Lee Thomas | Lifestyle Editor
The first week of school can be rough for new and returning students transitioning back into school mode from summer vacation. Whether just beginning as a freshman, or on the last semester as a senior, these fun back to school events can help get heads back in the game.
On Monday, August 24, the first day of school, Freshman Convocation will be held in the UCCU Center at 5:30 p.m. The event is apparently mandatory; although it’s not certain what the punishment is for not attending. With an RSVP, freshman and their families will receive a free BBQ dinner from Wallaby’s Restaurant at an after-event dinner in the UVU Courtyard.
All week long there will be booths in the Hall of Flags with representatives and recruiters from different clubs, on and off-campus jobs and internship opportunities. This is your chance to find a club that can help target your interests and give you more experience and contacts in a variety of fields, including those interested in writing for The UVU Review.
The bookstore will be giving out fortune cookies with a prize in each one. These prizes range from a free ice cream cone at Scoops to a surprise grand prize. Last year, the bookstore bought all of one winning students’ books.
There will be a Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibit featured in the Upper Commons area of the Sorenson Student Center. The artists will rotate all semester and the first week is student illustrator Kristy Lender.
Tuesday, August 25, there will be high-stakes bingo held in the Student Center Ballroom at 9 p.m. The jackpot is a trip to Disneyland, and many other smaller prizes will be given out.
From 7:00 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, Dean of Students Alexis Palmer will be holding an event in the courtyard called “Pancakes with Palmer” where students can mingle with the Dean while eating free pancakes.
From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. the first Wolverine Wednesday, which features local comedians and performers, will be held at Center Stage in the Student Center. Also, beginning at 7 p.m. there will be a free movie screening of Jurassic World in the Courtyard, with a backup location of the Ragan Theater.
Finally, on Wednesday night at 11:45 p.m. in the courtyard will be the famed True Wolverine event, in which students are encouraged to kiss other students at midnight in order to become a “True Wolverine.”
Thursday, August 24, will be Jumpstart Orientation day. Described as a “comprehensive, partial-day event that will help you connect meaningfully to UVU’s academic and social environment,” this event should be signed up for at uvu.edu/orientation/jumpstart/dates. There will be another event the following Tuesday, September 1, for those who cannot attend on August 24.
Friday, August 28 at 9 p.m. will be the Green Out Dance in the Courtyard. This is a perfect chance to meet new friends and cap off your first week of school with some fun. Obviously, green attire is highly recommended.
Activites at The Zone are a constant including cooking mini-courses, sewing classes and tutoring services. A schedule can be found at their location across from the bookstore.
The Office of Student Involvement is located in the Student Life and Wellness Center and aids in finding leadership positions and a more immersive educational environment.
Finding ways to engage is never too complicated here at UVU. The first week of school is always packed with events , which continues on throughout the semester. Make the most out of your school experience and get involved.
Search uvu.edu/events for more activities during the semester.
