CTX Blog
International, Student-Activities, Incoming-Students

Week of Welcome & Woosh Week: Start Your CTX Experience Strong

July 22, 2026 by Arriyon “Arri” Parker
A group of Concordia Texas students enjoying the Welcome Party.

As the Director of Student Life, I spend much of the summer planning one of my favorite times of the year, welcoming our newest Tornados to campus. Week of Welcome is designed to help you build friendships, explore campus, and discover everything CTX and the Austin community have to offer.

Welcome Party | Monday, August 24 | 3–5 p.m. | Student Center

We're kicking off the semester with one of our biggest events of the year! The Welcome Party is your opportunity to meet fellow students while connecting with local businesses, nonprofits, and community partners. You'll leave with free swag, exclusive discounts, campus resources, and plenty of new connections.

More Week of Welcome Highlights 

Throughout the week, you'll also have opportunities to enjoy:

  • Make Your Mark | August 23 | 1–3 p.m. | Student Center
    The day before classes start, come by the Student Center to add your handprint to this special tradition, with a special twist to celebrate our Centennial!
  • Petting Zoo | August 27 | 1:30–3:30 p.m. | Luther Park
    Fannie’s Farm Friends will be on campus with a variety of unique animals to cuddle and pet.
  • CTX Takes ATX | August 28 | 3 p.m. | Lakeline Station
    This is where you'll explore some of Austin's most iconic destinations while learning how to navigate the city using public transportation. Limited transportation to & from campus will be available.
  • Party Barge on Lake Travis | August 29 | 11-3 p.m. | Lake Travis

We’re bringing back one of our most anticipated traditions, time to hit the water! Space is limited to 50 students and registration fills quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot early through Campus Groups.

The Fun Doesn't Stop After Week One!

Once classes are underway, we'll keep the momentum going with Woosh Week during the second week of the semester. Woosh Week features another lineup of events and activities designed to help you continue building friendships, get involved on campus, and stay connected as you settle into college life. Whether you're looking to meet new people, take a break between classes, or simply have fun, there's something for everyone.

All Week of Welcome and Woosh Week events, along with any required registrations, will be available through Campus Groups. Be sure to log in early and claim your spot for events with limited capacity.

We can't wait to welcome you to campus and help you make the most of your first weeks at CTX. Here's to new friendships, new experiences, and an unforgettable start to the semester. Welcome to the Tornado family!

About the Author

Arriyon “Arri” Parker is the Director of Student Life at Concordia University Texas, a role she began in summer 2025. A proud CTX alum, Arri is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging experiences that foster community and support student success.

Arriyon Parker at Concordia University Texas

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Aug 20
Game Night 7:30 PM - 9 :00 PM

Bored Games Club is hosting a game night to welcome our newest tornados to campus and help them begin building connections!

Aug 21
First Year Hangout 8:00 PM - 8 :00 PM

First year students, join us for food, music, and a friendly game of dodgeball to kick off this intramural season!

Aug 22
CTX Kickback 3:30 PM - 5 :30 PM

Get into the Tornado spirit by coming to meet new people, grab a bite to eat, and make posters to go support our soccer teams as they play their first home games of the season... right here on campus!

Aug 23
Hammock & Siesta 11:00 AM - 11 :00 AM

After a long move-in, unwind with a relaxing morning in the outdoors. Bring a blanket or grab a hammock (available first-come, first serve), enjoy light refreshments, and take a break before the busy...

Aug 23
Make Your Mark 1:00 PM - 3 :00 PM

First-year students place their painted handprints on the wall of the Student Center, symbolizing the start of their Concordia journey and their official welcome into the Tornado family. This year,...

Aug 23
Design on a Dime 4:00 PM - 4 :00 PM

Help us transform the student center and learn to do it without breaking the bank! Join us for a trip to local thrift stores to look for affordable décor, organization, and essentials YOU want...

Aug 24
Welcome Party 3:00 PM - 5 :00 PM

Kick off the semester with music, games, free treats, and fun activities! Connect with friends, meet new people, and mingle with local businesses eager to meet and support CTX students.

Aug 25
Breakfast & Belonging 9:30 AM - 10 :30 AM

You're invited to stop by as your schedules allows to grab breakfast, and engage in casual conversation with members of our leadership team and campus partners.

Aug 25
Commuter Connect 2:00 PM - 4 :00 PM

Whether you're new to commuting or a returning student, stop by to meet fellow commuters, enjoy free snacks, and learn about resources designed to help you thrive on campus.

Aug 25
Painting over the Preserve 7:00 PM - 9 :00 PM

Enjoy an evening of creativity while taking in one of the best views on campus. We'll provide canvases and supplies, just bring yourself and create your own masterpiece!

Aug 27
Petting Zoo 1:30 PM - 3 :30 PM

College is hard... so take a break and spend time with a variety of friendly farm animals stopping by campus! Swing by for some stress relief, great photo opportunities, and plenty of furry fun.

Aug 28
CTX Takes ATX 3:00 PM - 7 :00 PM

In partnership with Movability, we will be learning to use the Austin public transportation (rails and buses) while exploring the city sites!

Aug 29
Tornado Party Barge 11:00 AM - 3 :00 PM

Join us for a fun day on Lake Travis to celebrate the first week of school! Limited to 50 students.