Valpo to welcome new students Aug. 22

Wed, August 12, 2009 |

Valparaiso University will welcome hundreds of students as the newest members of the campus community this month during Fall Welcome 2009, a week-long program that starts Aug. 22.

Fall Welcome connects first-year students to the Valpo community and eases their transition into college life by helping them get to know their fellow students, professors and staff members who provide a variety of services.

A series of educational and entertaining events are planned Aug. 22 through 29 that will introduce first-year students to the academic and social life on campus and in the community. Programs include a "Think Fast Game Show" that will help students learn more about their classmates and "A Taste of Culture" social sponsored by Valpo's multicultural organizations on Aug. 22, the Student Alumni Association Welcome Barbecue and a Residence Hall Block Party on Aug. 23, and the "One Planet, One People" activities fair and Opening Convocation on Aug. 25.

"We create our welcoming activities to help new students meet other people and feel part of the Valpo community right away," said Dr. Tim Jenkins, dean of students. "All of these events allow students to find out where things are on campus, how to get involved with a variety of student organizations, what services are available and who to go to for help."

Freshmen will start moving into their residence halls at 8 a.m. Aug. 22, and Valpo alumni who have a new student starting classes at their alma mater will gather for a photograph in the Chapel of the Resurrection at 11 a.m.

During Fall Welcome, freshmen will participate in numerous activities designed to prepare them for success at Valpo. Orientation sessions include "Keeping Up," an interactive play written and performed by Valpo students about the college party and dating scene, and "Peace It Together," a program combining humor, music and skits that touches on issues such as culture and identity.

New students also will visit with their academic advisers, meet the staff of their residence halls, take placement exams, audition for music ensembles and learn about research and writing resources available at the Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources.

The University will celebrate the start of the new academic year and welcome new students into the campus community on Aug. 25 during annual Opening Convocation ceremonies at 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Following the event, students, faculty and staff will enjoy a "Taste of Valpo" event and "One Planet, One People," a fair that allows students to learn more about dozens of campus organizations they can join.

Other planned activities for new and returning students during Fall Welcome include a picnic for the University's international students, a comedian and other entertainment planned by Union Board, opportunities to learn about the University's Greek organizations and an Aug. 29 trip to Indiana Dunes State Park.