Week of Welcome kicks off fall semester

SIUC is preparing to welcome new and returning students to campus for another school year.

Beginning Friday, Aug. 18, a variety of events and activities will welcome students to campus for the fall semester, which opens on Monday, Aug. 21.

Highlights of the annual "Week of Welcome" include:

Friday, Aug. 18

• New students move in to residence halls. To minimize waiting times, University Housing asks that students and their families follow this schedule: Last names beginning with letters A-G, 7-9:30 a.m.; H-O, 9:30 a.m.-noon; P-Z, noon-2:30 p.m.; open move-in, 2:30-4 p.m.

• Campus and community tours, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; meet at the main entrance of the Student Center.

• New student picnic, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. University Housing Dining Services will provide new students and their families with free food at Trueblood Hall at University Park, Lentz Hall at Thompson Point, Grinnell Hall at Brush Towers, and University Hall.
• Saluki Oasis, 1-4 p.m., Student Center second floor. Refreshments, give aways, 10-minute chair massages and an opportunity to meet fellow students and their families.

• Welcome Fest, SIU Arena, 7 p.m. Chancellor Walter V. Wendler will welcome new students and their families and the Marching Salukis, Saluki Shakers, cheerleaders and mascots will entertain. Many Carbondale businesses and organizations will have tables set up, offering information and free food and giveaways.

Saturday, Aug. 19

• Returning students move in to residence halls, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• "Meet Me on Main Street" scavenger hunt and welcome celebration, Town Square Pavilion, 1-5 p.m. Students can enjoy free round-trip transportation via Saluki Express from residence halls to the pavilion, located in the center of Carbondale. Festivities include free hot dogs, drinks and other refreshments, along with live music. Students can participate in the "Pizza Taste Off," enjoying samples of various restaurants' pizza and voting for their favorite. Students also can visit businesses participating in the scavenger hunt for the chance to win prizes of $25, $50 or $100 in cash, round-trip Amtrak tickets to Chicago, gift certificates to area restaurants, T-shirts, and more.

• Making College Count and mentalist Joshua Seth, 7:30 p.m., Student Center Ballrooms. Making College Count is a free, interactive presentation designed for all first-year students. Those attending will receive free gift bags. Following Making College Count, Seth will amaze and delight the audience.

Sunday, Aug. 20

• InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Luau Beach Party, 6-8 p.m., campus beach. Free food and fun for everyone.

Thursday, Aug. 24

• First Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Student Center. Students can enjoy free bowling, caricatures, Noon Tunes, soda, prizes and participate in games and psychic readings.

Sunday, Aug. 27

• Sportfest, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., lower and upper Arena playing fields, sponsored by the Student Recreation Center.