Slideshow: Welcome Week Gets Year Off to a Colorful Start

Students gathered at the University's central mall to mingle and enjoy the Welcome Back BBQ, which was held after the University Convocation.

President David E. Daniel spoke to the new students about their journeys at UT Dallas during the University Convocation — the formal welcome to all new freshmen and transfer students to the University.

A group of UT Dallas students found a spot to relax and enjoy refreshments during the barbecue.

The 2013 University Convocation ceremony formally initiated the "Education and Technology: The Crossroads" theme for the 2013-2014 academic year.

At the Cometville Carnival, student organizations and University departments operated booths featuring games, food and prizes along the campus' central mall. One of the booths had a prize wheel for students to try for free UT Dallas gifts.

The UT Dallas cheerleaders lifted spirits — and each other — during the Spirit Rally, which was part of the carnival.

A group of students learned to hula at the Comet Beach Luau held at the Phase 8 Pool.

Students lined the luau’s poolside— an ideal location for a summer event.

Triza Nganga, an electrical engineering sophomore, and Junior Gutierrez Cruz, a biology freshman, sit and eat during the luau. Hawaiian cuisine and games were on the menu.

Trained hula dancers spent the evening teaching students how to do the iconic Hawaiian dance.

Once the sun set, students poured into the pool to play games at the Comet Beach Luau.

The Multicultural Center sponsored Salsa Night during Welcome Week. The students blended Latin moves with the University’s signature move — the Whoosh.

These students took a quick photo break from the fun at Rec N’ Wild: Taylor Martinez (from left), a neuroscience senior, Alex Luna, a biomedical engineering junior, Brianna Mayer, a biomedical engineering junior, Michael Darrow, a biomedical engineering senior, and Eduardo Leal, a mechanical engineering senior.

Alexander Cook, a research assistant in the Department of Physics, showed how electrostatic energy starts a variety of reactions at Mad Science.

Sindhu Mahadevan (middle) and John Veloria, molecular and cell biology teaching assistants, demonstrated how to purify DNA from strawberries during Mad Science.

Students raised their hands and pumped their fists during the Silent Disco at the Activity Center. They tuned in to one of three stations, each managed by a separate DJ, to listen to songs on wireless headphones.

Ross Lightfoot, a computer engineering sophomore, rocked out during the Silent Disco.

Students danced in the Activity Center’s packed gym during the Silent Disco.

Andrea Giron (left), a biology freshman, and Kelsey Webb, an art and performance freshman, attended the Silent Disco.

Mito Are, a computer science senior, and Joshua Rillo, a junior, performed a medley of songs from the ’90s. The duo won first place at Comets Got Talent.

“Friidom” Darrel Dunn, an arts and technology senior, performed a dance he called "Epic Dance." From singing and dancing to strumming and yo-yo slinging, several Comets displayed their skills at Comets Got Talent.

Greek life at UT Dallas was on full display at Meet the Greeks during Welcome Week. Members of sorority Kappa Delta Chi raised their hands in the air as they performed for the audience.

Men from Sigma Lambda Beta showed off their dance moves during the performance portion of Meet the Greeks. Each fraternity and sorority also shared information about its chapter.

The Black Light Party drew an energetic crowd of students. DJs spun tunes as students enjoyed dancing late into the evening.

Fun-loving Comets came together for this photo at the Black Light Party. The Founders Building atrium was packed with students wearing glow sticks and dancing underneath a black light.

Temoc's appearance at the After Party was well-received. Students scrambled to pick up the Texas Bucks he tossed from the plinth.

Whoosh! A group of students showed off their Comet spirit at the Welcome Week After Party, a carnival-themed gathering sponsored by the Student Union and Activities Advisory Board.