SRU welcomes students to campus with WOW activities, Aug. 17-29

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Week of Welocme is coming up

Slippery Rock University’s Week of Welcome, Aug. 17-29, includes first-year student Move-In Day, Aug. 17.

July 13, 2023

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — The "wow factor" is defined as a quality or feature of something that makes people feel great excitement or admiration. At Slippery Rock University, that's the reaction first-year students have during the Week of Welcome, Aug. 17-29. Known simply as "WOW," SRU's Week of Welcome is an annual series of events created to acclimate first-year students to college life and life away from home for the first time.

For faculty, staff and returning students, WOW is one of the things that makes SRU a special place to learn and work as well as a shared time to welcome the new members of the campus community.

"From the moment students arrive on campus, we provide the support they need to feel welcomed and quickly find SRU as the place where they belong," said David Wilmes, chief student affairs officer. "WOW is not about us making a good first impression for our students. It's about setting students up to succeed and showing them from day one the resources and support that the SRU community offers."

Starting with Move-In Day for first-year students, Aug. 17, SRU's WOW programming features a variety of events for students to learn about SRU, socialize and get ready for the first day of the fall semester on Aug. 21.

More than 1,500 first-year and transfer students will move into SRU residence halls from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 17, at their designated move-in times. Students schedule a move-in time through the MyHousing online portal prior to WOW so they have the time and space to move in their things efficiently and limit traffic on campus. Volunteers will be ready to assist students and their families from the moment their vehicles enter campus.

Arriving students and their families are advised to:

  • STOP ... in front of their assigned building.
  • DROP ... off all belongings. Volunteer staff will be on hand to assist.
  • GO ... park the vehicle so that others can begin their move-in process.

Students can help ensure a seamless move-in by:

  • Displaying their designated residence hall "hangtag" on the vehicle's rearview mirror.
  • Preparing for the weather (extreme heat, rain, etc.).
  • Marking all luggage with a label showing name, residence hall and room number.
  • Packing belongings in easy to carry totes, boxes or tied-off trash bags.
  • Bringing a small dolly or cart for moving bulky items.
  • Smiling and enjoying the day.

Move-In Day will conclude with a performance by hypnotist Chris Jones, of "America's Got Talent" fame, for an 8 p.m. show at Morrow Field House, hosted by the University Program Board.

"Welcome to SRU Day" on Aug. 18, will include a mandatory New Student Convocation, 9:30-10:30 a.m., at Morrow Field House and opportunities for each student to attend a presentation from their respective college's dean from 2-4 p.m. The WOW Carnival will also be held from 8-10 p.m., at Old Thompson Field, with live music, rides, games, prizes, and carnival food.

There will be games, activities, performances, and other events daily through Aug. 29. Upperclass students will move in, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 20.

"Ask Me" Tents will be available around campus on the first day of classes, Aug. 21. This is where students can ask questions about SRU and get additional information about campus life.

During the Involvement Fair, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 29, on The Quad, more than 200 student organizations will be available to discuss their events and leadership and service opportunities.

A complete listing of WOW events is available in the online WOW brochure. For additional questions or information, contact the Student Affairs Office at 724.738.2155 or wow@sru.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Zackal | 724.738.4854  | justin.zackal@sru.edu

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