Florida Atlantic Traditions
Traditions play an important role in college life, defining the unique character of each institution and providing bonding experiences for students, faculty, staff and alumni. Here are some of FAU’s most enduring and well-loved traditions:
Freshman Convocation
The Freshman Convocation welcomes the incoming class to Florida Atlantic University. From the welcome by FAU's administrators to the eloquent words of advice from the Distinguished Teacher of the Year, Freshman Convocation promises to be a memorable and exciting start for Florida Atlantic University undergraduate students.
The Freshman Convocation is the official entry into Florida Atlantic University. The Convocation formally welcomes freshmen to the beginning of their academic career and represents Florida Atlantic University's involvement and commitment to its newest members of the community of learners. As freshmen assemble, convocation introduces them to faculty, staff and administrators and connects them to one another and to the university.
Convocation is a ritual to signal the beginning of a student's college career in the same, significant manner in which the graduation commencement serves as a ritual marking the completion of study.
Red and Blue Weeks
Red and Blue Weeks kick off each fall and spring semester at Florida Atlantic University, welcoming newly arrived students and helping them begin to paint their Owl story. Formerly known as Weeks of Welcome (WOW), this tradition includes a wide range of social events, educational sessions, and workshops designed to help students connect with peers, get familiar with campus, and explore the many resources FAU has to offer. Red and Blue Weeks also include signature events like Move-In Day on the Boca Raton and Jupiter campuses, where members of the university community come together to welcome new Owls and assist with their transition into campus housing. Whether it’s through fun activities or informative programming, Red and Blue Weeks are designed to prepare students for a successful academic and social experience at FAU.
Homecoming
Every fall the FAU community joins in celebrating Homecoming Week. Homecoming events take place on all campuses and include a kick-off Homecoming Hype-Up, comedy show headlined by nationally known performers, the AFSP Out of Darkness Walk, carnivals on the Broward and McArthur campuses and, of course, the football game, with the crowning of the Homecoming royalty during halftime. Head to fau.edu/homecoming for more information.
The Bonfire
The annual fall bonfire, sponsored by Student Government Program Board with the assistance of the Student Alumni Association and other University partners, is quite literally the hottest tradition at FAU. Flames, smoke, music and excitement fill the air as thousands of FAU fans cheer the start of a new football season. Go Owls!
The Taylor Victory Bell
The Taylor Victory Bell rings out the good news after every home win by an FAU team. Donated in 2010 by longtime FAU supporters Robert “Crash” Taylor ’75, and his wife, Nina, the Taylor Victory Bell is 60-plus pounds of solid brass spirit!
Meet Me at Rat’s Mouth
Say what? Newcomers to FAU are often surprised to learn that "Boca Raton" translates from Spanish as “Rat’s Mouth.” While the origin actually refers to a nautical term rather than rodents, FAU students have proudly embraced “The Rat’s Mouth” as the name of our legendary tailgating spot. Now located in Lot 5 on the north side of the stadium, the Rat’s Mouth is the ultimate gathering place for Owl fans to unite, celebrate, and get hyped before cheering the Owls to victory. Come join the tradition—there’s no better place to show your FAU spirit!
Owl Walk
Another great football tradition is the Owl Walk – a human tunnel formed by students, the Marching Owls and the Cheer and Dance Teams that provides a very special way for the team to enter the stadium from the student tailgate area.
Owlsley and the Owlsley Statue
Owlsley, FAU’s high-spirited mascot, appears at all football games and many other campus events. A statue erected in his honor – a gift from the Classes of 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 – stands just outside the Recreation and Fitness Center. Students often rub his beak for luck before exams and competitive events. Among the returning FAU alumni who have posed for a photo with Owlsley is Scott “Carrot Top” Thompson, a 1989 graduate of the College of Business who went on to become a well-known comedian.
Night Breakfasts
Free late-night breakfasts, which include music and entertainment, are presented on the Boca Raton and Jupiter campuses as finals approach, with faculty and staff serving as waiters. The purpose is to help students relax and have some fun before burning the midnight oil to pass their exams.
The Pumpkin Drop and Physics Carnival
Ker-splash! What sounds more juicy than a ripe pumpkin hitting the pavement from more than four stories up? This exercise in splatology takes place at FAU every fall as professors toss pumpkins from the roof of the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science building to provide memorable demonstrations of certain fundamental principles of physics. Faculty members and students in the roles of Aristotle, Galileo, Sir Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein are on hand to explain the operative laws. Onlookers always include elementary school children, who get the idea that science can be fun. The Pumpkin Drop is followed by a Physics Carnival, with games that include rocket ring and pumpkin ping pong tosses, sticky darts and an Einstein bean bag throw.
FAU Students Photograph the World
Every year many FAU students take advantage of the university’s Study Abroad Programs, traveling to locations all over the world. They’re encouraged to record their experiences photographically, and when they return to FAU selected images are put on display in a special annual exhibition.
Math Days
FAU MATH DAYS is a series of outreach programs, interactive activities, and events hosted by the Department of Mathematical Sciences designed to provide elementary, middle and high school students with a wonderful set of experiences that will inspire and motivate students to pursue further study and possible careers in Mathematics and Science. The events provide an opportunity for our community to visit campus and imagine themselves as future FAU Owls.
BLUEsday
What is BLUEsday? We're glad you asked! BLUEsday is the best day of the week to show off your FAU pride. Every Tuesday, during fall and spring semesters, be one of the first to head to Program Board's tent on Diversity way and grab free swag for wearing FAU gear.
Pose with the Coach
Tasked with creating Florida Atlantic University's football program from scratch, Coach Howard Schnellenberger led the Owls for their first 12 years on the field. Those teams brought home multiple winning seasons, two bowl wins, and a conference title. A statue of Schnellenberger, with his iconic pose, is located just inside of gate 1 at FAU Stadium. Pose with the coach next time you are cheering on the Owls!