Dr. Jessica Hopkins, assistant professor of biology, addresses incoming students and their parents during New Student Convocation on Friday. UA expects final enrollment numbers to be up 6 to 7 percent, pushing the student population to more than 27,000.

Andrew Pavlenda of Elyria, a member of the Class of 2013, during residence hall move-in on Friday. With him is his mother, Marsha. Members of the Class of 2013 come to UA from 46 states and 80 countries.

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Whether you are a new or returning student, we here at The University of Akron welcome you, as a new academic year gets under way. As you prepare to settle into your routine of classes and studying, please make time to explore some of the many opportunities you’ll find here on campus. This is a great time to develop new interests, new talents and new friendships.

• For freshmen, you can learn the most about UA by making the most of our Week of Welcome activities.
• When you’re not in class, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and the Student Union are great places to spend time with friends.
• Get involved! UA has more than 200 student organizations, and they will be ready to welcome new members in the weeks ahead.
• Bookmark UAEvents.com. It’s a great place to learn about the many events held on campus each week.
• Circle Sept. 9 on your calendar for UA’s Student Appreciation Day. The annual campus-wide celebration gives students the chance to meet and greet faculty and staff members in an informal setting. And, there’ll be free food!
• Remember — you’re a Zip now! You don’t want to miss all the festivities planned around the grand opening of InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field on Saturday, Sept. 12. The Zips football team will take on Morgan State, beginning at 2 p.m. Visit Akron Game Day Central for the latest information.

All of us here at The University of Akron wish you a happy and successful academic year!