Family Weekend Schedule of Events

Click here for a condensed view of the schedule!

Friday, September 21

Family Weekend Specialty Events
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Family Weekend Check-in & Cheesy Family Picture Station
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, Building 82
(Concurrent Session)
All registered Family Weekend participants should pick-up their packets, including a schedule of events, nametags, souvenirs, and any additional information about the weekend. Cheesy Family Picture Station will be in place to document your family’s cheesiest poses and the experience you will embark on during this year’s Third Annual Family Weekend festivities.
Sponsored by the Office of Family Programs

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Support Services Fair
(Concurrent Session)
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, Building 82
This service fair has been created to give parents the opportunity to learn more about the resources available to students on the UWF campus. During Family Weekend families are encouraged to visit each station and spend time learning about the services provided in order to better equip themselves for the challenging conversations with students regarding their academic, professional, and social success.
Sponsored by the Office of Family Programs, with assistance from the Department of Alumni Relations

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Delphi Induction Ceremony and President’s Hall Tour
Martin Hall, Housing and Residence Life
All families of students living in the Delphi living-learning community are welcome to join us for their students’ induction into the Delphi program. The induction ceremony signifies the start of the students’ journey through the collegiate experience in Delphi and at UWF. Refreshments will be provided. There will also be a tour of the newly built Presidents’ Hall; Presidents’ Hall is also the new home of the sophomore living learning community appropriately named Oracle.
Co-Sponsored by the Department of Housing and Residence Life and Student Transition Programs-Delphi

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Family Weekend Kick-Off & Tailgate
UWF Soccer Complex
Join us for the official kick-off to Family Weekend! Drop by and meet other students, families and UWF staff and enjoy a cook-out style meal. There will be music, games and a showcase of student organizations such as the Pep Band, UWF Cheerleaders and Salsa Club. Also, don’t miss your chance to get your picture taken with our favorite mascot, Argie! Your Family Weekend nametag will serve as your ticket into the kick-off events.
Co-Sponsored by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Student Government Association

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
UWF Men’s Soccer vs. Christian Brothers
UWF Soccer Complex (located on Campus Drive near UWF’s East Entrance)
Cheer on the West Florida Men’s Soccer team as they take on Christian Brothers University!
Sponsored by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Story Time: History of the Argonaut

7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
UWF Women’s Soccer vs. Christian Brothers
Soccer Complex (off of Campus Drive near UWF’s East Entrance)
Cheer on the West Florida Men’s Soccer team as they take on Christian Brothers University!
Sponsored by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Crash N’ Cars
University Commons Argo Galley, Building 22
Join the Campus Activity Board for a fun-filled night of competition featuring Wii and Xbox games, ping pong and billiards! There will be free food and a live DJ so be sure to stop by the Argo Galley for some fun!
Sponsored by the Department of Student Activities

Campus Outlook
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Campus/Housing Tours
Argo Hall, Housing and Residence Life
(Concurrent Session)
Alumni Relations Student Ambassador Program will conduct walking campus tours on an as needed basis. Also, the Department of Housing and Residence Life will be conducting residence hall tours as well. The Housing and Residence Life Department has requested that all interested families report to Argo Hall in building 925 to be escorted to their residence hall of choice.
Co-Sponsored by the Department of Alumni Relations-Student Ambassador Program and the Department of Housing and Residence Life

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Special Collections Tour
John C. Pace Library, Basement
(Concurrent Session)
Come take a tour of the UWF Library’s Special Collections which include the rare books vault, archives and the West Florida regional history center.
Sponsored by the John C. Pace Library’s Special Collections Department

 

Saturday, September 22

Family Weekend Specialty Events
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Family Weekend Check-in & Cheesy Family Picture Station
UWF Soccer Complex
(Concurrent Session)
All registered Family Weekend participants should pick-up their packets, including a schedule of events, nametags, souvenirs, and any additional information about the weekend. Cheesy Family Picture Station will be in place to document your family’s cheesiest poses and the experience you will embark on during this year’s annual family weekend.
Sponsored by the Office of Family Programs

8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Open Houses
Various Locations
(Concurrent Session)
Open Houses have been inserted into this year’s schedule of events to allow ample opportunity for quality family time. We encourage families to come and go as they please during this timeframe. So, visit the Career Services Office to find out more information regarding career assessments, career preparation, and internships that your students can partake in. Visit the Greek Affairs Office to meet Greek Affiliated organizations and find out information about the intake process and community involvement.

Also, if you are looking to just relax and have a little fun, please visit the HLS-Recreation Facility to indulge in all that our state-of-the art recreation facility has to offer. Visit the School of Science and Engineering Holodeck. This 985 square foot space provides for a 3-D, interactive, virtual world in which students can become characters that represent themselves in a virtual world. Finally do not forget to check out the Center for Fine & Performing Arts Art Gallery that will not disappoint you!
• Career Services Office is located in Building 19
• Greek Affairs Office is located in Building 22
• HLS-Recreation Facility is located in Building 72
• Center for Fine & Performing Art-Art Gallery is located in Building 82
• Holodeck Demonstration and School of Science and Engineering Tour in Building 76

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Interactive Workshops
Various Locations
(Concurrent Sessions)
Family Weekend is a time to come together to celebrate the transition of our students embarking on the new journey into adulthood. Not only is this a time for celebration, but it is also a time for open-mindedness, engagement and learning. Our focus is to share the experiences that students have on campus with the families that support their educational experience. The workshops listed below are interactive and informational for the benefit of both students and families.

• 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.-UWF PD, What you need to know about me!
School of Science and Engineering, Building 4
An introduction to the University of West Florida Police Department and all of the programs/resources available for the incoming UWF students. This program is 45 minutes long and includes a brief hands-on womans’ self defense demo from the Rape Aggression Defense Systems (RAD).

• 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.-Improvisation Workshop with the UWF Improvonauts
College of Business, Building 76
Come one, come all…we’re calling on you to have a little fun improving in the spirit of Family Weekend. Join us in this highly interactive improvisation workshop that will focus on the parent/student transitional period of college. The workshop will be facilitated by our very own improv comedy troupe, the Improvonauts! They have vowed to provide comedy, hilarity, and laughter for all those who attend this side-splitting workshop.

• 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. - MYTHBUSTERS!
College of Business, Building 76
Incoming college students and parents often have misperceptions related to alcohol, prescription drugs, sexual health, sexual assault, stress and sleep. Do you know the facts or buy into the fiction? Come play Jeopardy with our Peer Educators and Wellness Services Staff. We will share with you the tools to be effective communicators with your student...Ask. Listen. Learn.

10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
Center for Fine & Performing Arts Music Hall, Building 82
8 Week Early Warning System Campaign
The Advising Center will provide a brief overview of the universities new initiative related the 8 week early warning system.

11:00 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.
Wahoo!
Center for Fine & Performing Arts Music Hall, Building 82
Join us in welcoming the Pensacola Blue Wahoo’s Executive Vice-President, Jonathon Griffith to the University of West Florida campus. Mr. Griffith will share how the Pensacola Blue Wahoo’s stay connected and committed to community businesses, community organizations and the University of West Florida.
Co-Sponsored by the Family Weekend Committee

11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Center for Fine & Performing Arts Music Hall, Building 82
Presidential Address by Dr. Judith Bense

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lunch with the President
Center for Fine & Performing Arts front lawn, Building 82
Join President Judy Bense for lunch on the greens of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. There will also be an Experienced Parent and Experienced Student panel that will share their valuable wisdom and experience regarding their college experience.
Sponsored by the Office of Family Programs

12:20 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.
UWF Parent & Student Panel
Center for Fine & Performing Arts front lawn, Building 82
Experienced UWF Parents and students will share valuable wisdom and experience on family transition.
Sponsored by the Office of Family Programs, and supported by Office of Alumni Relations

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Last Lecture with Dr. Brendan Kelly
Center for Fine & Performing Arts Music Hall, Building 82
The University Honors Program invites families and the university community to participate in the first annual Last Lecture Series. Inspired by Dr. Randy Pausch’s book and last lecture, the event will feature Dr. Brendan Kelly, Director of the Center for Fine, Performing and Communication Arts Department. He also serves as the Chair of the Communication Arts Department. Please join us for this exciting, new event that has become a Family Weekend and UWF tradition.
Sponsored by the University Honors Program

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Open Houses
Various Locations
(Concurrent Session)
Open Houses have been inserted into this year’s schedule of events to allow ample opportunity for quality family time. We encourage families to come and go as they please during this timeframe. So, visit the Career Services Office to find out more information regarding career assessments, career preparation, and internships that your students can partake in. Visit the Greek Affairs Office to meet Greek Affiliated organizations and find out information about the intake process and community involvement.

Also, if you are looking to just relax and have a little fun, please visit the HLS-Recreation Facility to indulge in all that our state-of-the art recreation facility has to offer. Visit the School of Science and Engineering Holodeck. This 985 square foot space provides for a 3-D, interactive, virtual world in which students can become characters that represent themselves in a virtual world. Finally do not forget to check out the Center for Fine & Performing Arts Art Gallery that will not disappoint you!
• Career Services Office is located in Building 19
• Greek Affairs Office is located in Building 22
• HLS-Recreation Facility is located in Building 72
• Center for Fine & Performing Art-Art Gallery is located in Building 82
• Holodeck Demonstration and School of Science and Engineering Tour in Building 76

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Interactive Workshops
Various Locations
(Concurrent Sessions)
Family Weekend is a time to come together to celebrate the transition of our students embarking on the new journey into adulthood. Not only is this a time for celebration, but it is also a time for open-mindedness, engagement and learning. Our focus is to share the experiences that students have on campus with the families that support their educational experience. The workshops listed below are interactive and informational for the benefit of both students and families.

• 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.-UWF PD, What you need to know about me!
College of Business, Building 76
An introduction to the University of West Florida Police Department and all of the programs/resources available for the incoming UWF students. This program is 45 minutes long and includes a brief hands-on womans' self defense demo from the Rape Aggression Defense Systems (RAD).
Sponsored by the University Police Department

• 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Origami Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts Art Gallery, Building 82
For centuries in Japan, origami design was handed down generation to generation and became part of the cultural heritage of the Japanese people. Learn this ancient art from an expert and join the Japan Center for an origami workshop!
Sponsored by the International Center-Japan House

• 2:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.-Improvisation Workshop with the UWF Improvonauts
College of Science and Engineering Outdoor Classroom, Building 4
Come one, come all…we’re calling on you to have a little fun improving in the spirit of Family Weekend. Join us in this highly interactive improvisation workshop that will focus on the parent/student transitional period of college. The workshop will be facilitated by our very own improv comedy troupe, the Improvonauts! They have vowed to provide comedy, hilarity, and laughter for all those who attend this side-splitting workshop.

• 3:15 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. - MYTHBUSTERS!
College of Business, Building 76
Incoming college students and parents often have misperceptions related to alcohol, prescription drugs, sexual health, sexual assault, stress and sleep. Do you know the facts or buy into the fiction? Come play Jeopardy with our Peer Educators and Wellness Services Staff. We will share with you the tools to be effective communicators with your student...Ask. Listen. Learn.
Sponsored by the Health & Wellness Department

4:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Office of Family Programs & Family Association Preview
On the Greens between Argo & Pace Hall
Get involved and stay connected with the department that is focused on communication, information and involvement of UWF Families. The Office of Family Programs would like to share upcoming events and information, as well as, hold a discussion with interested families regarding the future of the Family Association.
Sponsored b y the Office of Family Programs

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Housing & Residence Life Carnival
On the Greens between Argo & Pace Hall
Come out and enjoy carnival games, free food and learn more about living the UWF experience on campus!
Sponsored by the Department of Housing & Residence Life

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Movie on the Lawn
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, Greens
Grab a blanket or beach chair and head over to the center of campus for a fun-filled night of Hollywood’s best. Enjoy movie-sized candies, popcorn and soda as you watch the latest box office hit on a giant inflatable outdoor screen.
Sponsored by the Department of Student Activities

 

Campus Outlook
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Campus/Housing Tours
Argo Hall, Housing and Residence Life
(Concurrent Session)
Alumni Relations Student Ambassador Program will conduct walking campus tours on an as needed basis. Also, the Department of Housing and Residence Life will be conducting residence hall tours as well. The Housing and Residence Life Department has requested that all interested families report to Argo Hall to be escorted to their residence hall of choice.
Co-Sponsored by the Department of Alumni Relations-Student Ambassador Program and the Department of Housing and Residence Life

8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Morning Jog/Q & A with a Campus Professional or Student Leader
(Concurrent Session)
This session was designed for families that love the outdoors, and would like to take an unconventional tour around campus. Join UWF faculty and or students from the UWF Cross Country League for a morning jog and start your day out energized.
Sponsored by the Department of Recreation

 

UWF Student & Sibling Events
Although the events listed are geared to increase sibling bonding, parents, families and UWF students are also encouraged to participate.
(Concurrent Session)

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Sibling Rivalry
University Parkway, Located on Campus Drive near the tennis courts and behind the Argo Field House.
Sponsored by the Department of Recreation

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
UWF Scavenger Hunt
University Parkway, Located on Campus Drive near the tennis courts and behind the Argo Field House.
Sponsored by the Department of Student Transition Programs

9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
Family Relay Races
University Parkway, Located on Campus Drive near the tennis courts and behind the Argo Field House
• 9:00 a.m.
3 Legged Race
Rules, Relayers! The left leg of one player is tied to the right leg of the other using one of the items above to create middle or 3rd leg... OR step into a sack with the 'middle' leg to create the 3rd leg. You get 5 minutes to practice, then the pair’s race against other pairs for fastest time... or they can compete as relayers and run a marked-off pathway returning to let the next pair continue until every pair on a team has had a turn. The first team to finish wins.

• 9:15 a.m.
Beach Ball race
Rules, Relayers! No hands, arms or feet allowed moving the beach ball forward. You must place the beach ball between the sides of each relayer. You team up with a partner and move it toward the finish line with your mid-section only. NO HANDS ALLOWED, except for picking up the beach ball if it falls; AND, no forward movement is allowed until it is properly placed again.

• (Listed below are relays done between larger numbers of groups. So you can count off families or have each family race against other families)
• 9:30 a.m.
Burlap Sack race
Rules, Relayers! Divide into teams. Each racer steps into his/her sack and while holding it hops to the finish line so the next racer can continue until every person has taken a turn. The tricky thing is to keep your balance and not trip or fall!

• 9:45 a.m.
Balloon Train race
How to play: Divide the teens evenly. Define the starting and finishing lines. Each team must place a balloon between each player and hold it there while the team races to the finish line. So it's person, balloon, person, balloon, etc. to form a train. The first team to the finish line wins.
Sponsored by the Department of Recreation

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Side-Walk Chalk Wars
Sponsored by the Department of Student Transition Programs

 

Sunday, September 23

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Wrap-up Brunch & Motivation Table
Nautilus Market, Building 22

Families may leave a motivational note for their child and record a video of their family weekend experience. Families should also know that the Sunday Brunch within the Nautilus Market is at their own expense. Chart wells Food Service Department will be offering a discounted meal price to all families participating in the brunch.
Co-Sponsored by Chart wells and Office of Family Programs

12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Athletics Sunday Water park
Sponsored by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Men’s Soccer Game vs. Delta State
Sponsored by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Women’s Soccer Game vs. Delta State
Sponsored by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics