Before upperclassman arrived on campus, Denison was busy welcoming in new students to the next four years on the hill.
If you ask any sophomore, junior or senior, most will remember their first week at Denison. With events such as the infamous Sizzle, to the hypnotist and first times socializing with their new classmates at Casino Night, August Orientation is hard to forget. With Aug-O down, the Class of 2022 has become true Denison students.
However, the fun didn’t stop once the upperclassman arrived. The end of Aug-O only meant the beginning of Week of Welcome (WOW). WOW is set up not only to continue to get the first-year students to meet each other, but also to let the upperclassman start off the new semester with a bang. Events continue to occur through the first week of classes, making the celebration about two weeks long with Aug-O.
WOW is sponsored and funded by the Community Leadership and Involvement Center (CLIC) and the University Programming Council (UPC). However, events are collaborated on with Aug-O Leaders and the First Year Office, Red Tech, Denison Film Society, Residential Communities and The Bandersnatch.
“WOW helps establish the community atmosphere to welcome the new Denisonians! It’s a celebration for a successful academic year,” said Trinidy Jeter, assistant director of CLIC.
One popular event every year is the Community Cookout. As dining halls shut down for the night, students are encouraged to meet with new and old students alike, as well as faculty and Granville community members. Those that attended enjoyed free food and live music. This year’s cookout was held on the Reese-Shackelford Commons on Thursday, August 30.
“It is a really fun time to just sit back and relax after the first day of classes,” said Emily Mason ‘20, a biology major from Wooster, Ohio. “Even though we are a smaller school, going to events like these really show you just how many people you can still meet and get to know. This event is also the perfect way to introduce yourself to those people, starting new relationships. It really is a community cookout.”
Other WOW events included Nash the Magician and a screening of Avengers: Infinity War. The Week of Welcome came to an end this past Thursday with the Involvement Fair, where students of all class years weave through different campus organizations, finding the ones that interest them the most.
“When I first transferred here the involvement fair was a great way to see what my options are on campus. I think it is especially important for first year students who are having a hard time finding where they feel most comfortable on campus and students with similar interests as them,” said Tait Zeiner ‘20, a psychology major from Concord, Massachusetts. “There is so much to get involved in on campus, so I really believe there is something for everyone to enjoy.”
From magic to movies to meeting new people, WOW has come to a close. However, UPC and CLIC will have many events throughout the year. Students can find out what is happening on campus by checking the rotating announcement bar or monthly calendar, both on MyDenison.
CLIC also welcomes feedback each year, to make the next Week of Welcome better than the last.
If you were unable to attend the involvement fair, CLIC has a list of organizations on campus in their office on the third floor of Slayter. Check out the Arts & Life section to see photos from the Involvement Fair, and go to the Features section to see highlights from other WOW events.