Today@Sam Article

'Welcome Week' Events To Kick Off Fall Semester

Aug. 14, 2015
SHSU Media Contact: Tammy Parrett

It’s that time of year again, when new Bearkats and students returning to campus for the fall semester can get the full Sam Houston State University experience, with activities ranging from sports, to service, to celebrating the various forms of campus diversity, all held the week of Aug. 22-30.

Welcome Week 2015 will kick off on Saturday (Aug. 22) between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., with student organizations lending a helping hand to those moving into their on-campus housing.

Students and organizations assisting with New Student Move-In–and getting a jump-start on another year of fulfilling SHSU’s motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service”– should check in at the Lowman Student Center Paw Print.

On Sunday (Aug. 23), students can cool off after move-in at the Recreational Sports Center for its annual “RecFEST,” where students can explore the RSC, try some fitness demos, or just hang out and enjoy free food and T-shirts, demonstrations, music and more from 1-3 p.m.

Activities will continue at 5 p.m. at Johnson Coliseum, where incoming students will receive their first, official welcome as Bearkats during New Student Convocation.

The ceremony will include some words from SHSU President Dana G. Hoyt and convocation student speaker Catherine Till. Those participating in the ceremony should be at the coliseum with their Bearkat OneCard by 4:30 p.m.

Sunday’s events will conclude with the Sam Houston University Bookstore VIP Night, from 4-7 p.m., during which students can visit the bookstore and see all the merchandise, materials and services they offer; and the Kat Klub Bash, at 6 p.m., during which students can play some of the games offered there.

On Monday (Aug. 24) Bearkats can head over to the Johnson Coliseum at 8 p.m. for the Kat Comedy Showcase, where they will enjoy performances from actors and standup comedians Damon Wayans Sr., Damon Wayans Jr., and Jay Pharaoh. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are expected to go fast, according to Steven Begnaud, program coordinator for the Department of Student Activities.  

On Tuesday (Aug. 25), students new to campus can get help finding their classes before the first day on Wednesday by meeting at 11 a.m. at the Alumni Fountain, near the LSC. 

At 7 p.m., the Residence Hall Association will host the annual “Party in the Pit,” in the Old Main Pit, behind Austin Hall.

Students can wind down from the first day of classes on Wednesday (Aug. 26) with a little “gambling” with Student Activities’ “money” during the annual “Casino Night,” beginning at 7 p.m. in the LSC Ballroom.

The Student Money Management Center will also share the basics of personal finance during their “Gearing Up For College” seminar beginning at 6 p.m. in LSC Room 320. 

On Thursday (Aug. 27) at 11 a.m. in the LSC Mall Area, Unityfest, sponsored by Multicultural Student Services, will expose students to the culture and diversity at SHSU through prizes, food and an opportunity to get involved in different activities. Students can enjoy performances by the KoumanKe’le’ African Dance and Drum Ensemble, Bella Donna Belly Dancers, Asian Arts and Health Center’s Lion Dance Team, and the student organization Anybody Can Dance. That evening, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., students can tune up for the Kats Meow Karaoke in the LSC Kat Klub.

Student Activities will offer a free lunch on Friday (Aug. 28) of hamburgers and hot dogs, courtesy of Aramark/SHSU Dining Services, at 11:30 a.m. for the Bearkat Picnic in the Austin Hall quad area.

Later that evening, students can travel to “Jurassic World” with the Program Council’s “Dinner and a Movie,” at 6:30 p.m. in the LSC Ballroom.

Finally, students can get in a workout during the “Friday Night Lights” flag football game from 8-11 p.m. at Intramural Field No. 1.

Welcome Week will round out with the opportunity to see more Bearkat Athletics on Saturday (Aug. 29) and Sunday (Aug. 30).

Saturday’s Sam Houston Volleyball Invitational will be held at the Johnson Coliseum, with home team games starting at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday’s soccer game against Rice University will be held at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.

“Welcome Week at SHSU is an awesome collaborative experience that departments from across campus host in an effort to ensure all students have the easiest transition into the new academic year,” said Brandon Cooper, associate director for Student Activities. “From entertainment to educational programs, we try to guarantee that the ‘welcome mat’ is laid out for those Bearkats coming to Sam for the first time, or those returning back to their university home.

“Welcome Week is also a great tradition that informs students about other events throughout the year and how they can become more involved, extracurricular-wise, to better enhance their college experience and prepare for their future careers,” he said. 

For more information on any of the Welcome Week 2015 events, visit shsu.edu/studentactivities.

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