Location: Event details vary by activity.
The School of Public Health (SPH) is hosting our 4th annual Welcome Week! This week-long event is an opportunity for the SPH Community to safely celebrate the return of our faculty, staff, and students to a brand new semester! Each of the activities listed below has been planned and organized by a Welcome Week Committee of dedicated SPH members. All activities are free, fun, and a great way to meet others. So join us Monday, September 22nd - Friday, September 26th for a formal SPH Welcome!
Monday, Sept. 22nd
The beginning of the semester can be a stressful and busy time, and we all need a little boost. Visit the Happiness Wall — our vibrant corner where you can share and read messages of encouragement, positivity, and joy! Whether it's a kind quote, a cheerful doodle, or a simple "you got this!", your words can brighten someone’s day. Stop by, spread some happiness, and feel the good vibes grow! FREE Treats will be provided on Monday, Sept, 22nd.
Location: Room 0393 - basement level of the SPH building
Time: 10AM - 2PM
Registration is not required.
Time: 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Location: Reilly Lounge (Ground Floor - Rm 0393)
Activity Description: Join us on Monday, Sept, 22nd from 10:00AM - 12:00 PM
Join us for Goals & Glue Sticks — a chill, creative night where you’ll craft your own vision board filled with goals, dreams, and motivation for the year ahead. We'll bring the supplies, snacks, and good vibes — you bring your big ideas! Come ready to dream and create with friends and leave feeling focused, empowered, and refreshed.
RSVP - Coming Soon
Tuesday, Sept. 23rd
Time: 9:15AM - 11:30AM
Location: SPH Bldg, Ground Floor
Activity Description: Join us on Tuesday, Sept, 23rd from 9:15AM - 11:30AM for a free Coffee & Treats Giveaway.
Pop-in for a quick chat, meet some awesome people, grab a free cup of coffee, and head on to class. What a SPH TerrapinSTRONG way to start the semester!
Love free stuff? Got a nose for clues? Get ready for Swag & Seek — a school-wide giveaway scavenger hunt where we’re hiding exclusive swag in secret spots and dropping clues on social media! 🔍👀
Follow our Instagram [@sei_sph_umd] for live updates, hints, and location drops. First to find it? It’s yours to keep. 👏💥
Whether you’re in it for the challenge or the free gear (no judgment), this is one hunt you don’t want to miss. Let the games begin!
Wednesday, Sept. 24th
Do-nut wait to start planning for your future join the Career Glaze-up!
Come stop by the main concourse in SPH from 10:00 am to 12:00pm to grab a donut, play games, and learn more about UMD Career Services and HPAO! Representatives from the SPH Career Center and Student Engagement Initiative will be there to provide resources and answer any questions you may have.
Do-nut miss out on this sweet event!
Time: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Rm 03903 - Reilly Lounge
Description: Wag your tails and wave hello to Teddy, the K9 comfort dog, and his handler Corporal Melissa Fischer! This adorable Labrador is more than happy to snuggle with students, staff and faculty. Comfort and stress relief is Teddy's specialty, and you can return the love with good belly rubs and plenty of head pats.
Thursday Sept. 25th
Dean Boris Lushniak is hosting a PARTY and everyone is invited! Click here for more event details!
Date: Thursday, September 25th, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Activity Specific (Varies throughout the SPH Building)
Description: Start your fall semester with the University of Maryland School of Public Health as we celebrate culture and wellbeing with community, care and joy.
This event is sponsored by the Happiness and Wellness Initiative in collaboration with the Student Engagement Initiative.
Please Note: Some activities will require an RSVP or will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
| Activity | Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| UHC Massages (faculty & staff only - registration required) | 10:00AM - 12:00PM | In support of physical, mental and social health on campus, the UMD SPH Happiness and Wellness Initiative is hosting neck massage therapy sessions! These soothing sessions help you relax your muscles and reduce tension and are a great way to start your day! Each session is 10 minutes long. Faculty & Staff Registration Required. |
| Food Trucks | 11:00AM - 2:00PM | Looking for something FUN to eat? Stop by the SPH Building Main Entrance for a delicious lunch! |
| Health, Wellness, & Belonging Fair | 12:00PM - 2:00PM | Vendors/Tabling with information and giveaways. Vendors include student organizations, mental and emotional support resources, and UMD/SPH Programs. |
| Let's Be Friends, Best Friends - Friendship Bracelet Making | 12:00PM - 2:00PM | |
Friday, Sept. 26th
Love free stuff? Got a nose for clues? Get ready for Swag & Seek — a school-wide giveaway scavenger hunt where we’re hiding exclusive swag in secret spots and dropping clues on social media! 🔍👀
Follow our Instagram [@sei_sph_umd] for live updates, hints, and location drops. First to find it? It’s yours to keep. 👏💥
Whether you’re in it for the challenge or the free gear (no judgment), this is one hunt you don’t want to miss. Let the games begin!