Before the fall semester went into full swing on Aug. 26, new students were invited to participate in Welcome Weekend, a four-day orientation program that ran Aug. 22-25 and helped acclimate students to the community. The event served as an opportunity for students to transition into the university environment and learn about the academic and social opportunities that exist at Kent State.
“Welcome Weekend is a great way for our first-year, residential and commuter students to transition into Kent State’s academic and campus life,” said Josh Perkins, assistant director of Student Success Programs, who coordinates the program. “Our hope is that the weekend provides an array of opportunities for students to not only immerse themselves into the Kent State community, but to also get to know each other through fun activities before the classes begin. Ultimately, Welcome Weekend helps facilitate an environment of connection between students, faculty and staff as we all move into the fall semester.”
Move-in for students began Aug. 22, with the rest of the events continuing through Aug. 25, the day before fall semester classes begin.
The four-day program is a requirement for first-year students. It featured a slew of activities, including a comedy show, movie screening of “Star Trek: Into Darkness,” Convocation, Discover Downtown and many other events sponsored by various campus department. The weekend concluded with the annual back-to-school celebration called Blastoff, which this year featured a laser light show and music performance on the Student Green.
The activities also included a discussion on Aug. 23 of the 2013 common reading book, “Who Owns the Ice House.”
While Welcome Weekend is required for all first-year students, Perkins said students had an opportunity to pick and choose some of the events. All new students were required to attend Welcome Weekend check-in to pick up information and supplies; attend all events scheduled between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Aug. 23; and Aug. 24 between 10 a.m. and noon. The required events were highlighted on the Welcome Weekend schedule.
A complete listing of events and the schedule can be found online at http://www.kent.edu/success/schedule.
During Welcome Weekend, “We Can Help” booths will be located on the first floor of the Kent Student Center and at various locations on campus if students need assistance.
For more information about the 2013 common reading book, visit http://www.kent.edu/success/reading.