Students will be moving into their residence halls this weekend, and the George Washington University has a slew of events planned to kick off the school year.
“The purpose of Welcome Week is to welcome new students and current students back to campus and back to student life,” says Tim Miller, executive director of the Student Activities Center. “There are a variety of events to help ease students’ transition. We really believe that starting out on the right foot is essential for our students having a successful year.”
GW’s official Welcome Week, which runs from Saturday to Sept. 9, includes over 45 events—from the university’s traditional freshman convocation to a student performance showcase and Target “takeover”–for both incoming and returning students.
A full listing of Welcome Week activities can be found here, but highlights include:
G-Dub First Night
9 p.m. – Midnight, Saturday, Aug. 28
Marvin Center
All students are invited for a night of free food, laser tag, bowling, billiards, dancing and games.
Freshman Convocation & Fresh on the Yard
4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 29
Charles E. Smith Center and University Yard
President Steven Knapp and Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs address the class of 2014 as they begin their academic journey, followed by a freshman barbeque on University Yard.
Student Performance Showcase
8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30
Lisner Auditorium and Marvin Center First Floor
All students are invited to the annual showcase of many GW performance groups. After the performances, head to Columbian Square for dessert and to find out how to get involved in the arts at GW.
Target Takeover
10:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 1
Kogan Plaza, Thurston Hall and Mount Vernon Quad
The Columbia Heights Target will open their doors only to GW students for a night of shopping, giveaways and prizes. Students should meet at Kogan Plaza, Thurston Hall or the Mount Vernon Quad for free transportation to Target.
Last Lecture
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 2
Marvin Center Amphitheater
Dennis Schell, assistant professor of psychology, will kick off this year’s Last Lecture series. Speakers plan their lecture based on the premise, “If you knew this was the last lecture you’d ever give to an audience of students, what would you say?”
Fall Fest
4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 4
University Yard
Students are invited to the biggest GW festival and concert of the semester featuring Wale and Travie McCoy. The afternoon will include live music, performances by student organizations and free food.