Welcome Week to Engage Arriving Students

08/21/2013 

Welcome Week at SUNY Cortland, which began Aug. 23, offers activities geared to help new students connect with the campus community and assist them in their transition to college life.

All events are free unless otherwise noted. They will continue through Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Remaining Welcome Week activities include:

Incoming SUNY Cortland students begin to forge the ties that may last a lifetime in this trust-building exercise.

On Wednesday, Aug. 28, Recreational Sports will offer “An Intro to Yoga” at 7 p.m. in the Corey Union Function Room. Participants will experience a beginner-level yoga class and should dress in loose, comfortable clothing and bring a towel.

The Corey Union Exhibition Lounge will showcase a “Volunteer and Civic Engagement Fair” from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Friday, Aug. 30, is “Red Dragon Pride Day,” part of national “College Colors Day.” The campus community is invited to wear their red and white and enjoy an ice cream social from 1 to 3 p.m. on the Corey Union steps. At 1:40 p.m., a campus photo is scheduled at that location to capture demonstrations of school spirit. To get involved with College Colors Day, visit the website. For more information, visit www.collegecolorsday.com.

At 4 p.m., a “New Transfer Student Welcome Barbecue” will combine a social opportunity with a free dinner, games, raffles and door prizes. The event will take place in the Bishop-Shea Quad area or Hilltop in Brockway Hall in the event of rain.

At 8 p.m., Cortland Nites Extravaganza in the Function Room allows all new SUNY Cortland students to make personalized decorations for their rooms. They can have a picture taken at the Photo Booth, create their very own street sign or try their hand at designing a bamboo plant.

Hypnotist Tommy Vee will attempt to cast his spell on students at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, in the Function Room. Vee typically has audiences “rolling in the aisles” with laughter during his stage hypnosis where volunteers become the real “stars” of the show.

On Monday, Sept. 2, a “Multicultural Life and Diversity Picnic” will be held from noon to 4 p.m. in Yaman Park. All new and returning students are invited. Transportation to and from the park will be provided from the Corey Union steps. For more information, contact the Multicultural Life and Diversity Office, located in Corey Union, Room 407A, at (607) 753-2336.

A Labor Day mini-carnival will take place that day from 3 to 6 p.m. on Van Hoesen Lawn with the Function Room serving as a rain location.

Also starting at 3 p.m., a fraternity/sorority information session for new transfer students begins in the Exhibition Lounge.

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, a coffeehouse featuring refreshments and talented classmates taking turns at an open mike will start at 7 p.m. in the Exhibition Lounge.

The Exhibition Lounge and lobby will showcase a “Student Employment Fair” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4. This event gives students a great chance to find on- or off-campus employment for the school year.

Later, two SUNY Cortland student affairs representatives will discuss “So You’re in College: Now What?” at 7 p.m. in the Exhibition Lounge. Counseling and health education staff members will address issues for first-year and transfer students, such as residence hall living, partying, homesickness, new relationships and peer pressure.

Also on Wednesday, students can attend the educational program “Know the Code” program at 8 p.m. in Corey Union Function Room. Participants will learn the ABCs of the College’s Code of Student Conduct in a relaxed atmosphere involving raffles for free prizes. Student Conduct Office representatives will present this key seminar and answer questions to help participants take their first steps along the path of a successful college career. The event will be repeated in the same location at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5.

During Welcome Week, the women’s volleyball team will host the Red Dragon Classic. Home games also are scheduled in field hockey, men’s soccer and women’s tennis. Admission to tennis games is free. Tickets for the women’s volleyball, field hockey and soccer home events are $4 for adults and $3 for senior citizens, with free admission to SUNY Cortland students with college ID and children under 12.

On Friday, Aug. 30, the Red Dragons volleyball team opens its season against Pitt Bradford at 3 p.m. and Baruch at 5 p.m. in the Park Center Corey Gymnasium. The Red Dragon Classic in Corey Gymnasium takes place on Saturday, Aug. 31, with starting times at 11 a.m. against Mt. Union and 4 p.m. against Rochester.

The men’s soccer team squares off against Nazareth at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the Stadium Complex. Women’s tennis vies against rivals to be announced later on the tennis courts at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, and at the same time on Wednesday, Sept. 4. The field hockey team faces Skidmore College at the Stadium Complex at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 1, returning there to compete against Elmira College at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Welcome Week is sponsored annually for SUNY Cortland students by the offices of Advisement and Transition, Alumni Affairs, Athletics, Campus Activities and Corey Union, Career Services, Multicultural Life and Diversity, Recreational Sports, Residence Life and Housing, the Sexual Assault Awareness and Programming Committee, Auxiliary Services Corporation and Student Activities Board.

For more information about Welcome Week events, contact Campus Activities and Corey Union at (607) 753-5574.