The end of UB's Opening Weekend is a sign that the school year has begun, but that doesn't mean all the free Frisbees, t-shirts and events are over.
September Welcome 2007 will pick up all of the slack, and then some.
"September Welcome is a month full of events for new and returning students," said Cate Schrum, graduate assistant for Student Activities.
Having started with residence hall check-ins, September Welcome will run until the end of the month, concluding with the Linda Yalem Safety Run.
The Offices of Student Life and Student Activities will organize events such as Sumo Wrestling, Texas Hold-Em Tournaments, Build-a-Bear activities, concerts and various Life and Learning Workshops.
"I went to the picnic, movie and concert during opening weekend," said Kerry Tobin, a freshman undecided major. "I will go to the workshops if they apply to something I want to do."
Participating in interactive games and events provided by Student Affairs is a way for freshmen and returning students to meet new people.
"It is a great way for new students to meet people, make connections, and new friends," Schrum said.
Tobin looks forward to seeing the benefits of September Welcome events and UB Late Night Programs.
"It will get people to meet other people and get involved with the university," Tobin said.
All the scheduled events are free, except for Build-a-Bear, which will cost students and faculty $5 to build their own teddy bear at the UB workshop in the Student Union Lobby.
Freshman biomedical sciences major Andrew Jacobowitz is looking forward to the month's events.
"It will be a great opportunity to get free food and meet other freshmen," Jacobowitz said.
Jeff English, a freshman electrical engineering major, attended the comedy act and Smash Mouth concert during opening weekend. He says he's looking forward to doing anything other than schoolwork.
"The events will help people get out and take advantage of the opportunities here," English said.
The events will be held throughout September at various times and locations, and Schrum said that students can find a schedule online at http://welcome.buffalo.edu/.
"It is a great way for new students to have fun while they are starting their new classes," Schrum said.
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
