Welcome Week 2026 — 8/17 to 8/21

Kick-Off Breakfast

Start the 2026–27 academic year on a high note! All faculty and staff are invited to a celebratory breakfast reception in Pioneer Circle. Come connect with colleagues, enjoy great food, and gear up for an exciting year ahead.

Fall Assembly

Get inspired for the year to come! Join your colleagues for a high-energy convening featuring bold visioning and key updates from Texas Woman’s leadership.

As you enter the performance hall, pick up the 2026-27 Annual Report for your chance to find one of the “golden tickets” redeemable for a door prize. This year's prizes include:

• 5 gift cards for $50 in campus dining dollars
• 1 $100 gift card to the bookstore (in its brand new Brackenridge location)
• 1 Apple Watch Series 10

Other notes for Fall Assembly

• ASL interpretation available at house left (stage right) with reserved seating nearby
• Spanish interpretation via headset (pick up near the Margo Jones Hall entrance)
• Free parking in Oakland Complex garage, Levels 2–4
• Chartered bus service from Dallas and Houston campuses.  Please contact Keithchell Taylor (ktaylor32@twu.edu) and Robert Benavides (rbenavides1@twu.edu) for campus specific shuttle information and to reserve your seat.

Watch the Fall Assembly livestream

Staff Council Retreat

The Staff Council Retreat is on Monday, August 17, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM in ACT 502, immediately following our co-hosting the Finance & Administration Fall Welcome - Staff Luncheon in ACT 2 Lobby at 12 pm. 

Our in-person Welcome Week gathering offers all FY 2026–2027 Staff Council representatives an exceptional opportunity to enjoy lunch together and share in meaningful conversations that set the tone for a successful year.

New members will receive their official Staff Council t-shirts, and the team will participate in a lighthearted icebreaker activity to build camaraderie and foster stronger working relationships, with an energizing kickoff to the Council’s year of service and collaboration.

Faculty Ice Cream Social

The Faculty Senate is thrilled to invite you to the annual Ice Cream Social at the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership in Old Main.  This event is open to all faculty members, and we encourage everyone to join us!  Even if ice cream isn’t your favorite, we’d still love to see you there.  This is a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues across different departments and schools, fostering a strong professional network.  Mark your calendars for a delightful time with ice cream and engaging conversations.  We look forward to seeing you at our Ice Cream Social! Don't miss this chance to connect with your colleagues and kick off the academic year in a sweet way.

Faculty Development Luncheon

The Faculty Affairs invites all faculty members to join us for our annual Faculty Development Luncheon! This event offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, welcome new faces, and strengthen the vibrant community of scholars that makes TWU special. Whether you're returning or just getting started, we’d love to see you there for great food and even better conversation.

Take a break from your day and enjoy a relaxing and collegial atmosphere as we celebrate the start of a new academic year together.

Location: Southwest Ballroom, Student Union at Hubbard Hall

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM 

We look forward to seeing you at the Faculty Development Luncheon!

Student Events

Dear Faculty and Staff,

The beginning of a new academic year brings the anticipation of welcoming incoming students. Welcome activities are crucial for helping our students feel welcomed, connected, and supported as they begin their college journey.  And research has told us that student involvement is key to creating a positive and successful experience for new students. In addition, positive interactions with faculty early on can significantly impact student success, engagement, and retention. These interactions help build rapport, foster student engagement, and create a sense of community that is vital for student success.  With that in mind, please feel free to join us for these activities.

Please view our website to learn more about our student engagement and activities. 

-Dr. Mendez-Grant

Free Faculty & Staff Headshots

Update your professional look at the TWU Marketing and Communication Studio. Completely free for all faculty and staff during Welcome Week.

• Backdrop: TWU Maroon

• Style Tip: Wearing maroon? No problem! Our studio lighting is dialed in to make sure you stand out seamlessly against the background. 

• Location/Time:  ACT Annex, Room 122 

• Monday, August 17 | 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  Tuesday, August 18 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  Wednesday, August 19 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Donuts & Degrees

Once a Pioneer, always a Pioneer! The TWU Alumni Association is hosting Donuts & Degrees to celebrate our amazing grads who returned to serve TWU professionally. Come grab a donut, connect with your internal alumni network, and show off your TWU pride. 

New Faculty Orientation

New Faculty Orientation (NFO) will welcome new full-time faculty (tenure-track, clinical, and lecturers) by helping them prepare for the beginning of the academic year. NFO is also the first meeting of the new Junior Faculty Academy, which supports new full-time faculty during their first two years at TWU.  The program will introduce participants to the University’s mission, values, and culture; provide insight into institutional expectations and available resources; and facilitate reflection and preparation for a successful start at TWU.  New full-time faculty will receive personalized invitations with details about New Faculty Orientation. If you need more information or do not receive an invitation, please contact Brachan Thompson at 940.898.3232 or reach out to the Faculty Commons at facultycommons@twu.edu.

Faculty Open House at Blagg-Huey Library

Join us from 12:30-2pm for a special Faculty Open House & Resource Fair at the Blagg-Huey Library!  Explore updated spaces, connect with staff from the Library and Faculty Commons, and discover how departments across the university can support your teaching, research, and student success. From instructional support and OER grant opportunities to research databases and more, this is a great chance to learn how we can collaborate. Enjoy light refreshments and pick up some university SWAG during this casual and informative event. We look forward to welcoming you! 

First Year Convocation

This event kicks off the academic year for incoming students new to a four-year university with some inspiration for success and insights into our particular traditions. Faculty and staff are encouraged to join the audience and meet a new student. Such interactions can make an impactful difference in success outcomes for new students.  For more information, please contact the Dean of Student Office at 940.898.3652.

Block Party Volunteers Needed

Student Life invites faculty and staff to meet new students in a fun, student-focused annual tradition aimed at easing the on-campus transition and building participants' identity as a TWU Pioneer. Enjoy food and music, connect with students, and be a part of their connection to each other and Denton community resources.

For $10.68 each, departments have the opportunity to purchase wristbands for their staff members. If your department would like to purchase food wristbands for your staff members, please complete this form by 5 pm on Friday, August 14th. Participants will receive a wristband that can be used at all food stations. Wristbands will be available for pick up from the Student Union at Hubbard Hall Information Desk starting Wednesday, August 19th.

Block Party 2026 – Staff Food Wristband Order Form 

We need your help to make this event a success! All volunteers will receive a food wristband to use at the event as well as a Block Party themed shirt.

Block Party Volunteer Sign Up