Students Return to Campus; Welcome Week Continues

08/25/2009 

Students began returning to SUNY Cortland on Aug. 27 and, in all, College officials expect 7,143 students to be enrolled for the fall semester. Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 31.

Welcome Week, which began on Aug. 28, offers a number of events to help new students connect with the campus community and assist them in their transition and adjustment to college life. They include:

On Monday, Aug. 31, a "Transfer Student Welcome Picnic" featuring a barbecue will take place behind Randall Hall at 5 p.m. In the event of rain, the picnic moves to Corey Union.

The high energy entertainer Dan Lornitis will keep students laughing in the Corey Union Function Room at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Lornitis leads his volunteer comedians through a safe and hilarious interaction with the subconscious mind. It's all in good fun and good taste. The event is sponsored by the Student Activities Board (SAB).

On Wednesday, Sept. 2, the program "So You're in College - Now What?" begins at 7 p.m. Participants will discuss issues for first year and transfer students, including residence hall living, partying, homesickness, new relationships and peer pressure.

At the same time, the Red Dragons field hockey team competes against Rochester on the Stadium Complex White Field. Tickets are $4 for adults, $3 for non-Cortland students, with free admission to SUNY Cortland students with college ID and children under 12.

On Thursday, Sept. 3, the "RHA Block Party," sponsored by the student Residence Hall Association (RHA), will celebrate the new academic year beginning at 7 p.m. in the Bishop/Shea Quad. The event will feature an assortment of carnival games, inflatables, ultimate tie dye, karaoke, prizes, music and giveaways. Rain moves the party to the Corey Union Function Room. A transfer student social, called "Building Connections," also begins at 7 p.m. at Main Street SUNY Cortland, 9 Main St.

Classmates can get to know each other over a round of miniature golf during the "Cortland Nites - Miniature Golf at Shipwreck Golf" event at 9 p.m. Transportation will be provided from the Corey Union steps. Cortland students can play the first round for free and subsequent rounds for $5.

Also on Friday, the student organization Men of Value and Respect (MOVE), hosts its annual "Welcome Back Party" for new, transfer and returning students at 9 p.m. in the Corey Exhibition Lounge. Water will be sold for $1 per bottle.

On Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, students will get the chance to experience The Great New York State Fair. Buses will depart from campus at 2 p.m. for the fairgrounds in Syracuse, N.Y., and return at 9 p.m. The $6 cost includes fair admission and bus transportation. Tickets may be purchased in Corey Union, Room 406.

Also on Monday, the "Multicultural Life Welcome Back BBQ" will be held at 1 p.m., in Suggett Park. All new and returning students are invited. For more information, call the Multicultural Life Office at (607) 753-2336.

On Tuesday, Sept. 8, a coffeehouse featuring refreshments and classmates offering a turn at an open mic will start at 9 p.m. in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge.

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