Daniela Martinez Salazar/THE RIDER
UTRGV Student Activities kicks off Welcome Week today, inviting new and returning students to explore campus and celebrate the start of the Fall 2025 semester.
Cristina Rodriguez, assistant director of Student Activities, described the goal of Welcome Week as a time to introduce students to the many opportunities available on campus.
Events will start with the Vaquero Dive-In, taking place at 7 p.m. today in the Casa Bella pool on the Brownsville campus and at 8 p.m. in the University Recreation leisure pool on the Edinburg campus.
“For those students who are nervous about starting the fall semester, we have Welcome Week’s events designed to help calm those nerves,” said Annette Livas, associate director of Programs. “These events are to help them find their community.”
Livas added the event will be the first of its kind hosted at the UREC’s new lap pool and hopes it becomes a new tradition.
On Wednesday, students are invited to celebrate UTRGV Day. Students, faculty and staff are invited to receive a free shirt with cupcakes and drinks provided. The event will take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. in the Health & Physical Education Complex training gym on the Edinburg campus, 11 a.m. to noon in the McAllen Rio Bank fifth-floor conference room, noon to 1 p.m in Clinical Education Building Room 1.100 on the Harlingen campus and 2 to 3 p.m. in the PlainsCapital Bank El Gran Salón on the Brownsville campus.
Integrated health science junior Elijah Rodriguez said he looks forward to being a part of Welcome Week.
“I think it’d be cool to find opportunities related to my major,” Rodriguez said.
On Thursday, the UTRGV Part-Time Job Fair will take place. Students can take this opportunity to expand their career prospects and connect with employers offering both on-campus and off-campus job positions, according to the Career Center website.
The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the University Ballroom on the Edinburg campus and at the same time in the PlainsCapital El Gran Salón on the Brownsville campus.
“If you want to work on-campus or if you want to work in an internship or externally, that’s the place to come and visit,” Cristina Rodriguez said. “They love doing things like open houses and letting [students] know all the resources that are available.”
Also that day, Student Activities will host The Stomp, an annual UTRGV tradition, featuring live music, activities, prize giveaways and a business showcase with local vendors. The event will take place from 8 p.m. to midnight in Lot E-8 outside the University Center on the Edinburg campus and at the same time Sept. 9 in Lot B-4 in front of Casa Bella on the Brownsville campus.
“To celebrate 10 years, we’re actually doing a firework show at 10 p.m.,” Cristina Rodriguez said. “We want it to be for everyone to see.”
Friday’s highlight will be the Student Union Game Room Party, offering bingo, karaoke, console gaming and ice hockey challenges alongside hourly prizes and snacks. The event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. on the Brownsville campus and from 2 to 5 p.m. on the Edinburg campus.
The following week will kick off with Picnic with the President, honoring UTRGV’s 10th anniversary. Students, faculty and staff are invited to complimentary hamburgers and drinks from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 9 in the PlainsCapital Bank El Gran Salón on the Brownsville campus and at the same time Sept. 10 in the University Ballroom on the Edinburg campus.
To close out the week, at 9 p.m. on Sept. 11, the University Recreation Center will host its 10th annual Late Nite celebration on the Edinburg campus, a night of fun and information, according to Livas.
“While we’re going to show off this beautiful building and all of the activities and programs that are happening here today, we also want this to be a catch-on for wellness resources that are available across UTRGV that students didn’t know about,” she said.
The event will feature yoga and Zumba demonstrations throughout the night, along with intramural and sports league signups and information for any students interested in joining. Students will also have free access to the recreation center facilities until midnight, including the new lap pool. Music, food and drinks will be provided.
Livas added that this year’s event will debut a unique T-shirt design in honor of the 10th anniversary.
Students are encouraged to bring their student IDs with them to participate at the UREC and all other events.
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