First-time students will soon be welcomed to West Texas A&M University in a totally new way.

Buff Nation: A Buff Branding and Orientation Event will run Aug. 21 and 22, incorporating new virtual elements as part of a traditional set of kick-off activities.

“Normally, students would have taken part in new student orientation events, but those were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Amanda Lawson, assistant director of orientation. “NSO is an academic orientation program where new freshmen begin to learn skills to be successful at WT, develop a network of support, and understand the differences between high school and college so they may make a successful transition into university life. Because those didn’t happen, we’re folding those activities into our classic Buff Branding events to welcome new students in one great weekend.”

Move-In Day 2020 has been expanded to Aug. 18, 19 and 20 to space out the number of students and families moving into residence halls. When new students check in, they'll receive a backpack with a face mask and hand sanitizer, as well as additional instructions on how to participate in Buff Nation events virtually or in person on Aug. 21 and 22.

Events for large groups will be held virtually, while other traditional events have been restructured in ways that will allow students face-to-face interaction among both new and current students in a safe and appropriate way. Instead of one program for a large group, students will explore campus in small groups and interact with various departments, student organizations and activities they are interested in.

These events are an important part of the transition to life at WT for freshmen, Lawson said.

“They offer an exciting way to connect with our campus, build relationships and establish a foundation for success here at WT,” she said.

Buff Nation will follow the University’s guidelines in regards to social distancing. Students will be required to wear a face covering in all indoor public areas of campus and in outdoor spaces where 6 feet or more of physical distancing is challenging to maintain. All students at the event will be provided with a reusable canvas mask and a personal bottle of hand sanitizer.

The weekend will culminate with the traditional Branding Ceremony, where new students’ T-shirts are stamped to show that they are now officially Buffaloes, echoing the branding on a cattle drive. This year, for the first time ever, new WT students will be branded by student leaders who, wearing masks, will move from car to car in a drive-in ceremony at Buffalo Sports Park.

“Buff Nation will show our new students everything that WT has to offer, getting them ready to start the 2020-21 academic year and to join our herd in an exciting way,” said Missy Macon, WT’s program director for Rogers LEAD WT (Leadership Education and Development).

Fall classes begin Aug. 24. Because of the ongoing pandemic, many classes will be offered online only or in a hybrid online / face-to-face manner, though in-person classes also will be offered. Masks and social distancing are required in all campus buildings, including classrooms.

Buff Nation helps WT reach the goals of its generational plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World, by creating a commitment among students of being self-reliant, courageous, resourceful and part of something larger than one’s self.

-West Texas A&M University