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USAO excitedly preparing for fantastic freshmen orientation

August 22, 2023
A graphic featuring a cardboard box with the words "Move In Day August 25" written in black
Large cohort of new students will start moving in Aug. 25

The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma is enthusiastically preparing for this year’s Welcome Week, an introductory celebration and orientation for the college’s newest students. This fall, USAO will see an exceptionally large cohort of new freshmen moving onto campus Friday, Aug. 25, with days of fun and informative events to follow that will ensure they are excited to begin their college career.

“Move-in day in always one of the most exhilarating times on our campus because we get to meet a whole new generation of students who believe in the value of what we do here” said President Kayla Hale. “This incoming class is particularly special because it is not only the first one during my tenure as president, but it is yet again one of the largest this university has ever seen. This shows that more and more young people in Oklahoma are seeking out the unique environment that we foster here.”

In order to best facilitate the move-in process for new students, their families and other staff during the start of the semester, the northbound lane of 17th St. at Grand Ave. through the USAO campus will be closed to all non-university traffic from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The southbound lane will remain open, but drivers should exercise extreme caution due to pedestrian activity and consider alternate routes. The closures have been coordinated and confirmed with the Chickasha City Council, City of Chickasha, Chickasha Public Schools and Chickasha Emergency Services.

Welcome Week activities include not only a comprehensive look at the ins and outs of college life—from study skills and accessing campus resources to interacting with faculty and other campus offices. It also serves an icebreaker for new students to network with their peers and upperclassmen. Welcome Week will also feature a host of fun activities such as a scavenger hunt, glow party and battle of the boats.

For more information, contact Annie Roberts, student life and housing coordinator, at 405-574-1378 or aroberts@usao.edu.