For many students, college is the first time they've had to live away from their parents. UB makes a yearly effort to ease this transition for new students.
One way UB tries to combat this newfound separation is Family Weekend. This event is a tradition that brings students and their families together in the university setting. It gives families a feel for what their students are experiencing.
"This event is a chance for families to see school in action," said Dennis Black, vice president of Student Affairs. "We tell [families] what UB is like, but we hope they see what UB is like."
For students this event is more than a way to reconnect with their families. It also gives reassurance to their families about the college their child has just entered.
"I'm the first kid in my immediate family to go to college," said Mia Simoncelli, a freshman pre-pharmacy major. "It's nice that my family can get a feel for what I'm experiencing at UB."
The Family Weekend hosts a number of events from Oct. 8 to Oct. 10. The weekend is run through the office of Student Life, a division of Student Affairs, but many other organizations and groups on campus participate. The Center for the Arts, University Residence Halls and Apartments, athletic programs and many academic departments are getting involved.
"[This weekend] the door to UB is opened and the ‘Welcome' mat is out officially," Black said. "We hope parents and families come and come back again."
There is a range of events that highlight everything UB has to offer. Parents will see first hand what their child has experienced in the first weeks of their college career.
"I think it's a really great event for UB to offer because it gives students a chance to share with their family the new life away from home they have created," said Rachel Gaydosh, a sophomore theater and psychology major. "It gives their family a visual of all the names and places they have been describing."
Comedy and music will be showcased with several performances lined up at the Center for the Arts. Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood will put on a live version of "Whose Line Is It Anway?" at 7:30 and 10 p.m. on Oct. 9. Tickets range in price from $29.50 to $37.50.
The Max Weinberg Big Band, once called "the best band in late night television," will be playing at 8 p.m. on Oct 8. Weinberg is the longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band as well as former bandleader for late night talk show host Conan O'Brien. The Max Weinberg Big Band will play hits from Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Maynard Ferguson and other classics. Tickets are $26.50 for students and range from $31.50 to $36.50 for the public.
Family Weekend is also hosting many free events. On Oct. 9 the Student Union plays host to events such as an ice cream social, jazz coffee house, game night, a late night movie and LGBTQ families social. Tours of the North and South campuses will be available as well as a backstage tour of the Center for the Arts. Activities around the Buffalo area will show parents the variety of off campus events that are available to students.
"You can show your parents what you do when you're not in class as well as the many attractions in the surrounding area," said Jesse Tredo, a freshman pre-pharmacy major. "I am definitely planning on attending some of the activities on Family Weekend in order to show my parents how fun life at UB can be."
This time of the year is ideal for family activities in Buffalo. The Great Pumpkin Farm in Clarence showcases a traditional fall experience in Western New York. The Buffalo Bills have a home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
More information about Family Weekend events can be found at www.student-affairs.buffalo.edu/family/events.
E-mail: news@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
