Ryan Tubongbanua / The Collegian

For some students, Welcome Week is a good time to interact and glean information about activities on campus. For others, it can be a bit overwhelming.

This past week, Fresno State students had hundreds of opportunities to hone their interest thanks to the Welcome Week ceremonies on campus. The University Student Union (USU) has made it possible for new and returning students to find a community that suits them.

Welcome Week highlights student opportunities, offers activities

The Welcome Week ceremonies kicked off on Monday in the USU South Patio offering music entertainment and prize drawings.

A host of academic clubs and departments represented their programs from the Memorial Gardens on Tuesday. The Colleges, Departments and Academic Student Organizations Fair lasted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and featured a free concert on the USU South Patio.

Wednesday took a different spin as hundreds of clubs and organizations lined up in the free speech area to get themselves recognized. The USU was also holding its own open house on the south balcony where students lined up for free airbrush tattoos and prizes for the bean bag toss. Several USU representatives were roaming the area, passing out flyers and offering information to curious visitors.

“We’re really trying to get students engaged in academics and the community,â€Â said Kerry Jack, director of student involvement for the USU. She also wanted students to know that the USU was there to assist all those who want to get involved in campus activities.

Ryan Tubongbanua / The Collegian

Freshmen Brianna Johnson and her friends were only five minutes into the festivities and already several bodies deep in line for the airbrush tattoos.

“It’s been fun. I’ve enjoyed it so far,â€Â said Johnson, who was planning on getting the Chinese symbol for peace applied to her wrist.

Getting the word out

Jeff Phillips, president of the Fresno State Triathlon club was trying to reach anyone with the will to bolster their physique and compete against others.

“We’re all about finding like-minded students who enjoy working out,â€Â said Phillips, a junior.

Folks at the tutorial center were letting students know that their services are completely free and that it is also a good place to squeeze in some quiet study time.

“The big kicker is that we’ll be considered to be placed in the library,â€Â said Idalia Morgutia, administrative assistant in the tutorial center. While it’s not certain whether this move will be guaranteed, she stressed that they will be giving the same quality help as always with on board tutors who have been certified by the College Reading and Learning Association (CLRA).

First Nations, an American Indian Student Organizations, was encouraging students to save the dates.

Among their upcoming events is a celebration on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 in honor of Dia de los Muertos where traditional Aztec dancing can be seen. The club will also share some history and heritage of the Native American culture.

There were more than a few options open for the spiritually oriented student as well. The Rock is a Christian organization that holds sporting events such as softball. They also conduct various college Bible study services at The Bridge church in Fresno.

“We want students to know that there’s a Christian influence on campus,â€Â said club member Tony Pietrolungo, a senior history major.

A graduate student in nursing, Richard Jones, was passing out CDs on the USU South Patio spreading the word about Fresno State̢۪s radio station KFSR 90.7.

“We’re trying to branch out,â€Â said Jones, who explained that not everything played on the station is jazz as some have been led to believe. “It’s nice to have a younger listenership.â€Â Jones’ program comes on between 6 and 9 p.m. Friday nights where he plays local bands like SparkleJet and 40 Watt Hype.

Athletics, careers close Welcome Week

The Student Services Fair was followed up the day after by Spirit Day, an event that put the spotlight on Fresno State̢۪s many athletic programs and a few professional organizations designed to get students thinking about their current and future careers.

Welcome Week ends today with continued open houses in the learning center and a demonstration by the Ultimate Frisbee Club. Tuesday of next week is reserved for ASI (Associated Students, Inc.) Day where students can get in their last bit of recreation before classes get demanding. Free ice cream and music are just a few of the festivities planned from 11:30 a.m to 1 p.m. at Memorial Gardens that day.

Students may find out more about on campus clubs by going to the Student Activities Web site.

Ryan Tubongbanua / The Collegian

Welcome Week Activities

Welcome Week continues through the Wednesday,
Sept. 4. Join the fun at the following campus activities:

̢ۢ Ultimate Frisbee Club demonstration, Fri. Aug. 28 9 a.m. -1 p.m. Peters annex trailer.

̢ۢ ASI Day, including free ice cream, music and kiddy pools, Tues. Sept. 2 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. Memorial Gardens.

̢ۢ Community service opportunities fair Wed. Sept. 3, 10 a.m. Memorial Gardens.

̢ۢ Legislative intern informational meeting, pizza and soda, Wed. Sept. 3, 3 p.m. -7 p.m. USU 310