Students and their families spend thousands of dollars on college every year, with many students choosing to move away from home. This weekend, UB invites families to visit their children's new home away from home.
Family Weekend events, which run from Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, offer families an opportunity to see UB and get a feel for the action. The long-standing tradition has been a favorite amongst new students who miss the comforts of home.
"Families today are far more involved today in a student's life than in the past," said Dennis R. Black, vice president of student affairs. "We hold the weekend as a way for them to become more comfortable with the collegiate environment and experience."
This weekend's "college experiences" kick off on Friday at 7 p.m., continue late into the night, and go all weekend long. Many students look forward to UB's special events, even if their parents won't be able to make it for the weekend.
"My parents thought that living here would give me the best college experience," said Lisa Epstein, a freshman business administration major. "They wanted me to learn how it is to be on my own. Being at school feels so separate, since the school offers so much."
The Office of Student Affairs hosts Family Weekend as a free event. Several events are being held in the Center for the Arts (CFA), for an additional cost. Also, UB has coordinated day trips to several local tourist locations, such as Niagara Falls and the Great Pumpkin Farm, for family enjoyment. Bus transportation is included in the cost.
On Friday, Student Affairs is offering a multitude of free events in the Student Union including, an ice cream social, various games, bingo night, and an LGBTQ family social, all set to "dueling pianos" musical entertainment. The night is capped off with an outdoor movie, screened at 9:30 p.m. in the Special Events Field, adjacent to the Student Union.
Over the weekend, day trips, tours, and on-campus events will continue. On Saturday night, Darrell Hammond, comedian and Saturday Night Life cast member, takes the stage at CFA at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $35 to $45.
The CFA will also host Grammy Award winning blues artist Keb' Mo' Band and contemporary dance company, LehrerDance this weekend. The venue will also exhibit the artistic works of UB students and alumni.
"I remember it was very organized," said Justin Kimber, a junior psychology major. "I got to show my family around the campus and let them get an experience of what I do on campus."
The campus and city of Buffalo will be wide open as parents converge on UB this weekend to experience the full range of opportunities the university has to offer to their children.
"Being on campus helps people love it here, so we love it when families come and join us for a few days," Black said. "I suspect some of our family visitors are surprised by how warm and friendly everyone here is, given apprehensions over the sheer size of the campus and our population. [It's a] busy campus, filled with life and opportunities, in an active city."
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Photo: Breadchastick / Wikimedia Commons
