Hatch Camp - August 14-17
Hatch Camp is Texas A&M University-Texarkana’s supplemental new student orientation experience, created to help you launch your journey with confidence, connection, and community.
Designed specifically for incoming students, Hatch Camp gives you an insider’s look at everything TAMUT has to offer. You’ll explore campus resources, discover support services that will help you thrive, and connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff who will be part of your story from day one.
While attendance isn’t required, Hatch Camp is strongly encouraged - we believe it's one of the best ways to set yourself up for success at TAMUT. This immersive experience will help you feel prepared, welcomed, and excited for what's ahead.
Questions? Reach out to us at hatchcamp@tamut.edu - we’re happy to help!
Hatch Camp Pro Tips:
- Dress comfortably—we mean really comfortably, like tennis shoes and shorts comfortably. We will be moving around a lot plus Texas, summer…need we say more?
- If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know ASAP by emailing HatchCamp@tamut.edu. We want to make sure we meet your dietary needs!
- Don’t forget your student ID card! You will need it to get into buildings as well as check in for events. The process goes a lot faster if you have it with you.
- Bring your “A” Game. And by “A” we mean ATTITUDE. This can be an awesome experience, or just another thing you have to do. It’s totally up to you. But if we didn’t fully believe in the benefits of Hatch Camp, we wouldn’t ask you to do it. Plan to have a good time and you will! We are so excited that you are joining the Eagle Family!
Hatch Camp Schedule:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
Note: Thursday activities are only required for incoming students who are residing on campus. Students who will commute their first year are not required to attend any activities until Friday.
Freshmen Move-In
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Bringle Lake Village & Eagle Landing Phase 1 & 2
Welcome to your HOME AWAY FROM HOME! All Hatch Camp students get first access to your new nest. You should receive information from the Office of Residence Life regarding your designated move-in time.
Freshman Farewell (Optional)
6 – 7 p.m. | Patterson Student Center
As your students begin their journey as Eagles, join us for a celebration. Share hugs, snap some pics, and take pride in the journey ahead. We will take care of them from here!
Meet Your RA
9 – 9:30 p.m. | BLV & Eagle Landing Phase 1 & 2
Stop by to meet your Resident Assistant! As the leader of the flock, your RA will encourage you to build community and answer your questions. Come connect with the person who is there to support you all year long. See you soon!
Chillin’ in the Courtyard
9:30 – 11 p.m. | BLV Courtyard
Kick back, relax, and hang out with fellow residents! It is the perfect way to unwind and enjoy good vibes. Make new friends, exchange socials, and have fun! BLV has a pool and a sand volleyball court, so grab a beach towel and some flip-flops before heading over!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
9 – 9:30 a.m. | Patterson Student Center
At Hatch Camp check-in, you will receive your Hatch Camp t-shirt and other fun items! Check-in is required for all participants, so please join us in Patterson Student Center at this time.
Welcome and Kickoff
9:30 – 10:15 a.m. | Patterson Student Center Gym
Get ready for a year of growth, connection, and memories. As the weekend begins, we will give you a quick overview, go over procedures, things to know, and some tools for success. However, before we begin we must first honor the history behind the future!
Library/Learning Commons Rotating Groups
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | John F. Moss Library | UC 3rd Floor
Discover the go-to spot for studying, research, and resources. From quiet spaces to expert support, the library has everything you need to succeed, plus a few cozy corners to relax!
Lunch
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Food Hall
Refuel and relax with a delicious meal! Take a break, meet new people, and enjoy some downtime between events.
Lunch/Scavenger Hunt
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Start in UC Lobby
Can you find all of the resources on campus? Complete challenges, meet helpful staff, and win prizes as you learn your way around student services. Let the hunt begin!
Playfair
1:30 – 2:45 p.m. | Patterson Student Center Gym
The ULTIMATE icebreaker! Veteran students and staff will guide you through an experience like no other. You have never experienced anything like this! It’s fun, exciting and the perfect way to meet new friends!
Taking Care of Business
3 – 4:30 p.m. | Various Locations
Handle all the business of your new experience and meet the people who can help you along the way. We will help you check all of the last-minute tasks off your list.
Convocation
5 – 7 p.m. | Patterson Student Center Gym
Join us for the special tradition that marks the official start of your college journey. This event celebrates new beginnings, traditions, values, and recognizes expectations. During this time, you will hear from leaders, faculty, and alumni who will share their experiences that may help you along the way. Please use this as a time to meet peers and faculty, and make connections that will support you through your time at Texas A&M University-Texarkana.
Night at the Rec
7:30 – 10 p.m. | Patterson Student Center
Get moving and have a blast at the Rec Center! Try out games and fun activities while meeting new friends. It’s your night to play, explore, and unwind with games like 9-square, ping pong, pool, and more!
SATURDAY, AUGUST 16
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Food Hall
Join us for a brunch in the Honors Suite. Connect over great food, learn more about the program, and kick off the semester with inspiration and community. Not a part of the program but have questions? Feel free to come by!
Brunch
9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | Food Hall
The Eary Bird gets the worm! *The first 50 students get a bag of gummy worms!*
Eagle Assembly*
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Patterson Student Center Gym
During the Eagle Assembly, you will learn the true meaning of being an A&M-Texarkana Eagle. Learn the school song, expectations of an A&M–Texarkana Eagle, and other things that will be helpful to your success, such as the Code of Conduct, where to go for help, and other essentials for your time on campus. You’ll have the chance to meet the Student Body President and hear from the Student Life Representative to learn how to get involved, explore leadership opportunities, and more!
Lunch
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Food Hall
Refuel and relax with a delicious meal! Take a break, meet new people, and enjoy some downtime between events.
TAMUT Trivia Challenge!
1 – 2 p.m. | Eagle Hall
General trivia session through Kahoot! Teams of 10 will share a phone to answer questions.
First Year Experience (FYE) Mixer
2 – 3:30 p.m. | Eagle Hall
We recognize all the hard work you did to make it to your first year and want to provide the support to help you reach your goals. Connect with fellow first-year students, peer mentors, and campus staff in a fun, casual setting! Enjoy snacks, games, and great conversation as you kick off your college journey together.
AMA – Ask Me Anything Student Panel
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Eagle Hall
Curious about life at TAMUT? Join us for AMA – Ask Me Anything with Student Leaders! This casual Q&A session is your chance to connect with experienced student leaders and get the inside scoop on campus life, the Eagle experience, and anything else you’re wondering about. No question is too big or small. Come chat, learn, and feel more at home before classes begin!
Student Government Association Meet and Greet
4:30 – 5:15 p.m. | Patterson Student Center Lobby
Meet the voices on campus! Connect with Student Government Association members, learn how to get involved, and share your ideas for making a difference.
Dinner
5 – 8 p.m. | Food Hall
Women’s Exhibition Home Soccer Game
5 – 6:30 p.m. | Judy Morgan Field
Join us as the TAMUT women’s team shows what they are made of! Show school spirit, support the team, and mingle!
Men’s Exhibition Home Soccer Game
7 – 8:30 p.m. | Judy Morgan Field
Join us as the TAMUT men’s team shows what they are made of! Show school spirit, support the team, and mingle!
Toga Party/Greek Life Meet & Greet
8 – 9:30 p.m. | Eagle Hall
Throw on a sheet and bring the energy—it’s time to party like Zeus himself!
Join us for a night of music, mingling, and all things Greek. Meet members from our fraternities and sororities, learn what FSL is all about, and dance the night away. We’ll kick things off with quick intros, clear expectations, and major good vibes. Togas encouraged. Questions welcomed. Dancing required.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17
6 – 8 p.m. | College Bowl | 2424 College Dr., Texarkana, TX
Come on down for a friendly game of bowling! Meet us at College Bowl to connect and create friendships. The shoes are on us!