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Welcome to Cajun Craze 2023!

Welcome Class of 2027 and welcome back to all of our returning students! We are excited to have you here and are pleased to offer a variety of activities to make your first few weeks on campus fun, educational, and most importantly- welcoming! We will be offering a variety of programming August 12th through August 25th.

 

 

View the 2023 Cajun Craze Schedule to see all the fun we have planned for you! Please use the drop down menus at the bottom of the page to check out a detailed Cajun Craze schedule with descriptions of each event. Please continue to check back to this site as the Fall semester approaches to get the most updated information.

Summertime in Louisiana means inclement weather happens. Be sure to follow @ulfirstyear and @ulgetinvolved on Instagram for weather updates!

 

Transportation & Commuter Parking

During Cajun Craze, we have events being offered both on and off campus. For the off campus events, we will be providing shuttles that will pick up and drop off in front of the Student Union on McKinley Street, but students are welcome to drive themselves to the off campus events as well. Most shuttles start 15 minutes before the scheduled event, but check out the detailed schedule below for exact shuttle start times.

Don't live on campus? No problem! We have mutiple parking options for commuters during Cajun Craze so that you can enjoy all the events being offered. Students can park at Cajun Field and take the shuttle to campus; the pick up and drop off for the Cajun Field shuttle is in front of Agnes Edwards. For off campus events, you can either park on campus and take the shuttle or meet us on-site.

The following parking on campus is available for free for Cajun Craze Week ONE only:

  • The first 3 floors of Girard Park Tower
  • EK Long Lot gravel portion only
  • Park Mobile Lots:
    •  Mildred Street Lot
    • St. Mary behind Burger King
    • 333 E. University Ave

 

Meal Times

Cypress Dining Hall will be open for Cajun Craze, and your meal swipes will be ready to use! To find more information about different meal options on campus, please visit the Dining Services website. Normal Fall hours will begin on August 19th. 

August 12-13

Brunch : 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Lite Lunch : 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Dinner : 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

August 14-18

Lunch : 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Lite Lunch : 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Dinner : 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

 

Bourgeois Hall (Rec Center)

The Rec Center is open for all of Cajun Craze, so if you have some free time, head over to Bourgeois Hall to enjoy the fitness center, aquatic center, rock wall, and much more! The shuttle to Bourgeois picks up at the bus stop in front of Agnes Edwards and will drop you off right in front of the building. Be sure to bring your Cajun Card to enter the building. 

August 12-16

Monday-Friday : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday-Sunday : 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

August 17-25

Monday- Thursday : 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday : 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday-Sunday : 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

*All hours are subject to change, find more information about Rec Center hours on the Rec Sports website

 

Week One

Saturday, August 12

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

First-time Freshman Move-in | Residence Halls | Hosted by Residence Life

Time to move in to your freshman year residence hall! Please refer to the Housing and Residential Life website for detailed move-in information.

 

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Movie Night | Rose Garden | Hosted by Residence Hall Association

Take a break from unpacking and stop by the Rose Garden Courtyard, located behind Coronna Hall, to enjoy a movie night under the stars.

 

Sunday, August 13

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

First-time Freshman Move-in | Residence Halls | Hosted by Residence Life

Time to move in to your freshman year residence hall! Please refer to the Housing and Residential Life website for detailed move-in information.

 

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Swamp Party | Union Porch & Cypress Plaza | Hosted by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership

We are kicking off your freshman year with our traditional SWAMP PARTY- a fun celebration with food, music, dancing, inflatables, tons of give aways, and the world's largest playfair experience!

Monday, August 14

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

You Belong Here Series | Union-Evangeline Art Gallery | Hosted by the Dean of Students and Office of Campus Diversity

 

Hispanic/Latine Welcome Student Mixer | 12:00 PM - 1:00PM

Join the Office of Campus Diversity and the Dean of Students Office to create community with Hispanic and Latine/x students. Learn about our services, meet other students and find your community here at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Snacks will be provided.

Asian/Pacific Islander Welcome Student Mixer | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Join the Office of Campus Diversity and the Dean of Students Office to create community with Asian and Pacific Islander students. Learn about our services, meet other students and find your community here at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Snacks will be provided.

LGBTQ+ Welcome Student Mixer | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Join the Office of Campus Diversity and the Dean of Students Office to create community with LCGTQ+ students. Learn about our services, meet other students and find your community here at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Snacks will be provided.

 

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

BlackP.R.I.N.T.-The Motivation is Real | Union-Evangeline Art Gallery | Hosted by Black student leaders

Come out this Monday to hear motivational and mental health tips from student leaders that have worked at a PWI!  We will have an on-campus mental health professional sharing services offered at UL and discussions on how to keep oneself motivated.  Several black student leaders will also offer techniques that have help them be successful in their college careers. The workshop will end with an activity allowing you and your peers to make vision boards of what you want to accomplish your freshman year!

 

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Residence Hall Floor Meetings | Residence Halls | Hosted by Resident Assistants

This is a mandatory floor meeting for all residents in Baker Hall, Bonin Hall, Coronna Hall, & Agnes Edwards. Meet your Resident Assistant (RA), students on your floor, and information about living on campus!

 

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Target Run | Target - Ambassador Caffery | Hosted by The Office of Orientation

UL Lafayette and Super Target are partnering up to provide a UNIQUE shopping experience that will include music, food, discounted products, door prizes, and giveaways! Join us for a night of festive shopping while you stock up on snacks, school supplies, décor, beauty products, and more!

Buses will be running from campus to Target starting at 7:30 PM. The shuttle drop-off/pick-up location will be in front of the Union on McKinley Street. Students are also welcome to drive themselves and park at Target.

Tuesday, August 15

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

First-Year Info Session- Working in College: When, Where, and Why? | Wharton 222 | Hosted by the Office of Career Services  

Want to find out more about getting a job in college? Join Career Services’ presentation to discover when and where jobs can be found and the benefits a job in college can provide.

 

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

First-Year Info Session- On-Campus Sustainability | Wharton 222 | Hosted by the Office of Sustainability

 

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dining Services Info Table- Meet the KIWIBOT | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Dining Services

 

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Professional Communication | Wharton 222 | Hosted by Career Services and Faculty

Professional communication is key for first-year students both in the classroom and in their job.   Join three UL Lafayette faculty members and Career Services for an open discussion on how to successfully communicate with your professors.   Faculty will share tips on using professional communication when seeking help from your professors, why you should utilize office hours and more.

 

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Pathways to Student Leadership | Wharton 222 | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

Hear from active student leaders on some of the best ways to get involved and connected on the UL Lafayette Campus! They will explore the benefits of student leadership and how involvement can impact students in both the short and long term! Geaux Get Involved!

 

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Mental Health and Wellness | Wharton 222 | Hosted by the Testing and Counseling Center

 

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Meet the Deans | Location based on your Academic College | Hosted by your Academic Deans

Come introduce yourself and get to know your dean! This is a great opportunity to start your academic career off strong by meeting your academic dean in a relaxed setting. Locations for each college can be found below:

College of the Arts | Fletcher Hall 1st Floor Lobby

B.I. Moody College of Business | Moody Hall 103A

College of Education and Human Development | Maxim Doucet Hall 122

College of Engineering | Madison Hall Front Lobby

College of Liberal Arts | HL Griffin Hall 1st Floor near Room 101

College of Nursing and Health Sciences | Wharton Hall 101

Ray P. Authement College of Sciences | Oliver Hall 117

University College | DeClouet Hall 1st Floor

 

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

BlackP.R.I.N.T.- The M&M Mixer | Union-Oaks Balcony | Hosted by Black student leaders

Meet and Mingle with university faculty, student leaders, Black Faculty and Staff Association and Christiana Smith African American Alumni chapter members in a social setting! This is an opportunity to engage with your peers and other members of the campus community through small groups and interactive activities. Through networking and socializing, you can make connections and identify the people resources on campus. 

 

6:00 PM

Burger Bash | Cafe Chi Alpha | Hosted by Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship

Come to Chi Alpha's epic Burger Bash! There will be food, games, prized, and plenty of opportunities to make new friends!

 

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Aux Cord Wars Trivia | Angelle Hall Auditorium | Hosted by Residence Hall Association

Students will answer music-related questions competition style. Every question goes along with an artist, song, or dance! Don't forget to bring your phones.

Wednesday, August 16

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

First-Year Info Session- Money Management 101 | Wharton 222 | Hosted by the UL Federal Credit Union

Learn the basics of financial education to include budgeting, credit management, and deposit products with the UL Federal Credit Union

 

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

First-Year Info Session- The Lafayette Experience | Wharton 222 | Hosted by Lafayette Travel

Welcome to Lafayette! You're here for college, but there is an array of exciting opportunities in Lafayette outside of campus. Come learn about everything Lafayette has to offer in food, shopping, music, entertainment and festivals! Allons!

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dining Services Info Table- Meet the Chef / Meal Plan Q&A | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Dining Services

 

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Office of Disability Services | Wharton 222 | Hosted by the Office of Disability Services

If you are a student with a diagnosed disability and unsure of how to secure accommodations, you can stop by and listen to information from the Office of Disability Services.  A staff member will also answer any questions you may have.

 

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Academic Resources | Wharton 222 | Hosted by the Academic Success Center 

Hosted by the Academic Success Center, this session will refresh your mind on the various academic resources across campus a first time freshman, like you, will need! Did we mention they are FREE services?

 

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

First-Year Info Session- Financial Aid | Wharton 222 | Hosted by the Office of Student Financial Aid

Do you have unanswered questions about your financial aid now that you're here on campus? Come listen to everything you need to know about all types of financial aid!

 

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Campus Class Tours | Meet @ Union-Cypress Lake Plaza | Hosted by the Office of Orientation

Join the Orientation Leaders on a guided tour of main campus. Bring your Fall 2023 schedule and we can show you the best route to your classes!

 

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Rock 'n' Bowl Night | Rock 'n' Bowl de Lafayette | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience

Ready, Set, BOWL! Come out and enjoy a night of FREE fun, food, and bowling. This is not an ordinary bowling alley...there is a dance floor and plenty of music to keep the party going!

Buses will be running from campus to Rock 'n' Bowl starting at 7:45 PM. The shuttle drop-off/pick-up location will be in front of the Union on McKinley Street. Students are also welcome to drive themselves and park at the Rock 'n' Bowl lot across the street from the venue. 

Thursday, August 17

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

BlackP.R.I.N.T.- Black Card Revoked | Union - Evangeline Art Gallery | Hosted by Black student leaders

Join us for a fun and nostalgia-filled quiz/game celebrating American Black popular culture!

 

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dining Services Info Table- Dining Q&A | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Dining Services

 

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Cajun Connection | Various classrooms-check your email! | Hosted by The Office of First-Year Experience

Welcome to UNIV 100! Today you will meet your instructor, your peer mentor, and the rest of your UNIV 100 classmates. Be sure to check your university email for your classroom for Cajun Connection!

Due to the high volume of students on campus this day, commuter students are encouraged to drive to campus and park at the available free parking listed above.

 

4:30 PM - 8:00 PM

New Student Convocation | Cajundome | Hosted by The Office of First-Year Experience

**All first-time students are required to attend New Student Convocation**

Welcome to the academic kick-off to your collegiate journey. Join us at the Cajundome to commemorate this extremely important moment in your life... when you become a Ragin' Cajun!

Students are encouraged to park at Cajun Field and walk under the tunnel to the Cajundome. Buses will be running from campus to the Cajundome starting after Cajun Connection, if needed. The shuttle drop-off/pick-up location will be in front of the Union on McKinley Street. 

 

8:30 PM

Neon Night | BCM | Hosted by Baptist Collegiate Ministry

Join BCM for a blacklight neon night with food, ice cream, games, music, and Mario Kart! Come out and make new connections and have a great time while you're doing it. 

Friday, August 18

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

First-Year Student On-Campus Job Expo | Union-Vermilion Room | Hosted by the Office of Career Services

Want to learn more about the on-campus departments who hire student employees? The “Campus Job Expo” on August 18th at 8:30am-10:30am in the Student Union will provide the opportunity to connect with these departments.

 

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

BlackP.R.I.N.T.- Greek N' Eat | KOK Wings and Things | Hosted by the National Pan-Hellenic Council

Come together for food, fun and games! This is another opportunity to bring students together and to build a stronger community. Play games, as teams or individuals, and have fun before your first week of classes.

 

4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Make Art for Your Dorm | Hilliard Art Museum | Hosted by the Hilliard Art Museum

Stop by the university's art museum to see cool art and make your own. You'll leave with a masterpiece to hang in your dorm created by YOU! No artistic experience needed.

Saturday, August 19

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Moncus Park Farmer's Market | Moncus Park | Hosted by the Dean of Students

Buses will be running from campus to Moncus Park starting at 8:00 AM. The shuttle drop-off/pick-up location will be in front of the Union on McKinley Street. It is highly suggested to take the shuttle, as on-site parking is very limited. 

 

10:30 AM - 2:00 PM

St. Joseph's Diner Volunteer | St. Joseph's Diner | Hosted by the Dean of Students

Give back to the community through volunteering at a local organization for those experiencing hunger. Sign-up is required and spots are limited, sign up here!

A bus will be providing transportation to St. Joseph's Diner at 10:30 AM. The shuttle drop-off/pick-up location will be in front of the Union on McKinley Street. 

 

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Esports Video Game Tournament | Union-Shadows Room and E-Sports Room | Hosted by Ragin' Cajuns Esports and the Office of First-Year Experience

Want a chill Saturday in? Come watch and/or participate in an Esports video game tournament while enjoying some snacks and meeting some classmates!

Week Two

Sunday, August 20

10:00 AM

Sunday AM Worship | Cafe Chi Alpha | Hosted by Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship

Join us for a time of contemporary worship and a great Biblical message! Come a few minutes early to grab a cup of coffee!

 

10:00 AM, 6:00 PM, & 9:00 PM

Sunday Mass | Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church

 

10:30 AM - 2:00 PM

St. Joseph's Diner Volunteer | St. Joseph's Diner | Hosted by the Dean of Students

Give back to the community by volunteering at a local organization for those experience hunger. Sign-up is required and spots are limited, sign up here!

A bus will be providing transportation to St. Joseph's Diner at 10:30 AM. The shuttle pick-up/drop-off location will be in front of the Union on McKinley Street.

 

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Zydeco Brunch | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Residence Life

Come enjoy a zydeco brunch and music upstairs in Cypress Dining Hall.

 

6:00 PM

Campus Cool Down | Boucher Street | Hosted by Campus Ministries

Join the all the campus ministries (Baptist Collegiate Ministry, Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, Ragin' Cajun Catholics, and Wesley United Campus Ministry) for some popsicles, games, and fellowship. 

 

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Back to School Bash | Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church- Jeanmard Hall | Hosted by Ragin' Cajun Catholics

Monday, August 21

First Day of Classes!

 

7:45 AM - 10:00 AM

Donut Drop-In | Rex Street and Various Campus Locations (see below) | Hosted by Student Government Association

Welcome back to campus, Cajuns! Come enjoy a treat from SGA on your way to class. The Executive Board will be on Rex Street and your college senators will be at your academic buildings listed below:

Arts | Fletcher

Business | Moody

Education | Maxim Doucet 

Engineering | Madison

Liberal Arts | Griffin

Nursing | Wharton

Sciences | Billeaud 

University College | DeClouet

 

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Snow Cones on the Plaza | Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church | Hosted by Ragin' Cajun Catholics

 

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

First Day Flicks | Union- Porch & Evangeline Art Gallery | Hosted by the UPC Student Activities Board

 

5:30 PM

BCM Luau | BCM | Hosted by Baptist Collegiate Ministry

Join BCM for a back to school luau with live fruit ninja, free food, games, giveaways, and more!

 

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Upperclassmen Floor Meetings | Residence Halls | Hosted by Resident Assistants

There will be a mandatory floor meeting in Agnes Edwards, Huger Hall, Legacy Park Apartments, & The Heritage Apartments at Cajun Village. Meet your Resident Assistant (RA) and Community Assistants (CA),  students on your floor/building, and important information about living on-campus!

Tuesday, August 22

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Out-of-State Mix and Mingle | Location TBD | Hosted by Residence Life and Alumni

Come meet other out-of-state Students at this social event to learn about Lafayette and the culture of Louisiana. 

 

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Yoga in the Galleries | Hilliard Art Museum | Hosted by the Hilliard Art Museum

Come chill out and treat yourself to an all-levels guided yoga class. Bring your own yoga mat or a towel. Space is limited, so please arrive on time!

Wednesday, August 23

10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Get On Board Day | The Quad | Hosted by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership

Come out and explore over 100+ amazing student organizations to see how you can get involved!

 

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Bingo, Board Games, and BBQ | UL Wesley | Hosted by Wesley United Campus Ministry

 

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Foam Party | Rose Garden Courtyard | Hosted by Residence Hall Association

Residence Hall Association (RHA) invites you to participate in a night of music, dance, waterslides, and FOAM!

Thursday, August 24

4:45 PM - 9:00 PM

Rec Fest | Bourgeois Hall | Hosted by Rec Sports

The Department of Recreational Sports is excited to host our 9th annual back to school kick-off event : Rec Fest! We’ll have multiple activities throughout the night that showcase our facilities, equipment, and programs. Some of these events include a DJ, free food, inflatable jousting arena, po-boy eating contest, paddle board demonstrations, and a color run! University shuttles will be picking students up beginning at 5:30 pm and will transport students from the Student Union to Bourgeois Hall until the event ends at 9:15 pm. This year’s Rec Fest theme is TBA, so be on the lookout later this summer when we drop our theme! Be sure to being your Student ID!

 

9:00 PM

Chi Alpha Late Night | Cafe Chi Alpha | Hosted by Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship

Come for a worship experience where you will encounter the one, true, living God!

Friday, August 25

5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Ragin' Cajuns Downtown Alive! | Parc Sans Souci | Hosted by the Dean of Students, Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, and Downtown Lafayette Unlimited

Celebrate the end of your first week by experiencing the amazing food, culture, shopping, and entertainment available in downtown Lafayette! 

Buses will be running from 4:30 to 9:30 with a pick-up/drop-off location in front of the Student Union on McKinley Street.