship and Community Opportunities 

The Interfaith Campus Coalition is a body of religious professionals and student leaders who are part 

of the University of Minnesota community. They strive to integrate religious experience with campus life 

while fostering dialogue, understanding and respect among people of different faith communities. 

For a list of Interfaith Campus Coalition places of worship visit: www.iccumn.org 

For a list of faith-based student groups visit: www.sua.umn.edu 

When discussing beliefs with others remember to: 

Listen for instant answers. Your serious questions deserve in-depth responses and long-term solutions. 

Be aware of groups that pressure you to behave differently. No one knows what is right for you but you. 

Look out for invitations to gatherings with vague goals. It could be a sign that something is being 

hidden from you. 

Be curious. When you ask people questions about themselves and their beliefs, you encourage 

a genuine exchange of ideas and sharing that leads to greater understanding between people. 

Want to talk with someone 

During your time at the University it’s possible you may need some help dealing with problems 

related to stress, anger, depression, anxiety, poor grades, academic difficulties, or other issues. 

This is not uncommon. University Counseling & Consulting Services offers a number of services 

to assist students with mental health, academic and career choice challenges. 

Visit www.mentalhealth.umn.edu or www.uccs.umn.edu for more information. 

Meals 

Residential Students 

Brunch – 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 

Dinner – 4:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. 


University Counseling & Consulting Services (UCCS) 

340 Appleby Hall (East Bank) or 199 Coffey Hall (St. Paul) 

612-624-3323 

Reminders 


Prepare for Classes! 

UCCS Welcome Week Hours: 

Wednesday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 

In an emergency call 911 

• Make sure you have all of your books 

for the first day of class tomorrow! 

• Check out some of the optional events 

taking place today. 

• Try exploring campus today and finding all 

of the locations of your classes. 

• See page 4 for Free-Time Activities. 

Rest 

Prepare for Classes 

Student Group Events 

50 

51

Prepare for Classes 

Event Schedule & Descriptions 

Optional Activities: 


@Home in Minnesota State Fair Event 

10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 

CMU - President’s Room 

If you’re an out-of-state student, get ready to experience 

lots of fried food, anything on a stick, animal exhibits, 

music, rides, and more at the “Great Minnesota Get- 

Together!” @Home in Minnesota is providing free tickets 

to the State Fair for out-of-state first-year students. 

During Event Selection, you had the option to opt in 

to this event – check your personal schedule to see if 

you chose to participate in the State Fair event. Meet 

a Welcome Week Leader between 10:00 a.m.-12:00 

p.m. to get your tickets and be escorted to the State 

Fair shuttle. You will be responsible for finding your way 

back to campus. Not an out-of-state student A limited 

number of discounted tickets to the State Fair a 

re available at the Bookstore! 

Minnesota Daily Tour 

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 

Minnesota Daily Office, 

2221 University Avenue SE, Suite 450 

Incoming students will have the chance to tour the 

Minnesota Daily! During the tour they will be able 

to learn more about the Daily as a news source, 

information hub, and unique collegiate employment 

opportunity! Tours will occur every half hour starting 

at 10:00 a.m., with our last tour beginning at 1:30 p.m. 

Students interested in taking tours should meet at the 

front desk of our office, located at 2221 University Ave. 

SE, Suite 450. 

Al-Madinah Welcomes U! 

12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. 

CMU - Room 217 

On behalf of AMCC (Al-Madinah Cultural Center), 

Welcome Class of 2016! Come enjoy your final afternoon 

off before you start your college career with us. Enjoy 

food sampling from around the Muslim world, have your 

name written in Arabic in fancy calligraphy, learn about 

AMCC and Islam through trivia games with prizes, and 

come meet the board in a fun-filled day! 

Picnic at the Park 

12:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m. 

CMU - Front Plaza 

Whether you’re into football, soccer, or Frisbee, or just 

want to hang out at the park, you’re bound to meet 

some friendly new faces at this picnic! Take a break 

before school starts – come run around (or not), and 

enjoy a FREE BBQ LUNCH! This event is sponsored 

by acts2fellowship, a Christian student group that 

meets weekly on campus. Find out more about us 

and our other exciting opportunities at this event. 

Undergraduate Consulting Club 

Informational Meeting 

1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. 


Want to jump-start your college career Let the 

Undergraduate Consulting Club be the one to 

give YOU career information regarding tips on 

how to successfully look for internships as well 

as learn the in’s and out’s of networking! You will 

have the opportunity to speak with students with 

internship and full-time work experience. Let the 

Undergraduate Consulting Club be the start 

toward your professional career! 

Art of Living Club Kick-Off Event 

5:15 p.m.–6:15 p.m. 


Breathing, it seems easy enough, right The Art of 

Living Club shows you how to use breathing to charge 

your nervous system, decrease stress and anxiety, 

enhance memory and concentration, and relax and 

rejuvenate and live your life to the fullest. Come 

share pizza with us and discover how YES!+ (yoga, 

empowerment, and service) workshop can awaken 

the life within living! 

A Day in Dinkytown 

2:00 p.m. 

Depart from CMU Front Plaza 

Student Neighborhood Liaisons 

There’s a party in Dinkytown! Join the 

Neighborhood Liaisons in a walking tour of 

Dinkytown where you will stop by some of the 

city’s signature restaurants, music venues, 

and shops! The tour will include games and 

refreshments in Van Cleve park. Come get to 

know your fellow freshman and your neighbors! 

All Day! Relax 

Take this time to make sure you are settled in before classes. If you can check off all the activities below 

and on page 4, then you are off to a good start. 

• Get plenty of rest before classes and get ready for the start of your college career! 

• Make sure you have your books for classes. 

• Explore campus with friends and find your classrooms - ask your WWLs for help! 

• Get to know your roommate more. 

• Double check traffic and construction updates so your commute to campus will be smooth. 

• Get a workout in at the Rec. Center. See page 4 for hours. 

Evening: Residence Hall Community Events 


Cash or credit 

Credit cards were never intended for longterm 

financing. You’re better off saving 

for large purchases until you can buy with 

cash. Learn more at: 

http://z.umn.edu/LLAScreditcards 

• Each residence hall will have specific activities planned for a night of relaxing 

and meeting new people. 

• Look for specific details in your building or talk to your Community Advisor, but possible examples 

may include a corn roast, coloring night, or movies and popcorn. 


52 53

Make the Most of Your Gopher Experience! 

Homecoming: Legendary U 

October 7 - 14 

Since 1914, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, 

has celebrated Homecoming; a week dedicated 

to honoring the spirit of the maroon and gold. This 

celebration brings the campus community together 

with events such as; cheer and lip sync competitions, 

sports competitions, community service events, 

and of course the Homecoming parade, concert 

and football game. 

homecoming.umn.edu 

Campus Activities Fair 

September 12, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 

CMU, Front Plaza 

September 18, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. 

SPSC, Front Terrace 

The Activities Fair, hosted by Student Unions 

& Activities, is a great place to find involvement 

opportunities. Find a student group that fits one 

of your interests at the Activities Fair and get 

involved in the campus community. 

Parents Weekend 

September 28 - September 30 

Mark your calendars and invite your family! 

The University of Minnesota’s Parents Weekend 

presents many activities for your family to 

participate in and see what college life at 

the U of M is all about! 

Late Night Breakfast 

December 13 

Every fall semester before exam week begins, 

Housing & Residential Life and University Dining 

Services hosts Late Night Breakfast. Visit one 

of the residential restaurants and load up on 

some delicious breakfast before starting finals 

the next morning. 

Finals Week: Study at the Libraries 24/7 

During finals week many of the University Libraries 

(Walter, Wilson, Bio-Med) are open 24 hours a day. 

Students cram at all hours for finals. The librarians 

plan de-stressing events and attractions for students 

to take advantage of all week. 

Spring Jam 2013 

April 25 - 27 

Celebrating the warm weather and end of the 

school year, Spring Jam is a three-day music 

festival planned by students on the Student Unions 

& Activities Programming Board, and includes many 

live concerts and performances, and a lineup of 

special events that make up the largest campus-wide 

event of spring! 

springjam.umn.edu 

Gopher Athletics 

Gopher Athletics offers FREE admission or discounted 

student tickets to ALL Gopher athletic events. Show 

your maroon and gold school spirit right away by 

purchasing your season football, basketball and hockey 

tickets today! Visit www.mygophersports.com or call 

612-624-8080 for all athletic tickets and information. 

There are over 20 sports to choose from! 

Northrop Events 

In winter 2011, Northrop Auditorium, in the heart of the 

East Bank campus, closed for a significant revitalization 

that will transform it into a leading performing arts 

and vital academic center of distinction in Minnesota 

when it re-opens in fall 2013. During this time, Northrop 

Concerts and Lectures has launched its NORTHROP 

MOVES campaign and will move its world-class dance 

programming to downtown Minneapolis in the gorgeous 

Orpheum Theatre on Hennepin Avenue. Student, staff, 

and faculty discount and rush tickets are available. 

612-625-6600, northrop.umn.edu 

Don’t shop on an empty stomach. 

Savvy grocery shoppers use lists 

and always go shopping after dinner. 

Find more grocery tips at: 

http://z.umn.edu/LLASgroceries 

Special Thanks to our External Sponsors 

Special thanks to the University of Minnesota 

community and numerous colleges and departments 

for contributing to Welcome Week! 

54 55

Strengths Quick Reference Guide 

Achiever (Executing) 

People strong in the Achiever theme have a great deal of 

stamina and work hard. They take great satisfaction from 

being busy and productive. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: tireless, strong work 

ethic, leads by example, go-getter, hungry. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: unbalanced, brownnoser, 

overcommitted, can’t say no, burns the candle at both 

ends, too concentrated on work. 

Belief (Executing) 

People strong in the Belief theme have certain core values 

that are unchanging. Out of these values emerges a 

defined purpose for their life. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: passionate, steadfast, 

knows where he or she stands, altruistic, family-oriented, 

ethical, responsible. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: stubborn, set in his or 

her ways, elitist, unaccepting of other ideas, opinionated, 

goody-two-shoes. 

Consistency (Executing) 

People strong in the Consistency theme are keenly aware 

of the need to treat people the same. They try to treat 

everyone in the world with consistency by setting up clear 

rules and adhering to them. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: just, problem-solver, 

policy-maker. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: “by the book”, inflexible, 

unwilling to customize/ individualize. 

Empathy (Relationship Building) 

People strong in the Empathy theme can sense the 

feelings of other people by imagining themselves in others’ 

lives or situations. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: creates trust, brings 

healing, knows just what to say/do, customizes approach 

to others. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: “soft”, moody, overinvolved. 

Activator (Influencing) 

People strong in the Activator theme can make things 

happen by turning thoughts into action. They may activate 

on thoughts, feelings, or decisions. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: self-starter, fire-starter, 

energy source, fearless. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: ready-fire-aim, loose 

cannon, speaks before thinking, in left field (because 

others haven’t caught up). 

Command (Influencing) 

People strong in the Command theme have presence. 

They can take control of a situation and make decisions. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: charismatic, direct, 

driven, inspirational, easy to follow, clear, concise. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: bossy, know-it-all, 

domineering, rude, abrupt, short, strong-willed, inflexible, 

stubborn. 

Context (Strategic Thinking) 

People strong in the Context theme enjoy thinking about 

the past. They understand the present by researching its 

history. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: has robust historical 

frame of reference, learns lessons from the past, knows 

how things came to be, can leverage knowledge of the 

past. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: slow to move and react to 

change, closed-minded, lives in the past. 

Focus (Executing) 

People strong in the Focus theme can take a direction, 

follow through, and make the corrections necessary to stay 

on track. They prioritize, and then act. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: point person, 

disciplined, purposeful, laser-like precision, identifies 

important areas quickly, goal setter and goal getter. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: Absorbed, tough to relax, 

intense, stressed. 

Adaptability (Relationship Building) 

People strong in the Adaptability theme prefer to “go with 

the flow”. They tend to be “now” people who take things as 

they come and discover the future one day at a time. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: flexible, comfortable in 

times of change, easy to get along with, goes with the flow. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: directionless, indecisive, 

sheep, inconclusive, whimsical. 

Analytical (Strategic Thinking) 

People strong in the Analytical theme search for reasons 

and causes. They have the ability to think about all the 

factors that might affect a situation. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: Thinks things through, 

smart, logical, deep, thorough, comfortable with numbers, 

figures, and charts. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: rude, short, tough, never 

satisfied with the answer, asks too many questions. 

Arranger (Executing) 

People strong in the Arranger theme can organize, but they 

also have a flexibility that complements this ability. They 

like to figure out how all of the pieces and resources can 

be arranged for maximum productivity. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: flexible, organizer, 

juggler, aligns and realigns tasks to find the most 

productive configuration possible, efficient, conductor. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: lacks structure, too 

flexible, doesn’t follow the existing rules or procedures, 

constantly changes priorities, lacks vision. 

Communication (Influencing) 

People strong in the Communication theme generally find 

it easy to put their thoughts into words. They are good 

conversationalists and presenters. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: storyteller, great 

presence, easy to talk to, energizer, entertaining, 

charismatic. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: blabbermouth, poor 

listener, self-absorbed, show-off, always needs attention. 

Competition (Influencing) 

People strong in the Competition theme measure their 

progress against the performance of others. They strive to 

win first place and revel in contests. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: driven, motivated, No. 1, 

measurement-oriented, winner. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: sore loser, not a team 

player, puts down others, self-centered, confrontational. 

Connectedness (Relationship Building) 

People strong in the Connectedness theme have faith in 

the links between all things. They believe there are few 

coincidences and that almost every event has a reason. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: spiritual, “doesn’t sweat 

the small stuff”, strong faith, always looking at the big 

picture, helps others see purpose. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: passive, naïve, too 

idealistic, wishy-washy. 

Deliberative (Executing) 

People strong in the Deliberative theme are best described 

by the serious care they take in making decisions or 

choices. They anticipate the obstacles. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: good judgment, 

identifies risk, makes solid decisions, can plan for the 

unexpected. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: standoffish, aloof, 

cautious, slow, introverted, afraid to act. 

Developer (Relationship Building) 

People strong in the Developer theme recognize and 

cultivate the potential in others. They spot the signs of 

each small improvement and derive satisfaction from 

these improvements. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: grows talent in others, 

teacher, coach, enjoys helping others succeed, invests in 

others. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: not an individual 

contributor, wastes time on low-potential people, spectator. 

Discipline (Executing) 

People strong in the Discipline theme enjoy routine 

and structure. Their world is best described by the 

order they create. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: highly productive 

and accurate because of ability to structure, breaks 

down complex processes into steps, great planner, 

promotes efficiency. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: overbearing, rigid, 

mechanized, can’t handle change. 

Futuristic (Strategic Thinking) 

People strong in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the 

future and what could be. They inspire others with their 

visions of the future. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: imaginative, creative, 

visionary, even prophetic, inspiring. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: dreamer, “Fantasy 

Island”, out in left field, lack pragmatism. 

Harmony (Relationship Building) 

People strong in the Harmony theme look for consensus. 

They don’t enjoy conflict; rather, they seek areas of 

agreement. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: negotiator, can see 

both sides of a situation, great at asking questions, able to 

arrive at consensus, great facilitator. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: weak, indecisive, not 

confrontational, avoids conflict. 

Ideation (Strategic Thinking) 

People strong in the Ideation theme are fascinated 

by ideas. They are able to find connections between 

seemingly disparate phenomena. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: improves on the 

existing, learns quickly, agile mind. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: serendipitous, lack followthrough, 

creates more work. 

56 57

Strengths Quick Reference Guide 

Includer (Relationship Building) 

People strong in the Includer theme are accepting of 

others. They show awareness of those who feel left out and 

make an effort to include them. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: invites others in, caring, 

engages others, sensitive, takes up for others. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: indiscriminate, unable to 

decide, generous to a fault. 

Individualization (Relationship Building) 

People strong in the Individualization theme are intrigued 

with the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift 

for figuring out how people who are different can work 

together productively. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: sees the uniqueness in 

all individuals, intuitively knows that “one size doesn’t fit 

all”, appreciates the differences in others. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: unable to synthesize 

when it comes to people, has difficulty placing group 

above individual, difficulty in making people decisions. 

Input (Strategic Thinking) 

People strong in the Input theme have a need to collect 

and archive. They collect information, ideas, history, or 

even relationships. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: great resource, 

knowledgeable, excellent memory, mind for detail, collects 

interesting things, excellent conversationalist. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: knows a lot of worthless 

information, pack rat, cluttered house-cluttered mind, 

boring conversationalist. 

Intellection (Strategic Thinking) 

People strong in the Intellection theme are characterized 

by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and 

appreciate intellectual discussions. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: excellent thinker, enjoys 

musing, capable of deep and philosophical thought, able 

to work alone. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: a loner, slow to act or 

wastes time thinking too much, isolated, doesn’t work well 

with others. 

Learner (Strategic Thinking) 

People strong in the Learner theme have a great desire to 

learn and want to continuously improve. In particular, the 

process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: always learning, 

catches on quickly, interested in many things, finds life 

intriguing. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: know-it-all, lacks focus on 

results, learns a lot – produces little, bookish. 

Maximizer (Influencing) 

People strong in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths 

as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They 

seek to transform something strong into something superb. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: mastery, success, 

excellence, enjoys working with the best. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: perfectionist, picky, 

never good enough, always reworking. 

Positivity (Relationship Building) 

People strong in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm 

that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others 

excited about what they are going to do. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: enthusiastic, 

lighthearted, energetic, generous with praise, optimistic. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: insincere, naïve, 

superficial, Pollyanna. 

Relator (Relationship Building) 

People who are strong in the Relator theme enjoy close 

relationships with others. They find deep satisfaction in 

working hard with friends to achieve a goal. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: caring, trusting, a great 

friend, forgiving, generous. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: lives in a clique, crony, 

has an inner circle, plays favorites. 

Responsibility (Executing) 

People strong in the Responsibility theme take 

psychological ownership of what they say they will do. 

They are committed to stable values such as honesty and 

loyalty. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: committed, 

accountable, independent, trusted, conscientious. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: micromanager, 

obsessive, can’t say “no,” takes on too much. 

Restorative (Executing) 

People strong in the Restorative theme are adept at 

dealing with problems. They are good at figuring out what 

is wrong and resolving it. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: problem solver, 

troubleshooter, finds improvements and solutions. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: focuses on weaknesses, 

punitive, negative, critical. 

Self-Assurance (Influencing) 

People strong in the Self-Assurance theme feel confident 

in their ability to manage their own lives. They possess 

an inner compass that gives them confidence that their 

decisions are right. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: self-confident, strong 

inner compass, risk-taker. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: arrogant, self-righteous, 

overconfident, stubborn. 

Significance (Influencing) 

People strong in the Significance theme want to be very 

important in the eyes of others. They are independent and 

want to be recognized. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: seeks outstanding 

performance, does things of importance, independent. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: recognition-hungry, selffocused, 

needy. 

Strategic (Strategic Thinking) 

People strong in the Strategic theme create alternative 

ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can 

quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: good judgment, 

identifies risk, makes solid decisions, can plan for the 

unexpected. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: standoffish, aloof, 

cautious, slow, introverted, afraid to act. 

Woo (Influencing) 

People strong in the Woo theme love the challenge of 

meeting new people and winning them over. They derive 

satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection 

with another person. 

Healthy/Productive Descriptors: outgoing, peopleoriented, 

networker, rapport-builder. 

Unhealthy/Barrier Descriptors: fake, shallow, does not 

care about deep relationships. 

*Clifton StrengthsFinder®, StrengthsFinder®, 

and each of the 34 Clifton StrengthsFinder 

theme names are trademarks of Gallup Inc. 

////////////////////////////////////////////////// 

Step into 

the picture 

////////////////////////////////////////////////// 

campus leadership 

internships 

learning abroad & away 

research 

student employment 

student groups 

volunteer 

engage.umn.edu 

58 59

Convocation Faculty Marchers 

Akosua Addo, Ph.D. 

University of British Columbia 

Elaine Darst, Ph.D. 

University of Missouri-Kansas City 

Walt Jacobs, Ph.D. 

Indiana University 

Holly Littlefield, Ph.D. 


Jimmy Patino, Ph.D. 

University of California-San Diego 

Patricia Simmons, Member 

Board of Regents 

Clyde Allen, Member 


Debra DeBruin, Ph.D. 

University of Pittsburgh 

David Johnson, Ph.D. 


Wendy Looman, Ph.D. 

University of Michigan 

Daniel Pesut, Ph.D. 


Paul Strykowski, Ph.D. 

Yale University 

Rayla Allison, J.D. 

William Mitchell College of Law 

Thomas Devine, Member 


Dean Johnson, Member 


Jeremiah Mans, Ph.D. 

Princeton University 

Jeanne Pfeiffer, D.N.P. 


William Tolman, Ph.D. 

University of California 

John Anderson, Ph.D. 

University of Nebraska 

Fred DuFault, M.S. 

Kansas State University 

Gerhard Johnson, M.D. 


Rick McCormick, Ph.D. 

University of California-Berkeley 

Robert Poch, Ph.D. 

University of Virginia 

Diane Treat-Jacobson, Ph.D. 


Heidi Barajas, Ph.D. 


Irene Duranczyk, Ed.D. 

Grambling State University 

Robert Jones, Ph.D. 

University of Missouri 

B. Jan McCulloch, Ph.D. 

University of North Carolina-Greensboro 

Teddie Potter, Ph.D. 

California Institute of Integral Studies 

Connie Wanberg, Ph.D. 

Iowa State University 

Phillip Barry, Ph.D. 

University of Utah 

Jennifer Engler, Ph.D. 

Indiana University of Pennsylvania 

Eric Kaler, Ph.D. 


Robert McMaster, Ph.D. 

University of Kansas 

Louis Quast, Ph.D. 


Susan Weller, Ph.D. 

University of Texas-Austin 

Kenneth Bartlett, Ph.D. 

University of Illinois 

Kale Fajardo, Ph.D. 

University of California-Santa Cruz 

Diane Katsiaficas, M.F.A. 

University of Washington 

David McMillan, Member 


Maureen Ramirez, Member 


Bonnie Westra, Ph.D. 

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 

Richard Beeson, Member 


Tom Fisher, M.A. 

Case Western Reserve University 

Erin Kelly, Ph.D. 

Princeton University 

Kieran McNulty, Ph.D. 

City University of New York 

Luis Ramos-Garcia, Ph.D. 

University of Texas 

Pamela Wheelock, M.A. 

Marquette University 

Jay Bell, Ph.D. 

Pennsylvania State University 

John Frobenius, Member 


Carol Klee, Ph.D. 

University of Texas-Austin 

Tai Mendenhall, Ph.D. 


Gerald Rinehart, M.B.A. 


Michael White, Ph.D. 


Shelley Berken, M.A. 


Elizabeth Boyle, Ph.D. 

Stanford University 

Laura Brod, Member 


Kathryn Brown, J.D. 

University of Toledo 

Laura-Anne Bull, Ph.D. 

University of Strathclyde 

Mary Chesney, Ph.D. 


Tom Clayton, D.Phil. 

Oxford University 

Linda Cohen, Chair 


Gerald Fry, Ph.D. 


Mary Goering, M.S. 


Stuart Goldstein, Ph.D. 

California Institution of Technology 

Niloufar Hadidi, Ph.D. 


Karen Hanson, Ph.D. 

Harvard University 

Jay Hatch, Ph.D. 


Stan Hokanson, Ph.D. 

Michigan State University 

Venora Hung, Member 


Laura Coffin Koch, Ph.D. 


Nathan Kuncel, Ph.D. 


David Larson, Vice Chair 


William Lauper, M.A. 

The Ohio State University 

Kenneth Leopold, Ph.D. 

Harvard University 

Allen Levine, Ph.D. 


Joan Liaschenko, Ph.D. 

University of California-San Francisco 

Linda Lindeke, Ph.D. 


Karen Miksch, J.D. 

University of California 

Hastings College of the Law 

Clarence Morgan, M.F.A. 

University of Pennsylvania 

Christine Mueller, Ph.D. 

University of Maryland-Baltimore 

David Myers, Ph.D. 


David Odde, Ph.D. 

Rutgers University 

Tim Olson, M.B.A. 


Jordan Orzoff, Ph.D. 


James Parente, Ph.D. 

Yale University 

Mary Rowan, Ph.D. 


Serge Rudaz, Ph.D. 

Cornell University 

Gary Sands, Ph.D. 

Colorado State University 

Diane Schadewald, D.N.P. 


Paul Schwartz, M.S. 

Webster University 

Karen Seashore, Ph.D. 

Columbia University 

Mark Seeley, Ph.D. 

University of Nebraska 

Julie Selander, M.A. 


Sue Wick, Ph.D. 


Jennifer Windsor, Ph.D. 

Purdue University 

Robin Wright, Ph.D. 

Carnegie-Mellon University 

Philip Zawisza, M.M. 

Indiana University 

Virginia Solis Zuiker, Ph.D. 

The Ohio State University 

60 61

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