Compiled by Sage Kiernan-Sherrow and Caity Healy

Following move-in day for returning and new students, which occurred on Sunday, Sept. 22, Western began New Student Week, a tradition focused on welcoming students through numerous informational presentations, promotions from student organizations and entertaining events. This week began with this year’s convocation speaker, Monti Washington, inspiring students by detailing how he faced life’s obstacles and ended with new students signing their names in a sidewalk they will likely be strutting along for the next four years.

Welcome to Monmouth & Independence Celebration: On Tuesday, Sept. 24, businesses from all around the Monmouth-Indy area headed to Western to have the opportunity to get to know the new students. With Independence Cinema passing out their old posters, Jack’s Pub grilling up some grub and prizes being won everywhere, no student left empty-handed. 

Student Organizations & Activities Fair: The quickest way to get to know the clubs and organizations on campus, this Wednesday, Sept. 25 event was a hit in The Grove. Students had an opportunity to walk around and see all that Western has to offer outside of classes, while meeting some of the students who potentially have similar interests to them. 

WUC Premiere Night: As the New Student Week website notes, “Werner University Center’s biggest night” occurred on Thursday, Sept. 26. With every room in the building hosting different events, students could go through and get stamps, which they could later trade in for a bingo card to win some prizes. With free photobooths, caricatures, food and merch, students were able to get to know the WUC while having a good time. 

New Student Sunrise Breakfast and the Signing of New Student Week Walk: While the sunrise (and of course, free breakfast) was a new addition as of just last year, it’s already become a favorite for students, as they were able to do it again on Friday, Sept. 27. Afterwards, the sidewalk signing, a tradition that ages back for decades, was an opportunity for these students to literally make their mark on campus. Painting their names in the classic colors of the Wolves, it was a picture-perfect way to celebrate becoming a student at Western.  

Variety Show and Video: Taking to the stage Saturday, Sept. 28, students showcased their various talents in the annual Variety Show. One of Western’s traditional New Student Week events, the Variety Show allows students to display a diverse line up of talents, from dancing to singing a song. At the end of the student performances, PLUS Team showcased a little something of their own. Full of highlights and bloopers from the week, the New Student Week video made its premiere showing before being released to Western’s YouTube channel. 

Contact the authors at howlnews@wou.edu and howlmanagingeditor@wou.edu