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News Release

Last modified: Friday, August 19, 2011

IU prepares to welcome new, returning students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 19, 2010

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- School is nearly back in session at Indiana University's eight campuses throughout the state.

IU will begin welcoming new and returning students next week with fall semester classes beginning Monday (Aug. 22) at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, IU Kokomo and IPFW. IU Bloomington, IU East, IU Northwest, IU South Bend and IU Southeast are back in session Aug. 29.

To prepare for the upcoming school year, IU students will participate in, among other campus events, a New Student Welcome at IUPUI on Sunday (Aug. 21); IU Bloomington's annual Move-In Day and Freshman Induction Ceremonies (Aug. 24); and the first-ever formal induction ceremony for new students at IU South Bend (Aug. 26). (For more information about welcome and student orientation activities at IU campuses, see links at the bottom of this story.)

IU Bloomington Welcome Week

IU Bloomington will host "Proud Traditions: Welcome Week 2011. Presented by the IU Office of First Year Experience Programs, the week of activities begins Wednesday morning (Aug. 24) at 8 a.m., when residence halls open for Move-In Day and students begin settling into their new homes.

For the week's signature kickoff event, incoming freshmen and their families are invited to take part in one of two Freshman Induction Ceremonies, an IU tradition for more than 70 years. Presiding over each 45-minute induction ceremony will be IU President Michael A. McRobbie and Karen Hanson, executive vice president and provost of IU Bloomington. Participants will 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 helps incoming IU Bloomington students prepare for the college experience and is designed to connect students with the people, places and resources of IU.

"When students feel more comfortable and connected with their surroundings, they can focus more easily, they are more likely to reach out for assistance when they need it, and they feel more 'at home,'" said Associate Director of First Year Experience Programs and Director of Orientation Programs Melanie Payne, who coordinates the week. "They are more likely to be successful and graduate from Indiana University. We plan Welcome Week with that in mind -- to help students connect with the opportunities and people at IU."

"Welcome Week isn't only the kickoff to fall semester -- it's the opportunity to make new friends, experience the excitement of campus and learn about the culture of Indiana University," said IU junior Annie Rowland.

"Welcome Week is my favorite time of the entire year," said IU junior Malena Zook. "There is nothing better than so many new Hoosiers coming together in excitement for their journey at IU. Welcome Week made me feel like a part of the university -- it's exciting to know that the IU family is about to grow!"

In addition to events in all residential areas, the week's highlights at IU Bloomington include:

Wednesday, Aug. 24:

• 8 a.m. Residence Halls open.
• 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Freshman Induction Ceremony and Picnic, IU Auditorium. Each ceremony is followed by a family picnic behind Lilly Library and Woodburn Hall.
• Early evening: All new students have required meetings in their residence centers, where they'll be introduced to other students, services and policies, as well as to their general surroundings. Off-campus students will also have a new-student meeting to get acquainted with one another and learn of some of the resources they will need.

Thursday, Aug. 25:

• 3 p.m.: Academic Orientation events throughout campus.
• 4:30 p.m.: CultureFest, IU Auditorium. Featuring keynote speaker Preacher Moss, writer for "The Damon Wayans Show" and "Saturday Night Live," and currently a social commentator on the college scene today, with special guest Chief Brian J. Buchanan of the Miami Nation of Indians. Students can explore and celebrate the diverse cultures of IU through live music, food and more.
• 7:30 p.m. CultureFest After-Party, IU Art Museum. The newly renovated IU Art Museum opens in time for the CultureFest After-Party, with dance music and dessert.
• 9 p.m. pLaY iT uP: Game Night @ the Wells Library. Incoming students can get to know the library's collections and research facilities -- and learn about each other during an evening of games (video, card, board and active) that continues until 11p.m.

Friday, Aug. 26:

• 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. IU Fall Jobs Fair, Indiana Memorial Union, Alumni Hall. From 9 a.m.-11 a.m., students can learn about work-study jobs. Information about non-work-study jobs will available be from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
• 11 a.m. Safety at IU: A Reality Check. Officers from the IU Police Department will offer tips on how to avoid and manage the risky situations students sometimes encounter in a program that builds upon existing safety awareness programs at IU. Followed by "Sex, Drugs and Rock n' Roll," featuring a festival of information and interactive events at Showalter Fountain.
• Noon-3 p.m. open houses, receptions and tours of culture centers and other campus highlights, including RecFest from 1 p.m.-3 p.m. on Woodlawn Field.
• 4:30 p.m. The Traditions and Spirit of IU, Assembly Hall. Hosted by the Office of First Year Experiences, IU Athletics and Residential Programs and Services, this Welcome Week tradition includes the Fight Song, Traditional IU Cheers and lots of surprises. Afterward, shuttles will take students to the Indiana Memorial Union for the Taste of the Union, where they can explore the IMU and can take part in karaoke, bowling and billiards, movies and video games -- plus sample food throughout the building.
• 10 p.m. Midnight Madness (through 2 a.m.). Shuttle buses take students to a late-night shopping event for last-minute residence hall furnishings and school supplies. Special prices, games and prize drawings just for students.

Saturday, Aug. 27

• 8:30 a.m. New Student Service Day through 1 p.m. A time to get involved in the community. Students will work with Bloomington nonprofit organizations in a variety of service opportunities. New IU students can reserve a spot by e-mailing iuserve@indiana.edu.

Sunday, Aug 28

• 1 p.m. Faithfest, Dunn Meadow. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., a variety of religious groups will welcome students to campus with information, food and activities.

During the first two days of classes, IU Guides will be stationed throughout campus with maps and information to help students find their way.

Throughout the following weeks there will be a variety of events that include the IU Student Involvement Fair (Wednesday, Sept. 7), Mall Madness at College Mall (Thursday, Sept. 8), Freshman Family Weekend (Friday-Sunday, Sept. 16-18), Bloomington Multicultural Expo (Sunday, Sept. 18) and a Habitat for Humanity build (Sept. 29-Oct. 7), among many other activities.

Students can get daily Welcome Week updates and highlights on Twitter (follow OTeamatIU) and on Facebook ("like" IU First Year Experience Programs).

Additional information on campus welcome, student orientation activities

• IU Bloomington Welcome Week
• IUPUI New Student Welcome
• IU East First-Year Seminar Celebration
• IPFW Student Life
• IU Kokomo Student Life and Welcome Week Activities
• IU Northwest Welcome Back Week
• IU South Bend Welcome Week
• IU Southeast Week of Welcome

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