Summer is coming to a close, and the Division of Student Affairs is ready to welcome back all of its students with a week full of activities.
John-Michael Roehm, graduate assistant with the Student Government Association, said the foundation of Welcome Week is to welcome all new and returning students back to Auburn for the fall.
This year's theme is "Get Connected," and Roehm said they want students to get connected to Auburn and to connect themselves with other people.
Welcome Week began Aug. 13 and will feature 80 or more events, plus an additional 20 encore events to take place after Welcome Week wraps up on Aug. 20.
These events will run from Aug. 20 until Labor Day, allowing all students, not just freshmen and transfer students, the chance to get connected.
Some of the more popular events, such as the comedy show, block party and Screen on the Green, featuring "Fast Five", are a great way to make new friends and get to know Auburn's students and organizations a little bit better.
The events are staggered so that students have an opportunity to go out and partake in many different events, and each day features an "anchor event" or main attraction that ranges from pizza and popsicles with the president to the Tiger Talent show, where students will have a chance to win prize money and additional door prizes.
University Program Council adviser Michelle Murphy says the events are all great ways to get out and meet new people.
"We understand that students will not be able to attend all 80 events, but we have these 80 events so that students can pick and choose what they want to attend," Murphy said. "We saw about 500 students at last year's Casino Night, and students have the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and turn their winnings or chips into raffle tickets and claim multiple prizes."
UPC Director Charlie Hessen said this is a great way for students to come and interact and get to know one another and allow for an easy transition into the fall.
"I love seeing students get out of their comfort zone and meet new people," Hessen said. "What we try to do is to tell everyone about these events, and although someone might not want to partake in every event, we do everything we can to entertain them, but it's really up to the student to get out there."
One of the new Welcome Week events this year is the First Year Photo, in which the entire freshman class will have its picture taken.
"Welcome Week has something for everyone, and hosts many different types of events from social to academic interests, as well as an environment for students to get food and information, but also to get connected and get to know one another," Murphy said.
Welcome Week can be followed online at Twitter.com/AUWelcomeWeek or Facebook.com/AuWelcomeWeek.
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