With five major events and activities planned, the focus is on students as the start of the fall semester approaches at UW-Stout.
Fall classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 7, but special events leading up to the start of the semester will help ensure that first-year, transfer and returning students are ready to go on opening day.
Move-In: Students living on campus began moving in their belongings on Aug. 27 and will continue through Sunday, Sept. 4. Students schedule a two-hour slot to unload their vehicle and can unpack in a relaxing atmosphere. The week-plus move-in period also provides flexibility with their schedule before classes begin.
Blue Rah: The annual celebration for first-year and transfer students begins at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 4, at Johnson Fieldhouse. Dancing, music, games, trivia and surprises will be part of the celebration.
Speakers will include Chancellor Katherine Frank and Dean of Students Sandi Scott, along with representatives from the Stout Student Association and Athletics.
Blue Rah, which began in 2007, is co-hosted by Orientation and New Student Programs and Blue Devil Productions.
Week One Orientation: First-year and transfer students can meet new people and get acclimated throughout the first week.
“The goal of Week One is to connect students to their peers and begin building community on campus through many ice breakers, group team builders and social activities,” said Britta Miller, coordinator of New Student Orientation.
Information sessions include Your Voice. Your Actions. Your Impact., by the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office; and Wellness 101 presented by Prevea Student Health Services and the Counseling Center.
Free activities will be offered during the week, including Blue Devil Productions’ first Thursday Night Out, Sept. 8. It will feature the bands the Over Unders at 8 p.m. and headliner Running Lights at 9 p.m. at the Terrace in the Memorial Student Center.
Backyard Bash: The annual party featuring student organization booths, music, food and inflatables is scheduled from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, on the lawn south of the student center.
UW-Stout has approximately 150 student organizations, which are coordinated through the Involvement Center.
Meet Menomonie: Students can visit booths to learn about local businesses and services from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the Multipurpose Room of the Sports and Fitness Center. Coupons, prizes and free samples will be available.
UW-Stout partners with the Greater Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce to hold the event.
Also scheduled during opening week is the annual Stout Student Association ice cream social, featuring free ice cream, from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at the student center amphitheater, east entrance. Students are invited to stop by and learn about student government.
For faculty and staff, presemester professional development opportunities began Aug. 22 and continue through Friday, Sept. 2, including universitywide Engagement Sessions scheduled Monday, Aug. 29.
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