From human bowling to tattoo contests to lectures on black holes, the University’s Week of Welcome provides chances for students to become acquainted with the campus and to get back into the rhythm of college life.
Various organizations and departments have planned events and informative sessions for the WOW, the week before school starts, to ease students’ transitions into the school year.
“For new students especially, we hope people really get out and meet people and form connections and stay happy and graduate,” said Laura Blake Jones, associate dean and director of student life.
The student resource fair Thursday on the Humpy Lumpy Lawn is a chance for students to check out student groups and resources around campus.
Students and parents who want to learn more about the University or the community can attend any of the numerous interest sessions happening throughout Thursday and Friday. Activities range from an art museum tour to an Outdoor Program presentation for students interested in participating in one of many outdoor pursuits Saturday.
The second annual UO InterMingle, the largest event during WOW, is a chance for all students to eat, dance, sing karaoke and celebrate the new school year. Festivities run 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday in the EMU.
“It is meant to be a welcome back for new and returning students,” EMU Director of Student Activities Gregg Lobisser said. “It’s meant to be a place where people can see old friends and meet new friends.”
InterMingle starts with a parade of muscle cars, and four bands will play throughout the night. There will be a tattoo contest, fire dancers, human bowling, henna tattooing and Texas hold ’em.
The best thing about Intermingle: It’s free to all students. More than 25 departments have contributed money for the event and more than 20 organizations have donated prizes.
“It is the big hurrah to begin the school year, not just for new students, but for all students,” Lobisser said.
For those who prefer a more low-key event, students can visit the EMU Craft Center and do free activities during WOW. Students can sculpt ceramic mugs and bowls on Thursday, and on Wednesday students may bring their own T-shirt to tie-dye.
To wrap up the WOW and formally launch a new academic year, University Convocation gives students a chance to meet University President Dave Frohnmayer and listen to renowned physicist Sylvester James Gates Jr., who explains black holes in layman’s terms.
The fun doesn’t stop after WOW. The ASUO Fall Street Faire starts Oct. 5, providing a place for students to connect with local merchants and vendors during the second week of school.
Among street fairs around the country, the ASUO’s fair is gaining a reputation for being one of the best, according to ASUO Marketing Director David Watson.
“It’s a bridge between the University and the larger community and a place for local artists to sell their goods,” Watson said.
Weaving New Beginnings, a reception for students and faculty of color, runs 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 18 in the EMU Ballroom.
“It’s an event for continuing retention of students and faculty of color,” ASUO Multicultural Advocate Ty Schwoefferman said. “It’s the intro event to reach out to the whole community of color.”