Welcome Week Activities Offered Aug. 26-Sept. 7

07/28/2011 

Welcome Week will offer a number of events from Friday, Aug. 26, through Wednesday, Sept. 7, at SUNY Cortland. The activities, which are free unless otherwise noted, will help new students connect with the campus community and assist them in their transition and adjustment to college life.

Highlights of Welcome Week are as follows:

Welcome Week will kick-off on Friday, Aug. 26 with the group PlayFair, voted “Novelty Entertainers of The Year” by the National Association of Campus Activities. PlayFair offers a team-building experience that is intended to have a long-lasting effect on members of the campus community. The program begins at 9 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room.

On Saturday, Aug. 27, the College’s Sexual Assault Prevention Committee will present an informational seminar titled “Let’s Talk About It” at 2 and 4 p.m. in Old Main Brown Auditorium.

A “Welcome Picnic,” sponsored by the Auxiliary Services Corporation and Campus Activities Office, will take place later in the day from 5-8 p.m. on the Shea Hall-Bishop Hall Quad. The picnic moves to Neubig Hall in the event of rain.

The men’s soccer team faces St. John Fisher College at the Stadium Complex at 6 p.m. that day.

Comedian Ron G, a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, will perform at 8 p.m. that evening in the Corey Union Function Room sponsored by the Student Activities Board (SAB). For more information on him, visit his website at www.gorong.com.

A “Transfer Takeoff” and two class-finding tours will be offered on Sunday, Aug. 28. Participants in the hour-long “Transfer Takeoff” should meet at noon at Newmark Pavilion outside the Memorial Library, or in Sperry Center lobby in the event of rain. At 2 p.m., transfer students should meet at Newmark Pavilion for the first class-finding tour. First-year students should meet at the same time on the outside front steps of Corey Union.

Marking the start of another academic year, the Fall 2011 Academic Convocation begins at 4 p.m. that afternoon in the Park Center Alumni Arena. The hour-long ceremony is designed for all first-year and new transfer students. All SUNY Cortland faculty and professional staff are encouraged to attend.

On Monday, Aug. 29, Campus Activities will host Hypnotist Kevin Hurley at 8 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room. For more information on him, visit his website at www.kevinhurley.com.

On Tuesday, Aug. 30, the campus will host an American Red Cross Blood Drive beginning at noon in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge and lasting until 5 p.m.

Later that evening, the Residence Hall Association (RHA) will host a block party from 5-7 p.m. in the Shea Hall-Bishop Hall Quad. The Block Party will have a variety of games and activities including a mechanical bull, prizes, music and giveaways. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 31, Career Services and the Institute for Civic Engagement will hold a Volunteer and Civic Engagement Fair from 4-5 p.m. in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge. By volunteering, students will help others while testing career options, getting hands-on learning opportunities and gaining the experience needed to fulfill service learning and course requirements. To find out more information, visit the Volunteer Civic Engagement Fair website.

“A Non-Threatening Introduction to Yoga” will open the College’s semester-long “Wellness Wednesday” series to the newest arrivals on campus at 7 p.m. that day in Corey Union Exhibition Lounge. Louise Mahar, the College’s assistant director of recreational sports for fitness, will present a beginner-level yoga class. Participants should dress in loose, comfortable clothing and bring a towel.

Students will have an opportunity to make friends and learn about Cortland history during “Dragon Drive-In” at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31. Students may walk down the hill or take the complimentary shuttle bus to the Lynne Parks ’68 SUNY Cortland Alumni House at 29 Tompkins St. and listen to the information on traditions that will begin to make them feel part of the Cortland family. A movie with free popcorn and refreshments will be offered in the back gardens. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets. The evening is hosted by the SUNY Cortland Alumni Association’s “Alum from Day One” program.

The Black Student Union (BSU) will host a “Back to School Bash” in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge on Friday, Sept. 2. The dance begins at 10 p.m. Students must bring ID.

Cortland Nites will offer an “Extravaganza” at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, in the Corey Union lower level hallway across from Dunkin Donuts. The event will include giveaways, pictures and prizes.

On Sunday, Sept. 4, students have the opportunity to attend a Syracuse Chiefs baseball game. The price is $10 and includes the ticket to the game and transportation to and from Alliance Bank Stadium. Students will depart from 5:30 p.m. from the steps of Corey Union. The Chiefs take on the Leigh Valley Ironpigs at 6:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in Corey Union, Room 406. Space is limited.

On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5, students will get the chance to experience The Great New York State Fair. Buses will depart from campus at noon from the steps of Corey Union for the fairgrounds in Syracuse, N.Y., and return at 6 p.m. The $5 cost includes fair admission and bus transportation. Tickets may be purchased in Corey Union, Room 406. Space is limited.

The Multicultural Life and Diversity Office will host a picnic at Yaman Park at 1 p.m. that day. A shuttle service from the front of Corey Union to the picnic will begin at 12:45 p.m.

The Student Activities Board (SAB) and Health Promotion Office will host their first bi-weekly coffeehouse at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge. Students may take turns performing for an audience at an open mic. Poets, musicians and comedians are all welcome and free refreshments are provided.

On Tuesday, Sept. 6 and Wednesday, Sept. 7, students can attend the educational program, “Know the Code,” at 8 p.m. in Corey Union Function Room. Participants may learn the ABCs of the College’s Code of Student Conduct in a relaxed atmosphere involving raffles for free prizes. Student Conduct Office staff members Nanette Pasquarello and Michael Pitaro will present this key seminar to help participants take their first steps along the path of a successful College career.

Also on Sept. 7, Career Services will hold a Student Employment Fair from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the lobby and Exhibition Lounge of Corey Union.

Billie Jean Goff and Mike Holland will discuss issues for first-year and transfer students in the next “Wellness Wednesday workshop, “So You’re In College: Now What?” at 7 p.m. on Sept. 7 in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge. Topics will include: residence hall living, partying, homesickness, new relationships and peer pressure.

A related event, happening after Welcome Week, will be a “Student Involvement Fair” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, on the steps of Corey Union. The fair will feature many Student Government Association-recognized clubs, recreational sports clubs, Greek organizations and others. In the event of rain, the event moves to the Corey Union Function Room.

Welcome Week is sponsored annually for SUNY Cortland students by the Student Activities Board, Auxiliary Services Corporation, Campus Activities and Corey Union, Student Residence Hall Association, Advisement and Transition, Health Promotion Office, Vice President for Student Affairs Office and Cortland Nites.

For more information about Welcome Week events, contact the Campus Activities and Corey Union Office at (607) 753-2322.