FARMINGTON —  All students at the University of Maine at Farmington will begin classes Wednesday, Sept. 2.

First-year students are expected to arrive Saturday morning and move into residence halls before a matriculation ceremony at 3 p.m. in Dearborn Gymnasium.

In a time-honored tradition, UMF President Kathryn Foster, Town Manager Dick Davis and UMF administrators will give a warm welcome at the ceremony, which formally recognizes new UMF students. Students will receive their matriculation cords, which will be worn again at graduation. Students, family and friends will be led by bagpipers to the Roberts Learning Center courtyard for a brief reception.

Sunday will offer a variety of activities for new students, including whitewater rafting, hiking, crafts, gaming, a scavenger hunt, canoeing, mountain biking, a barbecue and a movie.