SILVER GOPHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Student Welcome Week 2026

Program Overview:

The Office of Undergraduate Orientation & Transition Experiences (OTE) offers high quality, dynamic, experiences that cultivate community while empowering students to champion their development and leverage campus resources as they transition to the U of M and progress to graduation. Welcome Week seeks to provide a warm, engaging, and inspiring introduction to campus life. 

Volunteer Activities:

• Volunteer teams are needed to assist in three major elements of new student Welcome Week: Move-In, Convocation, and Pride and Spirit Night.
• Silver Gopher opportunities allow UMRA members to work in teams in service to the University.

Dates, Times, Locations:

• Move-in Day: For one of busiest and most exciting days of the year, Move-In Day volunteers are needed to greet students and families, help unload vehicles, and roll carts of belongings into the assigned Residence Hall. All Silver Gopher volunteers will be assigned to a specific East Bank facility which will be identified as we approach the date.

Date/Time: Tuesday, 09/01/2026, 12:00pm - 4:15pm (meal included)

• New Student Convocation at 3M Mariucci Arena: Convocation is a celebration of the U of M community, school pride, and its spirit of academic excellence. Volunteers are needed to help welcome the estimated 8000 new freshmen and 1500 transfer students and assist in directing them to the appropriate areas in the Arena.

Date/Time: Thursday, 09/03/2026, 8:15-10:00 am.

• Pride and Spirit Night: Held at Huntington Bank Stadium, Pride and Spirit Night is a highlight of Welcome Week, providing opportunity for new students to learn the U of M cheers, chants, and traditions that are part of Gopher game day experiences. Students also get to go on the stadium field for a large group photo and taping of "Do the Gopher.” Volunteers will greet students, help direct them to appropriate seating areas, and assist in the flow of students about the stadium and the playing field.

Date/Time: Wednesday, 09/02/2026 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Volunteer eligibility and training requirements:  

• No special training required; volunteers will receive instructions at the beginning of their shift. 

Physical expectations/limitations:

• Ability to stand and walk while interacting with students during transition times. No physical lifting required.

Parking/Transportation: 

• East River Road Ramp; 17^th Avenue Ramp, or University Avenue Ramp (McNamara)
• Vouchers to cover your parking costs will be provided.

To register for this activity: 

Click on the link below - the group name” is “URVC Silver Gophers”

Welcome Week 2026 Registration

Once you have registered, please contact Jerry Rinehart at urvc@umn.edu