Indiana University

News Release

Monday, August 23, 2010

Last modified: Monday, August 23, 2010

Welcome Week helps incoming IU Bloomington students prepare for classes, learn campus traditions

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Freshman move-in day August 25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2010

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- New and returning Indiana University Bloomington students can share in the traditions and culture of IU during "Proud Traditions: Welcome Week 2010," presented by the IU Office of First Year Experience Programs starting August 25. After freshman move-in day, which starts at 8 a.m., August 25 (Wednesday), incoming freshmen are invited to take part in one of two Freshman Induction Ceremonies that day at 2 and 4 p.m. in IU Auditorium.

At each of the two 45-minute induction ceremonies, presided over by IU President Michael McRobbie and Provost Karen Hanson, new students are formally inducted into the academic community of IU. Students and families also will learn "Hail to Old IU," the official alma mater, and hear about some of the university's ceremonial traditions before adjourning to an induction picnic.

Welcome Week is designed to connect students with the people, places and resources of IU, said Melanie Payne, director of New Student Orientation and associate director at the Office of First Year Experiences. "It is planned with the assumption that when students feel more comfortable and connected with their surroundings, they can focus more easily, and they are more likely to reach out for assistance when they need it," Payne said. "As such, they are more likely to be successful and graduate from Indiana University."

Among the week's highlights:

Welcome Week also offers information on IU resources and opportunities for involvement through academic orientation activities in each school, open houses, educational sessions on technology and finances, and library events. Students are connected with community service opportunities through New Student Service Day, a "hands on" event that this year takes place August 26.

The activities don't end with the start of classes. On the first two days of the new semester, IU Guides (administrators, faculty members, and student and alumni volunteers) will be stationed in high-traffic areas to help new students navigate campus. Events continue as students explore the many ways to get involved in and out of the classroom at IU.

Welcome Week continues where New Student Orientation leaves off and helps students transition to the IU experience, Payne said. While some incoming students took part in three-day orientations over the summer, some will be enrolled in an orientation from August 22-August 24.

"Welcome Week at IU is not simply a string of social events, but rather an integral part of the culture of IU and a factor in retention and student support efforts that make IU a special place," Payne said. "The student who attends Welcome Week events can't help but feel more comfortable with the campus, more knowledgeable about the opportunities, expectations and services, and most important, more at home here."


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