WOW! SRU hosting array of Week of Welcome activities, Aug. 19-31

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Students moving in

Slippery Rock University welcomes students to campus as part of its Week of Welcome, Aug. 19-31, which will include first-year and transfer student move-in day Aug. 19.

Aug. 5, 2021

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. — Week of Welcome is typically a period of transitions at Slippery Rock University. For first-year students, that means getting acclimated to college life and living away from home for the first time. For the rest of the SRU community, including the hundreds of volunteers comprised of faculty, staff and returning students, WOW is a time to embrace a return to campus activities and the end of summer. Only in 2021, the "wow"-factor is intensified after a long hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic and a community determined to close the social distance.

Starting with Move-In Day for first-year students, Aug. 19, SRU's WOW programming will run through Aug. 31 with a variety of events for students to learn about SRU, socialize and get ready for the first day of the fall semester, Aug. 23.

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome back students this year after having virtual and socially distanced programming last year," said David Wilmes, chief student affairs officer. "Events this year will be bigger and better than they have ever been at SRU as we return fully to in-person activities. There will be a lot of opportunities for students to meet each other and socialize and experience all the great things that college life has to offer."

Dr. Dave Wilmes

   WILMES

More than 1,400 first-year and transfer students will move into SRU residence halls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Aug. 19, at their designated move-in times. Students schedule a move-in time through the MyHousing online portal prior to WOW in a process that was used prior to the pandemic to limit traffic on campus and not disrupt families scheduled to arrive in the following hour. 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 the move-in process.

Wilmes said students can help assure a seamless move-in by:

  • Displaying their designated residence hall "hangtag" on the vehicle's rearview mirror.
  • Making sure they have their SRU ID and $20 Association of Residence Hall Students house council fee on hand.
  • Being prepared 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 the University Program Board hosting hypnotist Chris Jones, of "America's Got Talent" fame, for a 7 p.m. show at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium.

Welcome to SRU Day is Aug. 20, which will include a mandatory New Student Convocation, 10-11 a.m., at Mihalik-Thompson Stadium, as well as games and orientation meetings, including an opportunity for each student to attend a presentation from their respective college's dean from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

There will be other events daily through Aug. 31, including upperclass students moving in, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aug. 22; performances at the Stoner East Black Box Theater, 7:30 p.m., Aug. 23 and 24; and a Backyard BBQ Party hosted by UPB, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aug. 24, on The Quad.

"Ask Me" Tents will be available on the first day of classes, Aug. 23, around campus where students can have questions about SRU answered. There will also be a variety of programs to help students learn about different services and offerings on campus. This will include the Involvement Fair, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 31, on The Quad where more than 200 student organizations will be represented to promote their events and leadership and service opportunities.

A complete listing of WOW events, as well as other helpful information, such as dining options and check lists, are available in the WOW brochure online that can be downloaded from the WOW webpage. 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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