Cajun Craze

Welcome Class of 2028 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 17th through August 31st. You can view our full schedule at the link below or look at the detailed schedule at the bottom of our page. Check back to this site often as events are added and updated frequently as we approach the Fall semester!

View the Cajun Craze Schedule 

Summertime in Louisiana means inclement weather happens. Be sure to follow @ulfirstyear and @ulgetinvolved on Instagram for weather updates that may affect Cajun Craze events!

Cajun Craze Waiver

All students participating in Cajun Craze must fill out a one-time waiver, which is open to fill out here. It is highly suggested to fill this out ahead of time so that you don't have to worry about it when you arrive to different events. It only takes a minute!

Parking/Shuttle Information

During week one (8/17-8/24), commuter students can park at Cajun Field and take the shuttle to campus OR there is free parking available at:

  • Girard Park Tower (floors 1-3)
  • EK Long gravel lot
  • 101 Mildred St
  • 119 E. St. Mary
  • 498 Brook Ave

Starting 8/25, regular parking rules are in effect, which means the above lots are permit and/or paid parking only. Free parking is still available at Cajun Field. View the transit schedule for more information.

Campus Dining

Dining information coming soon!

Bourgeois Hall Rec Center

The Rec Center is located at Bourgeois Hall at 225 Cajundome Blvd. There are an array of activities for students to enjoy such as the Student Fitness Center, Aquatic Center, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and multiple studios! Be sure to check out Bourgeois Hall during Cajun Craze and bring your Cajun Card for entry.

Hours

August 17 & 18: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

August 19 & 20: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Normal Fall hours begin August 21- see Rec Sports website for details

Kampus FM 

Tune in to KRVS' KampusFM 88.7 HD2 stream for a live broadcast during Cajun Craze. UL Lafayette students will provide real-time information from across campus. You will hear traffic updates, information about upcoming Cajun Craze events, and music!

Download the app and listen to the Campus-HD2 stream in the top navigation. Learn more and listen on the website here.

Week One Detailed Schedule

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

First-Time Freshman Move-In | Residence Halls | Hosted by Residential 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 - 6:00 PM

Fraternity and Sorority Life Parent Session | Union- Helma Constantine Forum | Hosted by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership

Higher grades, graduation rates, and an increased sense of belonging - Your student could benefit from joining a fraternity or sorority at UL! Meet our staff and student leaders to learn the REAL benefits of membership. 

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Movie Night | Rose Garden Courtyard | Hosted by Residence Hall Association

Stop by the Rose Garden Courtyard, located behind Coronna Hall, to enjoy a movie night under the stars. 

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

First-Time Freshman Move-In | Residence Halls | Hosted by Residential 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 - 6:00 PM

Fraternity and Sorority Life Parent Session | Union- Helma Constantine Forum | Hosted by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership

Higher grades, graduation rates, and an increased sense of belonging - Your student could benefit from joining a fraternity or sorority at UL! Meet our staff and student leaders to learn the REAL benefits of membership. 

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Swamp Party | Union-Porch | 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!

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

You Belong Here Series | Union- Helma Constantine Forum | Hosted by the Dean of Students and Office of Campus Inclusion

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

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.

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

A Black Student's Guide for Success: Student Panel | Union- Helma Constantine Forum | Hosted by BlackP.R.I.N.T.

Join us as we kick off our BlackP.R.I.N.T. events. Meet current students who experienced the incoming student journey and listen and learn from their perspectives. Snacks will be provided.

6:00 PM - 7:00 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! For more information on discounts and giveaways, see the Target Run site.

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. Although transportation is available, it is highly recommended that students park on-site if able. 

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

First-Year Info Session: Working in College | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by Career Services and the Office of First-Year Experience

Do you plan on working in college but don't know where to start or how to balance it all? The Office of Career Services will have the answers to all those questions and more!

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM

First-Year Info Session: On-Campus Sustainability | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the Office of Sustainability and the Office of First-Year Experience

UL Lafayette is a nationwide leader of sustainability on higher education campuses. Come learn all the things that the Office of Sustainability does to support our institution socially, economically, and environmentally!

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dining Services Info Session | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Dining Services

While you're stopping in for lunch, learn more about everything that Dining Services has to offer!

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

First-Year Info Session: Professional Communication | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by Career Services and the Office of First-Year Experience

In this panel discussion, you will hear from faculty on campus about the best ways to communicate in order to form professional connections with your instructors, advisors, mentors, and more! 

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

First-Year Info Session: Mental Health and Wellness | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by Student Health Services and the Office of First-Year Experience

Because you will be balancing a lot of things at once throughout colllege, your mental health and wellness needs to be taken care of. The Counseling Center will discuss different tips and tricks on how to focus on your mental health.

5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Black Card Revoked | Union-Louisiane Room | Hosted by BlackP.R.I.N.T.

Are you hip to a family-friendly trivia game that celebrates American Black popular culture? Join us for some fun, laughter, and prizes as we quiz from the past to the present.

6:00 PM

Hot Ones Chicken Wing Challenge | BCM | Hosted by Baptist Collegiate Ministry

We will have free chicken wings for all who come, and if you are up for it, we will be doing a Hot Ones Challenge for any who dare! There will also be other food, drinks, and games!

8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Two-Steppin' Tuesday | Union-Ballroom | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience and the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership

Hey Casanova! Immerse yourself in a uniquely Cajun experience and learn how to zydeco and two-step while enjoying some late night bites of classic Louisiana food.

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

First-Year Info Session: Money Management 101 | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the UL Federal Credit Union and the Office of First-Year Experience

Learn the basics of financial education to include budgeting, credit management, and deposit products.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Get the "SCOOP"! | Union- Evangeline Room | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

If I offered you the chance to join a student organization that is about personal development, empowering leadership potential, service to others, lifelong friendships, and fun... would you be interested? Please come enjoy free ice cream and learn more about these organizations - the fraternities and sororities at UL Lafayette!

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dining Services Info Session | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Dining Services

While you're stopping in for lunch, learn more about everything that Dining Services has to offer!

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

First-Year Info Session: The Lafayette Experience | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by Lafayette Travel and the Office of First-Year Experience

Bienvenue en Lafayette! Join Lafayette Travel and come learn about everything that Lafayette has to offer from food and culture to experiences like live music and festivals. You are about to spend your next four years in the Happiest City in America!

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

First-Year Info Session: Office of Disability Services | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the Office of Disability Services and the Office of First-Year Experience

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.

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

First-Year Info Session: Financial Aid Q&A | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of First-Year Experience

If you are receiving financial aid and have any lingering questions before the school year begins, come to this session to hear from the Office of Financial Aid!

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

First-Year Info Session: Academic Resources | Union-Bayou Bijou | Hosted by the Academic Success Center, The Learning Center, and the Office of First-Year Experience

Did you know that we have free tutoring on campus? What about academic counseling? The Academic Success Center and The Learning Center have an abundance of resources for your to succeed your first year on campus!

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

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

Need help finding your classes? Bring your class schedule and let the Student Orientation Staff and SOUL Camp Mentors guide you around campus!

7:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Bowl-A-Palooza | Premier Lanes Acadiana | Hosted by the Office of First-Year Experience

Ready, Set, BOWL! Come out and enjoy a night of FREE food, bowling, laser tag, bumper cars, and arcade games that you won't want to miss!

Buses will be running from campus to Premier Lanes Acadiana starting at 6:45pm. The shuttle drop-off/pick-up location will be in front of the Union on McKinley Street. Parking will be available on-site as well.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

First-Year On-Campus Job Expo | Union- Evangeline 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” will provide the opportunity to connect with these departments.

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dining Services Info Session | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Dining Services

While you're stopping in for lunch, learn more about everything that Dining Services has to offer!

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Make Art for Your Room | Union- Ballroom | Hosted by the Office of Sustainability

Are you wanting to add something unique to your space? Stop by the Union Ballroom; you'll leave with a masterpiece to hang in your room created by YOU! No artistic experience needed.

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Black Speed Networking | Union- Helma Constantine Forum | Hosted by BlackP.R.I.N.T.

Here's your chance to establish connections amongst other freshmen, upperclassmen, faculty, staff, and community members who you may encounter throughout your time at UL. Students will network about various topics and meet people with common interests as you. 

6:00 PM

Freshman Block Party | Cafe Chi Alpha | Hosted by Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship
 

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

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! For mor information, visit the New Student Convocation website. Reminder that students must wear their red orientation t-shirt to Convocation and there is a clear bag policy in the Cajundome!

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

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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

**All students taking UNIV 100 are required to attend Cajun Connection**

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- it will not be the same classroom as your UNIV 100 class for the fall. For more information, visit the Cajun Connection website. 

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.

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Splash Bash | Student Acquatic Center @ Bourgeois Hall | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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

Experience the Lafayette Farmer's Market with a large selection of local food, drinks, art, and other artisanal items while listening to a Cajun jam! 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 - 1:30 PM

Service with a Purpose | 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 because of limited spots, please 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. 

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

PJ Party Social | Union-Ballroom | Hosted by The Office of First-Year Experience

Week Two Detailed Schedule

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 | Hosted by Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Service with a Purpose | 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 because of limited spots, you can 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. 

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Zydeco Brunch | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Residential Life

Come enjoy Zydeco Brunch and music, upstairs in the Cypress Dining Hall! 

12:00 PM

Soccer Match vs. Florida Atlantic | Home Bank Soccer Complex

Cheer on our Ragin' Cajuns soccer team as they take on Florida Atlantic University in one of the first home games of the season!

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Panhellenic Recruitment Orientation | Union-Ballroom | Hosted by Panhellenic Council

This orientation is for all women who have registered for or are considering registering for Panhellenic Sorority Recruitment. You will meet your student Recruitment Counselors and get all the information you need to start Recruitment on August 29th. If you still want to register, you can sign up for Panhellenic Recruitment here!

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Campus Cool Down | Boucher Street | Hosted by UL Lafayette 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

Back to School Bash | Our Lady of Wisdom | Hosted by Ragin' Cajun Catholics
 

First Day of Classes!

7:45 AM - 10:00 AM

Donut Drop-In | various locations across campus | Hosted by the Student Government Association

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

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

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

First Day Flicks | Union-Porch and Evangeline Room | Hosted by Student Activities Board

Come by and take that first day of college photo at our customized photo stations. Sponsored by the Student Activities Board (UPC), this event only takes place ONE time a year! Rep your class with our classification signs and take a photo by yourself or with friends!

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Out of State Mix and Mingle | Randolph Hall | Hosted by Residential Life

Come meet other Out of State Students at this social event to learn about Lafayette and the culture of Louisiana. 

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Community Meetings | Respective Buildings | Hosted by Resident Assistants and Community Assistants

There will be a mandatory upperclassman 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

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

The Cookout | Union- Cypress Lake Plaza | Hosted by BlackP.R.I.N.T.

Welcome to UL Lafayette! Join us for a back-to-school cookout where we provide free food, music, games, and so much more! Don’t miss the fun!

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Kickback and Vote: Voter Registration Drive | Union-Evangeline Room | Hosted by BlackP.R.I.N.T. and UL NAACP

Welcome to Adulthood! With adulting comes a great responsibility: VOTING! Visit with UL NAACP to learn how to take the first steps to begin using your voice as an American citizen.

6:00 PM

Fruit Ninja Luau | BCM | Hosted by Baptist Collegiate Ministries

Come for a fun night of Luau games, real life fruit ninja, Hawaiian burgers, and a great time. Wear your best Hawaiian shirt if you have one!

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 - 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!

10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Get on Board Day | The UL Quad | Hosted by Student Engagement and Leadership

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

6:00 PM

Bingo and Burgers | The Wesley | Hosted by Wesley United Campus Ministry

Bingo and Burgers is back! Let's celebrate the start of a new year with burgers, friends, bingo, and prizes!

6:00 PM

Welcome Back with Father | Our Lady of Wisdom | Hosted by Ragin' Cajun Catholics

Enjoy dinner, a talk, and adoration with Fr. Broussard!

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Who Run the Yard: Yard Show | Union-Cypress Lake Plaza | Hosted by National Pan-Hellenic Council and BlackP.R.I.N.T.

Come out and see our National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) step, stroll, and performance while providing history of the Divine 9 fraternities and sororities. This is a preshow that will lead to the Homecoming Step Show, so prepare to be entertained!
 

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Rec Fest | Bourgeois Hall | Hosted by Rec Sports

Join the Department of Rec Sports for Rec Fest 2024, an exclusive event for students featuring free food, games, raffle giveaways, and a live DJ! Discover what Rec Sports has to offer by visiting the many club sports that will be tabling and demos of the many exciting programs Rec Sports hold throughout the academic year. This event is the perfect opportunity to explore, engage, and enjoy everything Rec Sports provides. Transportation will be available from the Student Union!

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! 
 

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Trivia with Kampus FM | Cypress Dining Hall | Hosted by Kampus FM & Dining Services

1:00 PM

Open Porch with Our Lady of Wisdom | Girard Park | Hosted by Ragin' Cajun Catholics

Celebrate the end of your first week of classes with lunch, yard games, and fellowship at Girard Park!
 

TBD

Freshman First Down | Student Tailgating | Hosted by Traditions Board

7:00 PM

UL Lafayette vs. Grambling | Cajun Field