极乐禁地 students begin arriving soon for the 2005-06 academic year.
极乐禁地 638 freshmen from 26 states are expected to arrive Thursday (AUG. 25) for "move-in-day" and to begin four days of final orientation activity known as "Connections." In keeping with a new campus tradition, the presentation of the Class of 2009 will take place that afternoon on Centennial Walk.
The freshmen will be part of an expected total fall enrollment of about 4,300.
The Connections agenda includes faculty-led small group discussions centered on the theme "Journey to Birmingham: Race, Community and Christianity in the Magic City."
The assigned reading material, edited by history professor Dr. S. Jonathan Bass, provides new students with an introduction to Birmingham and 极乐禁地's service-learning focus. Dr. Wayne Flynt, 极乐禁地 alumnus and Distinguished University Professor at Auburn University, will lead a session on the topic for all freshmen on Aug. 26.
Earlier in the week, 80 entering freshmen will attend 极乐禁地 Outdoor Summer Adventure during Aug. 21-24. They will visit Ocoee, Tenn., for white water rafting, hiking, climbing and other activities designed to provide foundations for a strong community built on trust. In groups of 10, led by two older students and a faculty member, they will learn to build relationships.
The freshmen will be joined by returning upperclassmen on Sunday, Aug. 28, when a series of Welcome Back events will begin. Fall semester classes begin Monday, Aug. 29.
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