UTEP Starts Fall 2021 with Miner Welcome Festivities
Last Updated on August 19, 2021 at 12:00 AM
Originally published August 19, 2021
By UC Staff
UTEP Communications
The University of Texas at El Paso kicks off its Fall 2021 semester with Miner Welcome, 17 days of fun-filled activities from Aug. 19 to Sept. 4.
The activities, most of which will be held outdoors, begin Thursday, Aug. 19, with Move-In Day for those students living in UTEP’s three residential facilities and culminates with the first home football game against Bethune-Cookman University at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 in Sun Bowl Stadium.
Faculty, staff and student leaders will assist students and their families as they move into their residence halls Thursday, Aug. 19 through Saturday, Aug. 21.
More than 40 exciting events are planned — morning, noon and night — throughout the next two weeks that will showcase all the University has to offer including socials, barbecues, Playfair, a campuswide Health and Wellbeing Fair and two major events – Texas Western Gold Rush and Minerpalooza.
“The importance of student engagement cannot be underestimated,” said Catie McCorry-Andalis, Ed.D., associate vice president and dean of students. “Students are eager and expecting more of a ‘normal’ school year this fall. We’re all excited for a fall semester back on campus.”
New this year, and one of the highlights of Miner Welcome, is Texas Western Gold Rush. This action-packed event will close the first day of classes with an evening of live music, performances, special guests, fireworks and more.
Texas Western Gold Rush will begin at 8 p.m., Aug. 23, at Centennial Plaza. There will be a “dress rehearsal” for media wishing to capture pre-event b-roll and interviews at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23.
Back for its 31st year is Minerpalooza from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, at the Glory Road 2 (GR2) parking lot north of Sun Bowl Stadium. This year’s entertainment lineup includes Grammy Award winner Coolio, Petey Pablo and Ying Yang Twins. Minerpalooza will feature interactive activities, food vendors, and Pete’s Playground, a dedicated children’s play area. A beer and wine garden will also be accessible to those ages 21 and older. Admission is free and open to the public. Learn more at www.minerpalooza.com
Here are a few other highlights from Miner Welcome:
Friday, Aug. 20, International Students BBQ: Students will have the opportunity to experience food, music and dance from all over the world from 6 to 8 p.m. at University Field.
Saturday, Aug. 21, Playfair: Playfair is a fun way for students to meet and engage with each other. It’s also a powerful program for campus unity and school spirit. The event is from 5 to 7 p.m. at Centennial Plaza.
Tuesday, Aug. 24 and Wednesday, Aug. 25, Health and Wellbeing Fair: This is an opportunity for students to learn about the physical and mental health and well being resources available on campus. This event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Centennial Plaza, Geology Lawn and Leech Grove.
Thursday, Aug. 26, Throwback Thursday: Centennial Plaza will turn into a roller rink from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Students are invited to come lace up some roller skates and enjoy a mix of music from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.
Wednesday, Sept. 1, Get Involved Fair: This is for students interested in joining a student organization, volunteering in the El Paso community, finding a job on campus or who have any questions about majors and programs offered at UTEP. The fair is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with booths at Centennial Plaza, Hawthorne Street, Wiggins Way, Leech Grove and the Geology Lawn.
Please visit utep.edu/MinerWelcome for a full list of events.
If interested in covering any of these events, please contact the University Communications Office at 747-6437 or news@utep.edu.
