Students 'Go for the Gold' During Weeks of Welcome
While it may not be Rio, the Buffalo State campus is evoking a definite Olympic vibe as the college celebrates its 2016 Weeks of Welcome (WOW).
Organized by the Student Life Office, Weeks of Welcome: Going for the Gold is composed of a host of informational seminars, receptions, films, dinners, athletic events, parties, and more designed to acclimate students during the first six weeks of the fall semester.
“This year we thought it would be fun to give it an Olympic theme, and build a lot of excitement into the events,” said Sarah Young, director of Student Life. “We want all students to be a part of the welcome back. Whether you are a new student to Buffalo State or returning, there are new and different programs for you to participate in.”
The first week of WOW, held August 23–28, aptly named "Opening Ceremonies," included a trip to Niagara Falls, a movie night, and a welcome back barbecue.
“Overall, our goal was to create a cohesive set of programming for students to connect to their campus and their community. From the participation I’ve seen in just the first week, I think we’re off to a great start in surpassing our goals,” said senior Morgan Snow, who is serving as the undergraduate WOW coordinator. “I’m extremely honored to have been able to be a part of the planning, and I hope that students, especially new students, take this opportunity to connect with the Buffalo State community.”
Activities during the week of August 29–September 5 follow the theme "Social Engagement" and include a trip to Coca-Cola Field for a Bison’s game, a cultural festival on campus, dinner at the Newman Center, and a football game at Coyer Field.
WOW will continue with "Academic Excellence," September 5–11; "Community Engagement," September 12–18; "Homecoming," September 19–25; and "Civic Engagement," September 26–October 2.
During these weeks, various offices around campus will hold workshops on important elements of college life such as effective notetaking; United Students Government representatives will help students get involved; and students will be introduced to the cultural offerings on campus such as exhibits at the Burchfield Penney Art Center and the Dare to be Diverse film series. Students also will be encouraged to get involved in the community event such as the “Out of Darkness” Suicide Prevention Walk and they will get a taste for leadership opportunities.
Another focus this year is on engaging new and returning commuter students, which comprise about two-thirds of the student body. During the first Bengal Pause of the semester, Student Life will host a Commuter Welcome Back in the union lobby. And on Tuesday, September 6, there will be a Commuter Connections Breakfast from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the union’s Fireside Lounge. This gathering for commuters will continue the first Tuesday of each month throughout the school year.
“We’re looking forward to a great start to the semester and an increase in student participation in all the events offered,” Young said. “From the first week through the end of September we hope students find ways to participate in events that interest them and take away new information about themselves and Buffalo State.”