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8/14/2003
Contact: K.E. Schwab --
724-738-2199; e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu
SRU PLANS ‘WEEK OF WELCOME’
FOR LARGEST FRESHMAN CLASS IN 15 YEARS
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – What is expected to be the largest
freshman class in 15 years will begin arriving on the Slippery Rock
University campus Aug. 22 and a contingent of more than 650
volunteers will be on hand to welcome them with activities and
programs through Labor Day weekend, including special receptions,
feature films, social activities and fireworks.
“Slippery
Rock University’s enrollment has gained momentum, and as part
of that we want to make sure that all entering students have an
outstanding first-week and first-year experience,” says Dr.
Robert Watson, vice president for student life. “To ensure
that our students quickly acclimate to their new educational
environment, we are rolling out the red carpet for them and their
family as we prepare for the opening of classes. We hope it is a
week they will remember long after graduation,” he
adds.
SRU
begins its fall semester Aug. 25. Official enrollment numbers will
posted on the 15th day of classes.
Known
across campus as “W-O-W” – Week of Welcome,
– activities were well received last year and an
expanded plan has been put in place this year, says Watson pointing
out the program is quickly becoming an SRU tradition. Some 1,800
new students will begin moving into SRU’s eight residence
halls Aug. 22 with an addition 1,000 upperclassmen returning to the
halls Aug. 24. Activities include expanded hours for the
university’s technology help desk to aid students in making
Internet connections and additional hours for Student Accounts
staff on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 will allow students to make
last-minute tuition payments. A 9 p.m. Aug. 22 video dance party
outside Bailey Library is set, and on Aug. 23, fireworks at Old
Thompson Field and a outdoor movie will begin at 9
p.m.
A University Program Board-sponsored
“Carnival on the Quad” opens at noon Aug. 28, and at 9
p.m. a special event in the Aebersold Student Recreation Center is
planned. Students who have pre-ordered/pre-paid for their textbooks
will find them packaged and ready at the SGA Bookstore, and
local businesses providing student-related services
will staff booths in the University Union throughout the
week.
“We
want the first weekend on campus to be fun and relaxing,”
says Watson, adding, “Our student committee has planned
inflatable games, obstacle courses and other events that will help
entering students get to know one another as they prepare for their
academic studies.”
Students
returning to campus will find work crews and special project
contractors have been active over summer preparing for their
arrival. The work included major renovations in the Eisenberg
Classroom Building Auditorium and McKay Education Building, along
with lighting installation for night football games in N. Kerr
Thompson Stadium. The Rock’s home opener football game under
the lights on the newly installed artificial turf set for 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 against Gannon University.
PN, PgN, WPN, PR, PT
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