Cal U’s 2018 Welcome Weekend filled with fun-filled events for first-year students and their families.
From attempting a world record to kayaking on the Monongahela River, Cal U’s 2018 Welcome Weekend Aug. 24-26 promises to be filled with fun for first-year students and their families.
Compared to New Student Orientation, when incoming students confirm schedules and attend sessions on academic success, “Welcome Weekend is more geared to social interaction and our new students getting comfortable with Cal U,” said Kevin Eggleston, assistant director of the Welcome Center.
“There are no activities in a classroom setting. This is the time for students to meet their peers, become familiar with the campus and its resources and amenities. Students can explore the town and get a glimpse of the many things to enjoy here.”
Welcome Weekend begins with Move-In Day for first-year students who will be living in the main-campus residence halls and Vulcan Village apartments. Students arrive between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Aug. 24, with the parent and family picnic taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Convocation Center.
Highlighting Friday evening’s activities for students will be Cal U First Night at the Convocation Center, with a welcome at 6 p.m. from Cal U President Geraldine M. Jones.
Students will attempt to set a world record for the most people wearing mix-matched socks.
Part of the evening’s entertainment includes a performance by FREE DAPS — a freestyle group of rappers and improvisers — beginning at 9 p.m. in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre.
Saturday, Aug. 25, is a “Build-Your-Own Cal U Exploration” experience. Students can enjoy a variety of fitness activities on the main campus; at SAI Farm, on Cal U’s upper campus; or on a guided kayak tour of the Mon River.
Students and families also are welcome to attend he sixth annual California RiverFest, a festival with food, vendors, a parade and live entertainment from 1-9 p.m. Aug. 25-26 in downtown California.
Sunday “Funday” will include at 65-foot inflatable obstacle course and other games, organized by the Student Activities Board.
Cal U’s Weekend Warriors, upperclassmen who will be on hand all weekend to help first-year students settle in to campus life, are sponsoring an “escape room,” where problem-solving skills and teamwork are required to make a “getaway.”
A number of University offices also will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday to assist students and families before classes begin on Monday, Aug. 27.
Returning students will move back into the residence halls from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26.
Welcome Weekend for students will conclude with dinner in the Natali Gold Rush Dining Hall, the traditional New Student Convocation/Candle Lighting Ceremony, and fireworks and ice cream on the President’s lawn, outside of Old Main.
For a complete schedule and Welcome Weekend details, please visit calu.edu/welcome.