The first week of a new school year is full of emotions for many involved, especially if it is the first week of college. This is most common with freshmen and transfer students as they move away from home, start a new school year, meet new people and start a new journey. To help ease the nerves and to welcome new and returning students, the first week of school at Milligan is known as Welcome Week.
“I love that there are several events that bring the Milligan community together,” said transfer student Loran Campbell. “It helped me as a transfer student to meet new people.”
Welcome Week began with new students moving in on Saturday, August 24, followed by the Matriculation ceremony that night. The week ended the following Saturday, August 31 with dinners at the faculty mentors’ houses. There are also a variety of events throughout the week for all students and faculty to enjoy.
“We do Welcome Week to give new and returning students fun activities, and also allow them the chance to mingle and meet new people,” said Heather Jackson, director of student success and disability services. These events also help lower the stress and anxiety of the first week of classes.
This year included several classics such as the Doe River Gorge trip, corn hole tournament and Open Mic Night.
The lineup for this year’s Welcome Week featured some new events, Jackson said, including her favorite, Trivia Night. Also new was the Block Party and outdoor movie.
Welcome Week this year has been one with great attendance.
“The sheer volume of participation this year has been terrific,”said Director of Campus Activities, Jason Onks. He also mentioned that the encouragement of new student participation by their peer mentors is “key to a successful week.”
“It also helps to have free food, great weather, and activities that interest students… home athletic events also make for an easy opportunity,” Onks added.
Both Jackson and Onks say that the best part of Welcome Week each year is watching new students meet and mingle and returning students reconnect with friends after the summer. With the end of Welcome Week, the fall semester has officially begun.