Fall 2009

2009 Parents Weekend schedule
(schedule subject to change)

Admission to the following events is included with both the Maroon Parents Weekend Package and the Gold Parents Weekend Package unless otherwise noted.

Friday, October 9

Orientation review workshop
1–2:30 p.m., Coffman Union
This program will address issues that students and families typically face in the first months of college. (Space is limited; reserve your seat on the registration form.)

Career planning workshop
2:30–3:30 p.m., Coffman Union
Learn how career centers on campus can help students explore careers and graduate programs as well as search for internships and jobs. (Space is limited; reserve your seat on the registration form.)

Finance workshop
2:30–3:30 p.m., Location TBA
Learn the features and benefits of federal, state, and private loans for education. Presenter: Brad Riebel, U.S. Bank. (Space is limited; reserve your seat on the registration form.)

Learning abroad workshop
3:30–5 p.m., Coffman Union
Studying, volunteering, interning, or working in another country need not increase the time needed to earn a degree, but students—and their families—should begin planning early. This workshop presents the resources available to help students incorporate learning abroad into their undergraduate program. (Space is limited; reserve your seat on the registration form.)

Tour of Andersen Library and archives
3:30–5 p.m., Andersen Library, West Bank
Attend a presentation on the special collections of the Elmer L. Andersen Library, then tour the University's own architectural wonder—the underground archives, 80 feet below the surface of the West Bank. (Space is limited; reserve your seat on the registration form.)

Author Event
4 p.m., University Bookstore, Coffman Union
Al Papas, Jr., local author and sports artist, will discuss his book, Gophers Illustrated.

Maroon and Gold Pre-Parade Party
4-6:30 p.m. McNamara Alumni Center
Warm up for the parade at a party for the campus community, sponsored by the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Celebrities will be autographing Gopher items, concessions of food and beverages (including adult beverages) provided by D'Amico will be available, and door prizes.

Homecoming parade
7 p.m., University Avenue
Join students, faculty, staff, and alumni to view the traditional and colorful Homecoming Parade as it winds its way down University Avenue to the new TCF Bank Stadium.

Homecoming Pep Fest and fireworks
9 p.m., TCF Bank Stadium
Experience the pride and spirit of the University and see the inside of our new stadium by attending the Pep Fest and fireworks in TCF Bank Stadium following the Homecoming Parade.

Saturday, October 10

Coffee and bagels
8 a.m., Coffman Union Theater Lobby

Welcome parents!
8:30 a.m., Coffman Union Theater
Welcome from President Robert Bruininks, Vice Provost for Student Affairs Jerry Rinehart, and Parent Program Director Marjorie Savage.

Student success workshop
9–10 a.m, Coffman Union Theater
This workshop will focus on opportunities for students to get involved in cocurricular activities that enhance their academic and career goals. Also discussed will be the University's Learning Outcomes and other U initiatives to promote student success. (Space is limited; reserve your seat on the registration form.)

Homecoming football game
Gophers vs. Purdue, 11 a.m., TCF Stadium

Maroon Parents Weekend Package—Sports Track
11 a.m.–2 p.m., Goldy's Gameroom in Coffman Union
View the football game on TV or enjoy free bowling and billiards, all in the relaxed, cozy environment of Goldy's Gameroom. (Included with Maroon Parents Weekend Package.)

Maroon Parents Weekend Package— Arts Track
11 a.m.–1 p.m., Campus Art Programs, TBA
Not interested in watching the football game? Check out this alternative program featuring a presentation on the art museums and galleries on campus as well as the variety of public art to be found on the Twin Cities campuses. Check the Parent Web site in August for more details. (Included with Maroon Parents Weekend Package.)

Ice Cream Social
2:30–4 p.m., Riverbend Plaza, Behind Coffman Union
Celebrate victory with ice cream! Build your own sundae with a variety of toppings. (Included with Maroon Parents Weekend Package.)

Sunday, October 11

College of Veterinary Medicine open house
11 a.m.–4 p.m., St. Paul campus
This annual open house includes demonstrations and exhibits throughout the Vet Med complex, including the Raptor Center and the Equine Center.

Goldstein Museum of Design in McNeal Hall and Larson Art Gallery
Both open 10 a.m.–4 p.m.­­—free, St. Paul Student Center

The Ultimate Volunteer Experience
11 a.m.–5 p.m.—meet in Great Hall of Coffman Union
This community service project is to thank the greater community for all they do for the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Projects range from beautifying the streets by removing debris or washing windows to participating in the work of local nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity.

Volleyball game vs. Penn State
1 p.m.–3 p.m., Sports Pavilion
Watch the Gophers women's volleyball team take on Big Ten rival Penn State. (For tickets see registration form.)

Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company performance
4 p.m., Northrop—20% discount for parents*
This renowned folk company dances a charming pictorial, capturing the beauty and culture of its native Ukraine. Romantic, elevated, and passionate, each performance overflows with vivid colors, humor, and optimism, all swirled into a mosaic of astonishing patterns.

*To receive the 20% discount, contact Northrop's ticket office: www.northrop.umn.edu or 612-624-2345, and use the promo code "virsky09"(all lowercase, no quotation marks).