It’s been one heck of a year and a half. And to celebrate, the UB community’s full return to campus, President Satish K. Tripathi and Provost A. Scott Weber are hosting a Fall Semester Welcome next week, just prior to the start of the fall semester.

The two events, open to all faculty and staff, will take place from noon to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Special Events Field on the North Campus (between the UB Commons and Clemens Hall) and from 2:30-5 p.m. Aug. 26 on the lawn in front of Hayes Hall on the South Campus.

Employees can attend either event, and come and go as they please. Take a break from the workday, grab a bite to eat and reconnect with colleagues after so many of us spent an extended period of time working remotely.

There will be music, a tented dining area, lawn games and giveaways.

And free food provided by local restaurants and food trucks, among them UB’s Big Blue food truck, Rachel’s Mediterranean Grill and Fat Bob’s Smokehouse.

In keeping with UB’s health and safety guidelines for large outdoor events, masks must be worn at all times, regardless of vaccination status, unless attendees are eating or drinking.

While registration is not required, it is helpful so that organizers can gauge expected attendance.