The fall semester has just kicked off, and the Office of Student Life wants new and returning students to not only have fun at OSU Institute of Technology, but also learn about resources on campus and in the community.
Welcome Week, now in its second year, is Monday, Sept. 11, through Friday, Sept. 15, with activities and events held every day across campus.
“I think last year was a success. We saw a lot of involvement, a lot of participation,” said Kamie Rash, Student Life activities coordinator.
A few new events added to the week’s lineup include several aimed at getting people active— Archery Tag and Sneaker Day—as well as a Community Fair to showcase businesses in Okmulgee.
Rash said in the spring, Student Life hosted a successful Knockerball game and thought Archery Tag might be just as fun in the fall.
“We didn’t have anything like that last year during Welcome Week,” she said. “Sneaker Day, it’s more for employees to get them out of their offices and active, but students are more than welcome to come out.”
The Community Fair is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday in conjunction with the Welcome Back Lunch in the Student Union.
“Students can walk around and learn about Okmulgee and what it offers students,” Rash said. “It’s something that’s going to build over time. Creating that tie with the community. Our students can benefit from what these businesses can offer.”
There are also some fun evening events returning from last year’s inaugural Welcome Week like Grocery BINGO and the Concert at the Kite.
“The concert we had last year, we had a good turn out,” Rash said.
The Concert at the Kite will feature red dirt country artist Jake Bowers from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Kite located at the west side of Grady Clack.
At Grocery BINGO, which starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Covelle Hall, students can win prizes like food, paper goods and gift cards.
“They can win Ramen noodles, paper towels, macaroni and cheese, paper plates, cups, toilet paper. There’s also gift cards to local restaurants, iTunes gift cards, Xbox gift cards,” Rash said. “It’s crazy how simple it is and how successful it is. It was huge last year. It’s easy, and it’s a fun event to do.”
Longtime traditions like the free Welcome Back Lunch and Student Life Organization Fair were established before Welcome Week started last year and have now been incorporated into the event.
“The student clubs will have all their booths set up so they can potentially recruit new members,” Rash said of the Student Life Organization Fair. “It’s a chance for anyone who wants to get more involved to see what’s out there and available.”
Welcome Week Events
Monday, Sept. 11,
Student Life Organization Fair, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Student Union
Sneaker Day, noon to 1 p.m., Campus Trails
Archery Tag, 6 to 8 p.m., Covelle Hall
Tuesday, Sept. 12,
Grocery Bingo Night, 7 p.m., Covelle Hall Sponsored by Student Government Association
Wednesday, Sept. 13,
Welcome Back Lunch & Community Fair, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Student Union
Concert at the Kite, 7 to 9 p.m., The Kite Sponsored by SGA
Thursday, Sept. 14,
Voter Registration, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Student Union
Free Movie Night, 7 p.m., Orpheum Theatre in downtown Okmulgee
Friday, Sept. 15,
Spirit Day, wear orange or OSU gear to support the Cowboys
Orange Pride Friday, 20 percent off OSU gear at the Student Union Bookstore
BMI Testing, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Covelle Hall
Voter Registration, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Student Union