By Eric Reikowski, media relations assistant
The Oakland University community will ring in a new semester with another edition of the fun-filled extravaganza known as Welcome Week. Festivities will run from Tuesday, Sept. 3, through Friday, Sept. 13.
The celebration kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 3, with a variety of events for new students. Jumpstart for Transfer Students will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Oakland Center Lake Superior Room B, followed by Orientation II for first year students from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on OU’s main campus, the New Student Convocation from 3-4 p.m. in the Athletics Center, and the Involvement Fair from 4-5 p.m. outdoors in the tent in the P-16 parking lot.
“OU’s campus life is alive and well with lots of diverse events to welcome our new and returning students back for the new school year,” said Jean Ann Miller, director of the Center for Student Activities. “There’s something for everyone to get connected and enjoy their OU experience.”
Among the events set for Wednesday, Sept. 4, are several open houses, a BBQ and a yard show. The Oakland University Student Congress (OUSC), Student Program Board (SPB), Student Activities Funding Board, Student Life Lecture Board, The Oakland Post, Student Program Board, Club Sports, Student Video Productions and WXOU campus radio station will host open houses from noon to 2 p.m. in the lower level of the Oakland Center. The Association of Black Students and Center for Multicultural Initiatives (CMI) will host a welcome BBQ from 6-9 p.m. at the north side of the Oakland Center. To conclude the evening, the National Pan-Hellenic Council will host its annual yard show from 9-11 p.m. at the north side of the Oakland Center.
On Friday, Sept. 6, the Sigma Pi Fraternity will host its 19th annual Pig Roast in tandem with the SPB Carnival from 7 p.m. – midnight at the north side of the Oakland Center. Prior to those events, students can get revved up at the Athletics and Grizz Gang’s Jumpin’ Jamboree from 4-6 p.m. in Hamlin Circle, between Hamlin and Vandenberg Halls.
Other highlights throughout the week include Grizz Fest for student, Greek and club sports organizations and community businesses from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, in the mall area in front of Kresge Library; the annual 9/11 remembrance at 8:46 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and the 12th annual Campus Recreation vs. University Housing Tailgate Party and Volleyball Challenge from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday Sept. 12, at the Ann V. Nicholson Apartments.
The celebration will close on Friday, Sept. 13, with a series of events, starting with the kickoff to Oakland’s Hispanic Month Celebration from noon-1 p.m. in the Oakland Center Fireside Lounge. The evening lineup includes Friday Night Live featuring Sailesh the Hypnotist, a world-class performer who has been called the best hypnotist on the planet. He was nominated for Entertainer of the Year and his hypnotherapy sessions have reportedly helped people with everything from boosting memory power to conquering phobias. The event is set for 6 p.m. in the Vandenberg Dining Center, located in Vandenberg Hall.
In addition, the Evasons Mentalist Duo will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Oakland Center Banquet Rooms. For the past 30 years, the award-winning husband/wife team has brought their amazing mind-reading act to audiences in more than 35 countries.
For a complete listing of Welcome Week activities and events,
view the flyer or check out
oakland.edu/welcomeweek. Stay on top of campus construction trends with up-to-date parking and traffic information at oakland.edu/parking and maps of campus at oakland.edu/map.
Oakland University is a vibrant academic community with nearly 20,000 students and more than 260 degree and certificate programs. To learn more about academics, achievements, and events at OU, visit the news site at
oakland.edu/newsatou and follow the news team on Twitter at
@OaklandU_News.
