The wait is over. The Memorial Quad is filling with activity, the student section at Autzen Stadium has returned to screaming fans and painted bodies, and bike traffic on 13th Avenue is picking up. Fall 2014 is finally here.

From DuckN2theRec on Thursday to University Convocation on Sunday, faculty, staff and student WOW leaders have been preparing for months to provide a fun-filled start to your University of Oregon experience. So, jump in with both feet. You’ll only have one Week of Welcome experience.  

Get into the spirit Friday at the We Are Oregon pep rally in Hayward Field, then head to the EMU to discover your niche at the Flock Party—where hundreds of student groups and businesses will be waiting to connect with you. On Saturday, create a one-of-a-kind keepsake in the Craft Center, explore Eugene with a hike up Mount Pisgah, beautify the path on a walk to Autzen, or watch Transformers: Age of Extinction. End your Saturday by dancing under the giant disco ball as the EMU amphitheater becomes a huge glow jungle party.  If dancing is not your thing, no problem; there’s also comedy, food, casino games and more.

Find all of the details at wow.uoregon.edu. Search for the “UO Event Guide” in the app store and download the “Week of Welcome 2014” guide for free. If you prefer an old school approach, don’t worry—you can pick up a paper copy of the WOW schedule Thursday in the welcome tent on the Humpy Lumpy Lawn, or at any residence hall service center and many offices across campus.      

Have fun. Tell your friends.  In fact, tell the world: Share your Week of Welcome experience on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with #hellouo and #callmeaduck. Now you’re ready for fall term.

Welcome, Ducks.

Austin Beaton, Student Director UO Orientation Programs