Buff Branding 2026 Schedule
August 20-22, 2026
| Event | Time | Location | Details |
| Thursday, Aug. 20 | |||
| Check-in | 8AM-6PM | Residence Halls & Student Success Center | Find us near your Residence Hall from 8AM-1PM during Move-In or stop by the Student Success Center to check-in and get your nametag! |
| Color Group Time | 6:15PM-7PM |
Green: Fine Arts Courtyard Blue: In Front of the Library Purple: Buffalo Fountain Pink: Chapel Lawn |
During Color Group Time, you'll meet your Buff Leaders and fellow Color Group members while getting to know one another through interactive activities. This is a great opportunity to build connections, ask questions, and find a community as you begin your WT journey. |
| Family Social | 6:15PM-7PM |
JBK Legends Club |
While students meet with their Color Groups, families are invited to join us for the Family Social. Enjoy refreshments, connect with other WT families, and celebrate your student being a WT Buff! |
| Opening Ceremony | 7PM-7:30PM |
Steps of Old Main |
Officially kick off the Buff Branding experience! Hear from campus leaders, meet fellow Buffs, show off your Color Group spirit during the chant competition, and celebrate the start of your WT journey before diving into an exciting weekend of events! |
| Buff Scootin' Boogie | 7:30PM-10PM |
26th Street |
Grab your boots and join us for your first evening at Buff Branding with Buff Scootin' Boogie! Connect with student organizations, participate in exciting games and activities, learn classic line dances, and experience a night full of western fun and Buff spirit! |
| Friday, Aug. 21 | |||
| Transfer Connect Brunch | 9:30AM-11:30AM | JBK Commons | *Transfer Students Only* Connect with one another and with WT staff in a welcoming environment. Enjoy brunch while learning about campus resources, involvement opportunities, and tips for a successful transition to WT! |
| Donuts and Don't Get Lost | 10AM-11:30AM | JBK Legacy Hall | Grab a donut and let us help you find your way! We will guide you around campus to locate your fall semester classrooms while giving you the chance to become more familiar with campus! |
| Color Group Time | 11:30AM-12PM |
Green: Fine Arts Courtyard Blue: In Front of the Library Purple: Buffalo Fountain Pink: Chapel Lawn |
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| Lunch with Colleges | 12PM-1:30PM | Various Locations | Connect with the faculty, staff, and fellow students within your academic college. Enjoy lunch while building relationships, learning about your college, and discovering the support and opportunities available throughout your time at WT. |
| Maroon Heart Project | 2PM-4PM | Buffalo Fountain | Join your fellow Buffs in meaningful service projects that reflect WT's commitment to leadership, service, and community engagement! |
| Join the Herd | 5PM-6:30PM | 26th Street | Discover all the ways to get involved at WTAMU! Meet student organizations, campus departments, and local community partners while finding opportunities to make friends, build leadership skills, and make the most of your college experience! |
| Color Group Time | 6:30PM-7PM | 26th Street | |
| Thunder Games | 7PM-9PM | Buffalo Stadium | The four Color Groups will go head-to-head in a high-energy competition filled with games, teamwork, and plenty of Buff spirit. Cheer on your group as they compete to earn points and become Thunder Games champions! |
| Org Events | 9PM-11PM | See below for Org Event Details! | |
| Saturday, Aug. 22 | |||
| Fuel For Fun | 11AM-1:30PM | The Dining Hall | Join the Campus Activities Board (CAB) for lunch, games, and activities designed to help you relax, connect with other students, and enjoy time at our dining hall! |
| Buff Splash Bash | 2PM-4PM | Buffalo Sports Park | This high-energy event brings students together for an afternoon of water slides, slip-and-slide kickball, outdoor games, and plenty of opportunities to relax and connect with new friends! |
| Student Affairs Cookout | 5:30PM-7PM | 26th Street | Enjoy a classic cookout with hotdogs and hamburgers, connect with Student Affairs departments through games and activities, cheer on the UPD squad car pull, and watch Color Groups compete in the annual Spam Cookoff for points toward victory! |
| Buff Branding Photo | 7PM-7:30PM | Buffalo Stadium | Be part of the Official Class photo! |
| Eternal Flame Branding Ceremony | 7:30PM-9PM | In Front of Buffalo Stadium | The moment you officially become a Buff. Through shared stories, meaningful reflection, and the tradition of the Eternal Flame, students will celebrate the legacy of those who came before them while considering the impact they hope to make at WT. The ceremony will also conclude the Color Group competition as we announce the Buff Branding champion and celebrate the teamwork, spirit, and memories created throughout the experience! |
| Paint Party | 9PM-11PM | 26th Street | After three days of building connections, competing with your Color Group, and creating memories, celebrate with your fellow Buffs through music, dancing, and a colorful tradition that officially kicks off your WT journey! |
Org Events
Details for Org Events on Friday, August 21st coming soon!