Karla Hernandez/THE RIDER
New Vaqueros are getting ready to start their first semester at UTRGV today, marking the first step toward a college career.
The event took place Aug. 22 on the Brownsville campus and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on the Edinburg campus.
Andrea Yen, director of Undergraduate Recruitment, said this year the university is anticipating another record freshman class.
“We learned that students were really interested in student life and spirit,” Yen said. “And so, we really added some of those experiences around campus.”
Students were able to participate in interactive sessions with their individual colleges, as well as activities like face painting and karaoke.
Yen said the idea was to keep the day interesting while connecting with colleagues and organizations.
Karla Hernandez/THE RIDER
Xochitl Hinojosa, coordinator of Recruitment and Orientation Programs, said this year’s event also reflects feedback from the incoming class.
“I think with this class that has come in, we have really listened and heard to the wants of the students while they were coming in through orientation, and we are providing some of these new programming through various campus partnerships,” Hinojosa said.
One of the highlights for students, she said, will be the chance to meet important teachers and leaders in smaller groups.
“Some colleges will break out into smaller areas where they’ll be able to go ahead and interact personally with the students in a smaller sense versus speaking to the whole entering class,” Hinojosa said.
Orientation leader Rafael Benitez, a nursing senior, told The Rider that being punctual and teamwork was part of his preparation for welcoming students.
Along with the orientation leaders’ instruction, students participated in activities such as karaoke and a bubble party hosted by the Campus Activities Board. A scavenger hunt and a “Find the Vaquerito” game allowed incoming Vaqueros to win prizes while exploring campus.
During the event, students were provided free food and, on the Brownsville campus, Southern Rose Coffee offered a selection of drinks for purchase.
Hinojosa said Roundup connects new Vaqueros to upcoming traditions beyond orientation.
“Coming to Vaquero Roundup will definitely get them connected with professors, key campus staff,” she said. “They’ll be able to kind of see a little bit of what it is as they’re coming into with different things that we are preparing for them in the start of the semester, like Welcome Week, the Stomp and different things that we are definitely going to make sure that they know are happening.”
Karla Hernandez/THE RIDER
