Welcome Week 2026 — 8/17 to 8/21
Fall Assembly 2026: Cultivate Grit
For 125 years, ̽»¨Â¥ has pioneered the art of cultivating grit in our students. This year our focus is on how we will carry that legacy forward.
The faculty and staff are invited to kick-off the 2026-27 academic year in community with a morning reception followed by the annual tradition of remarks from university leaders.
Welcome Week Schedule
Find detailed descriptions of the week's activities below. For campus-wide event updates, please bookmark .
Transportation: Chartered round-trip transportation will be provided for ̽»¨Â¥ Houston and ̽»¨Â¥ Dallas. Please contact Keithchell Taylor (ktaylor32@twu.edu) and Robert Benavides (rbenavides1@twu.edu) for campus specific shuttle information and to reserve your seat.
̽»¨Â¥ Campus Store: The ̽»¨Â¥ Campus Store will be offering a 20% faculty and staff discount on Monday, August 17th and Tuesday, August 18th. Please present your ̽»¨Â¥ issued ID to receive the discount.
For updates or additions to information below, please reach out to Candace Rempe (crempe@twu.edu)
Monday, August 17, 2026
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| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
8:00 am - 4:00 pm |
Student Event: Parliament Village, Guinn Hall, Stark Hall Student Move-In |
̽»¨Â¥ Denton Campus |
|
8:30 am - 9:45 am |
Fall Assembly - Breakfast |
Pioneer Circle |
|
10:00 am - 11:45 am |
Margo Jones Performance Hall |
|
|
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Faculty & Staff Headshots |
ACT Annex, Room 122 |
|
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm |
Student Union Hubbard Hall |
|
|
12:00 pm - 1:15 pm |
University Staff Luncheon |
ACT 2nd Floor Lobby |
|
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm |
Staff Council Retreat |
ACT 502 |
|
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm |
Faculty Ice Cream Social |
Old Main - Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership |
|
2:30 pm - 4:30 pm |
College Meetings |
See internal communications for location information |
|
2:30 pm - 4:00 pm |
HSC Forum |
College of Health Sciences |
Kick-Off Breakfast
Start the 2026–27 academic year on a high note! All faculty and staff are invited to a celebratory breakfast reception in Pioneer Circle. Come connect with colleagues, enjoy great food, and gear up for an exciting year ahead.
Fall Assembly
Get inspired for the year to come! Join your colleagues for a high-energy convening featuring bold visioning and key updates from Texas Woman’s leadership.
As you enter the performance hall, pick up the 2026-27 Annual Report for your chance to find one of the “golden tickets” redeemable for a door prize. This year's prizes include:
- 5 gift cards for $50 in campus dining dollars
- 1 $100 gift card to the bookstore (in its brand new Brackenridge location)
- 1 Apple Watch Series 10
Other notes for Fall Assembly
- ASL interpretation available at house left (stage right) with reserved seating nearby
- Spanish interpretation via headset (pick up near the Margo Jones Hall entrance)
- Free parking in Oakland Complex garage, Levels 2–4
- Chartered bus service from Dallas and Houston campuses. Please contact Keithchell Taylor (ktaylor32@twu.edu) and Robert Benavides (rbenavides1@twu.edu) for campus specific shuttle information and to reserve your seat.
Watch the Fall Assembly livestream
Staff Council Retreat
The Staff Council Retreat is on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in ACT 502, immediately following our co-hosting the Finance & Administration Fall Welcome - Staff Luncheon in ACT 2 Lobby at 12 pm.
Our in-person Welcome Week gathering offers all FY 2026–2027 Staff Council representatives an exceptional opportunity to enjoy lunch together and share in meaningful conversations that set the tone for a successful year.
New members will receive their official Staff Council t-shirts, and the team will participate in a lighthearted icebreaker activity to build camaraderie and foster stronger working relationships, with an energizing kickoff to the Council’s year of service and collaboration.
Faculty Ice Cream Social
The Faculty Senate is thrilled to invite you to the annual Ice Cream Social at the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership in Old Main. This event is open to all faculty members, and we encourage everyone to join us! Even if ice cream isn’t your favorite, we’d still love to see you there. This is a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues across different departments and schools, fostering a strong professional network. Mark your calendars for a delightful time with ice cream and engaging conversations. We look forward to seeing you at our Ice Cream Social! Don't miss this chance to connect with your colleagues and kick off the academic year in a sweet way.
Faculty Development Luncheon
The Faculty Affairs invites all faculty members to join us for our annual Faculty Development Luncheon! This event offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, welcome new faces, and strengthen the vibrant community of scholars that makes ̽»¨Â¥ special. Whether you're returning or just getting started, we’d love to see you there for great food and even better conversation.
Take a break from your day and enjoy a relaxing and collegial atmosphere as we celebrate the start of a new academic year together.
Location: Southwest Ballroom, Student Union at Hubbard Hall
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM
We look forward to seeing you at the Faculty Development Luncheon!
Student Events
Dear Faculty and Staff,
The beginning of a new academic year brings the anticipation of welcoming incoming students. Welcome activities are crucial for helping our students feel welcomed, connected, and supported as they begin their college journey. And research has told us that student involvement is key to creating a positive and successful experience for new students. In addition, positive interactions with faculty early on can significantly impact student success, engagement, and retention. These interactions help build rapport, foster student engagement, and create a sense of community that is vital for student success. With that in mind, please feel free to join us for these activities.
Please view our website to learn more about our student engagement and activities.
-Dr. Mendez-Grant
Free Faculty & Staff Headshots
Update your professional look at the ̽»¨Â¥ Marketing and Communication Studio. Completely free for all faculty and staff during Welcome Week.
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Backdrop: ̽»¨Â¥ Maroon
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Style Tip: Wearing maroon? No problem! Our studio lighting is dialed in to make sure you stand out seamlessly against the background.
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Location/Time: ACT Annex, Room 122
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Monday, August 17 | 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 18 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 19 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
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| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
Start Times Vary |
Academic component meetings - announced by administrators |
See internal college communications for location information |
|
7:30 am - 9:00 am |
Donuts & Degrees |
ACT 2nd Floor Lobby |
|
8:00 am - 4:00 pm |
Student Move In: Parliament Village, Guinn Hall, Stark Hall |
̽»¨Â¥ Denton Campus |
|
10:00 am - 2:00 pm |
Faculty & Staff Headshots |
ACT Annex, Room 122 |
Donuts & Degrees
Once a Pioneer, always a Pioneer! The ̽»¨Â¥ Alumni Association is hosting Donuts & Degrees to celebrate our amazing grads who returned to serve ̽»¨Â¥ professionally. Come grab a donut, connect with your internal alumni network, and show off your ̽»¨Â¥ pride.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
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| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
9:00 am - 3:00 pm |
Student Move In: Lowry Woods |
̽»¨Â¥ Campus |
|
9:00 am -11:00 am |
Pioneer Camp Open House Mixer |
Locations Vary - Refer to internal communication from affiliated college |
|
9:00 am -11:00 am |
College Welcome with Students Hosted by the Deans |
Various Locations Throughout Campus |
|
10:00 am - 2:00 pm |
Faculty & Staff Headshots |
ACT Annex, Room 122 |
|
11:00 am- 4:15 pm (followed by a reception) |
|
Library Special Collection Room 207 |
|
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm |
Blagg-Huey Library |
New Faculty Orientation
New Faculty Orientation (NFO) will welcome new full-time faculty (tenure-track, clinical, and lecturers) by helping them prepare for the beginning of the academic year. NFO is also the first meeting of the new, which supports new full-time faculty during their first two years at ̽»¨Â¥. The program will introduce participants to the University’s mission, values, and culture; provide insight into institutional expectations and available resources; and facilitate reflection and preparation for a successful start at ̽»¨Â¥. New full-time faculty will receive personalized invitations with details about New Faculty Orientation. If you need more information or do not receive an invitation, please contact Brachan Thompson at 940.898.3232 or reach out to the Faculty Commons at facultycommons@twu.edu.
Faculty Open House at Blagg-Huey Library
Join us from 12:30-2pm for a special Faculty Open House & Resource Fair at the Blagg-Huey Library! Explore updated spaces, connect with staff from the Library and Faculty Commons, and discover how departments across the university can support your teaching, research, and student success. From instructional support and OER grant opportunities to research databases and more, this is a great chance to learn how we can collaborate. Enjoy light refreshments and pick up some university SWAG during this casual and informative event. We look forward to welcoming you!
Thursday, August 20, 2026
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| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
8:30 am |
Faculty and Staff who are commencing in should arrive for a light breakfast |
Breakfast is served in ASSC Atrium and Convocation is in Margo Jones Hall |
|
9:30 am - 10:30 am |
Student Event: First Year Convocation |
Margo Jones Performance Hall |
|
4:00 pm |
Student Event: Commuter Welcome |
Hubbard Hall, Southwest Ballroom |
First Year Convocation
This event kicks off the academic year for incoming students new to a four-year university with some inspiration for success and insights into our particular traditions. Faculty and staff are encouraged to join the audience and meet a new student. Such interactions can make an impactful difference in success outcomes for new students. For more information, please contact the Dean of Student Office at 940.898.3652.
Friday, August 21, 2026
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| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
10:00 am |
Student Event: New Student Service Project |
Hubbard Hall, 1500 |
|
10:00 am - 12:00 pm |
FIG Retreat |
CFO 205 or MCL Auditorium |
|
2:00 pm -4:00 pm |
Student Event: Transfer Open House |
Brackenridge Hall, G50 |
|
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm |
Student Event: Block Party |
Hubbard Lawn |
Block Party Volunteers Needed
Student Life invites faculty and staff to meet new students in a fun, student-focused annual tradition aimed at easing the on-campus transition and building participants' identity as a ̽»¨Â¥ Pioneer. Enjoy food and music, connect with students, and be a part of their connection to each other and Denton community resources.
For $10.68 each, departments have the opportunity to purchase wristbands for their staff members. If your department would like to purchase food wristbands for your staff members, please complete this form by 5 pm on Friday, August 14th. Participants will receive a wristband that can be used at all food stations. Wristbands will be available for pick up from the Student Union at Hubbard Hall Information Desk starting Wednesday, August 19th.
We need your help to make this event a success! All volunteers will receive a food wristband to use at the event as well as a Block Party themed shirt.
Page last updated 10:17 AM, July 23, 2026