First Big Week is back! First Big Week is the first week of classes (plus the surrounding weekends) and runs from August 27 through September 4 this year. The week is packed full of events to help students connect with each other and to campus. The schedule includes academic, social, spiritual, and service events, and so much more. See below for the full schedule.
Saturday August 27, 2022
Interfaith Service Project
9:00am-1:00pm
East Campus
Contact: Rev. Kathryn Lester-Bacon (kathryn.lester.bacon@duke.edu)
Spark Summit 2022
10:00am-2:00pm
West Campus
The Spark Summit is a space for grounding the sophomore experience at Duke. The event will provide opportunities for networking and dynamic breakout sessions focused on advice, mentorship, major considerations, and more. The event will feature keynote speaker Retta T’92.
Contact: Career Center (careerstudent@duke.edu)
Muslim Life Welcome BBQ
12:30pm-2:30pm
Few GG Outdoor Quad
Join the Center for Muslim Life for the welcome back to campus Muslim mixer. Come mingle with Muslim-identified students, staff, and faculty and enjoy halal barbecue, a raffle games and more! Learn more about student groups that are affiliated with Duke’s Muslim population including Muslim-centered groups and cultural and identity groups.
Contact: Joshua Salaam (joshua.salaam@duke.edu)
Welcome to West
7:30pm-9:30pm
Abele Quad
Kickoff the West Campus experience with a packed night of games, food, prizes, and fireworks show! Bring some old friends and make some new ones as we welcome the class of 2025 to West Campus.
Contact: Student Affairs (studentaffairs@duke.edu)
The Author’s Voice
8:00pm
Brody Theater
Student Theater group, Duke Players, will present the one act production of “The Authors Voice” written by Richard Greenberg and directed by Duke Theater Studies student Connor Fogleman.
Contact: Thomas Quintas (thomas.quintas@duke.edu)
Hoof ‘N’ Horn O Show
11:00pm-midnight
Brody Theater
Hoof N Horn’s annual O-show cabaret features exciting performances from your favorite musicals. There’s something for everyone, from a passionate Broadway fan to a casual movie-musical lover, and will be great fun for anyone lucky enough to snag a seat in Brody Theater on East campus. Free for all, first come first served.
Contact: Haley Cionfolo (haley.cionfolo@duke.edu)
Sunday August 28, 2022
Duke Chapel Choir Open Rehearsal
9:00am-10:30 am
All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to rehearse and sing with the Duke Chapel Choir on Sunday, August 28. No audition required! Students are invited to stay and sing for the 11 AM worship service following the rehearsal. Music and refreshments will be provided.
Contact: chapelmusic@duke.edu
Catholic Mass
11:00am-12:00pm
Goodson Chapel
Student Brunch
12:00pm-1:30pm
Divinity School Cafe
Contact: Grace Dezamaroczy (grace.dezamaroczy@duke.edu); Lauren McNamara (lauren.mcnamara@duke.edu); Fr. Juan Hernandez (juan.hernandez@duke.edu)
Duke Chapel Sunday Worship
11:00 am-12:00pm
Duke Chapel
Student Lunch and Locopops following the service
Contact: Bruce Puckett, bruce.puckett@duke.edu
Welcome Reception
1:00pm-3:00pm
Bryan Center 100
Join CSGD for hors d’oeuvres and mingle with new and returning students at our welcome reception for the school year!
Contact: Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity (csgd@studentaffairs.duke.edu)
Opening Convocation
3:00pm-4:00pm
Convocation Dessert Social
4:00pm-5:00pm
Abele Quad
President Vincent Price and other campus leaders welcome the Class of 2026 and transfer students to Duke University.
Contact: specialevents@duke.edu
JFAM Welcome BBQ
5:00pm-7:30pm
Freeman Center for Jewish Life
The first big celebration of the year! Chow down on a kosher BBQ feast, meet your JFAMily in person, get to know fellow Class of 2026 and upperclass students, and learn how to get involved with Jewish student organizations. No RSVP needed! Bring your friends or roommate, Jewish or not!
Contact: Jewish Life at Duke (jewishlife@duke.edu)
Hoof ‘N’ Horn O Show
5:30pm-6:30pm
Brody Theater
Hoof N Horn’s annual O-show cabaret features exciting performances from your favorite musicals. There’s something for everyone, from a passionate Broadway fan to a casual movie-musical lover, and will be great fun for anyone lucky enough to snag a seat in Brody Theater on East campus. Free for all, first come first served.
Contact: Haley Cionfolo (haley.cionfolo@duke.edu)
Protestant Student Ministries Picnic
6:00pm-8:00pm
East Campus Lawn Gazebo
A casual welcome dinner for students interested in Duke’s denominationally-affiliated campus ministries. This event, and the sponsoring ministries, work to be safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ students.
Contact: Rev. Dave Allen (dave.allen@duke.edu)
Catholic Mass
8:00pm-9:00pm
Memorial Chapel
Contact: Grace Dezamaroczy (grace.dezamaroczy@duke.edu); Lauren McNamara (lauren.mcnamara@duke.edu); Fr. Juan Hernandez (juan.hernandez@duke.edu)
The Author’s Voice
8:00pm
Brody Theater
Student Theater group, Duke Players, will present the one act production of “The Authors Voice” written by Richard Greenberg and directed by Duke Theater Studies student Connor Fogleman.
Contact: Thomas Quintas (thomas.quintas@duke.edu)
Hoof ‘N’ Horn O Show
11:00pm-midnight
Brody Theater
Hoof N Horn’s annual O-show cabaret features exciting performances from your favorite musicals. There’s something for everyone, from a passionate Broadway fan to a casual movie-musical lover, and will be great fun for anyone lucky enough to snag a seat in Brody Theater on East campus. Free for all, first come first served.
Contact: Haley Cionfolo (haley.cionfolo@duke.edu)
Monday August 29, 2022
International Trivia & Ice Cream
12:00pm-1:30pm
BC Plaza
International House welcomes all students, faculty, and staff members to visit us outside of the Bryan Center for international trivia and ice cream. Participants can test their knowledge at international trivia, have fun, and try some LocoPops!
Contact: Duke International Student Center (intlstudents@duke.edu)
Fellowships @ 4pm Kickoff
4:00pm-5:00pm
BC Plaza
The Nationally Competitive Scholarships team holds drop-in advising hours every Monday at 4pm. Come kick off this year’s Fellowships@4 weekly series with treats and meet the scholarship advisors!
Contact: Nationally Competitive Scholarships – Gwen Volmar (g.volmar@duke.edu)
Office of Pre-Law Advising Open House
4:00pm-5:00pm
04 Allen Building (follow the signs for Academic Deans)
Come meet Dean Barley, Academic Dean & Pre-Law Advisor & Ms. Wilkerson, Pre-Law Assistant, and learn more about what it means to be pre-law @ Duke! Snacks will be provided!
Contact: Office of Pre-Law (prelaw@duke.edu)
Black Convocation & Reception
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Penn Pavilion
Black Convocation and Reception is a program open to all Black identified students, faculty, and staff as a welcome back to Duke University. It also introduces First year students to the Black community and Black student organizations on campus.
Contact: Center for Multicultural Affairs & Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture (marylou@duke.edu)
Theater Studies Open House
5:00pm – 7:00pm
Chapel Quad
Open House for the Department of Theater Studies. Meet faculty. Meet majors and minors. Come and learn about the our Mainstage season and other department offerings.
Contact: Katja Hill (katja.hill@duke.edu)
East Campus Oasis Open House
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Bell Tower 109 – East Oasis
Contact: DuWell – QuiAnne’ Holmes (quianne.holmes@duke.edu)
A Cappella Jam
7:30pm – 9:30pm
Page Auditorium
Contact: Avery Lythcott-Haims (aml127@duke.edu)
Tuesday August 30, 2022
Community Connections
12:30pm – 4:00pm
Brodhead Center 216
Join Duke Civic Engagement for a drop-in event in the Brodhead Center to learn about ways to connect with local organizations and volunteer opportunities
Contact: Civic Engagement – Lindsey Miller Furiness (lkm20@duke.edu)
Smith Warehouse Baywalk & Bingo
1:00pm – 5:00pm
Smith Warehouse Bay 7
Open house to allow students to get to know the offices, departments, staff, and services in Smith Warehouse. Students can participate in a bingo game, visit offices, pick up giveaways, and talk with office staff. Snacks will be available while supplies last!
Contact: Susan Pratt (susan.pratt@duke.edu) Kevin D’Arco (kevin.darco@duke.edu)
Tie-Dye
4:00pm
Abele Quad
Contact: Duke University Union (duu@duke.edu)
Latinx Welcome Reception
5:00pm-7:00pm
Gilbert-Addoms Down Under
Please join Mi Gente and the Center for Multicultural Affairs in welcoming our Latinx/o/é community to Duke University! This event is open to students of Latinx descent and friends. First years and transfer students are highly encouraged to attend.
Contact: Center for Multicultural Affairs – Ana Ramirez (ana.ramirez@duke.edu)
Israel Dinner
6:00pm – 7:0opm
Freeman Center for Jewish Life
Contact: Jewish Life at Duke (jewishlife@duke.edu)
West Campus Oasis Open House
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Student Wellness Center, 1st Floor
Contact: DuWell – QuiAnne’ Holmes (quianne.holmes@duke.edu)
Who’s Got Game?
7:00pm – 10:00pm
The Landing (Bryan Center)
Contact: Balthrop-Cassidy Fellows – Bailey Bogle (bailey.bogle@duke.edu); Corey Pilson (corey.pilson@duke.edu)
Coach Jon Scheyer and Coach Kara Lawson: The DG Lectureship in Values and Ethics
8:00pm
Page Auditorium
Contact: New Student and Family Programs (studentorientation@duke.edu)
Wednesday August 31, 2022
Bagel Break
11:00am-1:00pm
BC Plaza
Contact: Jewish Life at Duke (jewishlife@duke.edu)
Duke Groups Fair
4:00pm-6:30pm
Come meet the hundreds of student organizations we have at Duke. Learn how you can get involved and about some of the events that are coming up on campus. This is event is a great way to meet other people and connect with people with similar interests.
Baldwin Quad
Contact: Student Involvement & Leadership (leadership@duke.edu)
Duke@Nite Roller Rink
8:00pm-midnight
East Campus Tennis Courts
Welcome back, everyone! Skate your way into the fall semester with DUU’s Duke@Nite Roller Rink! From 8 PM to 12 AM on the East Campus Tennis Courts, you’ll find skates, music, and more! Can’t wait to see y’all there!
Contact: Duke University Union (duu@duke.edu)
Thursday September 1, 2022
Office of Pre-Law Advising Open House
10:00am-11:00am
04 Allen Building (follow the signs for Academic Deans)
Come meet Dean Barley, Academic Dean & Pre-Law Advisor & Ms. Wilkerson, Pre-Law Assistant, and learn more about what it means to be pre-law @ Duke! Snacks will be provided!
Contact: Office of Pre-Law (prelaw@duke.edu)
Career Center LocoPop-Up
12:00pm-3:00pm (while supplies last)
BC Plaza
Come grab a free LocoPop and meet staff from the Career Center. You’ll have an opportunity to learn about the resources available for students from the Career Center.
Contact: Career Center (careerstudent@duke.edu)
Magic Showcase
5:30pm-6:30pm
West Oasis – Student Wellness Center
We all need a little magic in our lives so let’s create for ourselves. Join Sleight of Hand for an interactive magic performance and lesson. No experience necessary!
Contact: DuWell – QuiAnne’ Holmes (quianne.holmes@duke.edu)
Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) Fest
6:00pm-8:00pm
Gross Hall Auditorium
Interested in learning about innovation and entrepreneurship? Duke I&E is throwing a party to welcome you back to campus and showcase entrepreneurship at Duke University! Enjoy food, fun, and swag, and learn how you can get involved with the many innovation- and entrepreneurship-related programs, clubs, and organizations on campus and in the Durham area. Open to all Duke undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.
Register here
Contact: Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Sarah Morrison (sarah.morrison@duke.edu)
NPHC 101
7:00pm-8:00pm
East Duke – Nelson Music Room
Contact: National Pan-Hellenic Council – Juwan Jacobs (juwan.jacobs@duke.edu)
Duke University Improv Show
8:00pm
Page Auditorium
Contact: Duke University Improv (dukeuniversityimprov@gmail.com)
JFAM Ice Cream Social
8:00pm-9:00pm
Gilbert-Addoms Down Under
Reunite (or meet!) your JFAMilies and meet fellow students over Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream, a local, award-winning, small-batch favorite!
Contact: Jewish Life at Duke (jewishlife@duke.edu)
Friday September 2, 2022
Kick Off the Year Jumu’ah
1:00pm-1:30pm
McLendon 5
Join us for our first weekly Friday prayer service of the academic year. Stay after the prayer service to enjoy food and socialize with the community! All are welcome. We hope to see you there, inshallah!
Contact: Center for Muslim Life – Joshua Salaam (joshua.salaam@duke.edu)
Snocone Kickback
4:00pm-6:00pm
Bryan Center 100
Cool off with sno cones on the CSGD patio (or inside in the case of rain), grab some free swag (fanny packs, sunglasses, hot/cold packs, and more!), and hang out with other LGBTQ+ students and allies!
Contact: Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity (csgd@studentaffairs.duke.edu)
Heatwave Concert & DevilsGate
5:00pm-7:00pm
Card Lot – KVille
Contact: Duke University Union (duu@duke.edu); Athletics (dukefootball@duke.edu)
First Big Shabbat
6:00pm
Freeman Center for Jewish Life
All students are moved in and back in Durham for the first BIG Shabbat during First Big Week! Join us at 5:30pm for a pre-Shabbat oneg (gathering) hosted by the Jewish Student Union, and at 6:00pm for a pluralistic Kabbalat Shabbat service, followed by a free, family-style kosher dinner at 7:00pm.
Contact: Jewish Life at Duke (jewishlife@duke.edu)
Football Game vs. Temple
7:30pm
Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium
Contact: Athletics (dukefootball@duke.edu)
Saturday September 3, 2022
Fallcase
7:00pm-9:00pm
Page Auditorium
A showcase with performances by every student dance group on campus.
Contact: Duke Dance Council – Isabella Swigart (isabella.swigart@duke.edu)
DUU Movie on the Quad
8:00pm
Abele Quad
Stop by Abele Quad for a showing of Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness on the inflatable screen!
Contact: Duke University Union (duu@duke.edu)
Sunday September 4, 2022
Catholic Mass
11:00am-12:00pm
Goodson Chapel
Student Brunch
12:00pm-1:30pm
Divinity School Cafe
Contact: Grace Dezamaroczy (grace.dezamaroczy@duke.edu); Lauren McNamara (lauren.mcnamara@duke.edu); Fr. Juan Hernandez (juan.hernandez@duke.edu)
Catholic Mass
8:00pm-9:00pm
Memorial Chapel
Contact: Grace Dezamaroczy (grace.dezamaroczy@duke.edu); Lauren McNamara (lauren.mcnamara@duke.edu); Fr. Juan Hernandez (juan.hernandez@duke.edu)