Welcome Week 2008

Story and photos by Broadside Managing Editor Sherell Williams

Every year, the George Mason University community welcomes its students to campus with a week-long series of events that include free giveaways, food and plenty of exciting activities. Starting today on the Fairfax campus, students can stop by the Welcome Week tent in the Johnson Center North Plaza and receive a snack and a free student planner from Student Activities in addition to other Mason gear such as t-shirts and backpacks. The tent will be open to students from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Thursday, Aug. 28.
Monday evening festivities include Bingo for Books in the JC Bistro from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. where students have a chance to win prizes and books by playing, you guessed it, bingo.

Mason Athletics invites students to come out and show their Patriot Pride on Spirit Day, Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the JC North Plaza. The themed afternoon will give students an opportunity to learn more about all of Mason’s athletic programs, in addition to the intramural and club sports offered. Games and other entertainment including a Pep Rally and a Spirit Fashion Show are also on the agenda.

Nationally acclaimed comedian and novelist Aaron Karo will welcome students to campus with laughter Wednesday evening from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the JC Cinema. Karo is a bestselling author of Ruminations on College Life and Ruminations on Twentysomething Life, as well as the founder and creator of ruminations.com and the column of the same name. This event is hosted by Program Board.

This year’s Student Government representatives will be sworn in at the 2008-2009 Student Government Inauguration on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the JC North Plaza. Students will have an opportunity to speak with Student Government officials after the ceremony.

Just months after last semester’s electric performance, Mason’s own Divine Nine fraternity and sororities will hold their annual Fall NPHC Step Expo in Dewberry Hall on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 8 p.m to 10 p.m. Admission to the show is free and information booths will be around for students interested in learning more about each individual fraternity or sorority.

Continuing their EFF entertainment, Program Broad presents America’s real life Hitch, David Coleman, also known as the Dating Doctor, on Friday, Aug. 29 from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the JC Atrium.

To end the week, the brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi will host an NPHC sponsored party in Dewberry Hall from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Students are free with their Mason ID.

Over at the Prince William campus, Manassas area businesses will be on hand Monday, Aug. 25 at the Community Corner in Bull Run Hall Atrium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to share information about their programs and give away free items.
There will be a Mason Nation Information Fair on Tuesday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Bull Run Hall Atrium. Several Mason offices will be on hand to promote their departments.

The Mercer Library on the Prince William campus in the Occoquan Building will hold a showcase for both new and returning students on Wednesday, Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The Prince William campus Spirit Day on Thursday, Aug. 28 in the Bull Run Hall Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. will feature a dunk tank, rock climbing wall, live and, and a cookout style BBQ in addition to representatives from GMU Radio. Local area restaurants will also offer students free samples from 12 p.m to 2 p.m. in the Bull Run Hall Atrium. A graduate student reception with free food will end the Prince William Welcome Week festivities on Thursday, Aug. 28 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information about any of these Welcome Week events, visit welcomewek.gmu.edu.