So, you’re a USF Bull. That title means something, and if you don’t know what that means, you’re about to with Week of Welcome (WOW) 2012.
On Wednesday, Aug. 22, this truly exciting, 11-day festival of events, connections and opportunities brings in the new semester. A fantastic way to meet your peers, staff and USF organizations, it would almost be rude to skip out on these very many, very diverse occasions.
You’re no run-of-the-mill, dispassionate college student. You’re a USF Bull. Get out there, and take advantage of the (honestly) countless opportunities provided by WOW 2012!
Wednesday, Aug. 22:
WOW Kick-Off Celebration
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Marshall Student Center
Details: Dive into Week of Welcome 2012 with the annual WOW Kick-off Celebration. The opening ceremony of Week of Welcome provides great networking opportunities with students and staff, a chance to win some awesome prizes and, naturally, some irresistible eats. It’s a great way for new students to immerse themselves in Bull spirit!
Welcome Jam
8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Marshall Student Center Ballroom
Details: Once you’re done settling into your dorm and/or apartment, head on over to the Marshall Student Center for the USF Welcome Jam! Hear from some of the many (and I mean many) organizations at USF, while snacking up and meeting your fellow Bulls.
Thursday, Aug. 23:
USF World Welcome BBQ
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cooper Hall/BSN Lawn
Details: Are you an international student? Have you recently studied abroad? Or, rather, would you like to? If you answered “yes” to any of the preceding questions, you should really check out the USF World Welcome BBQ! Share your tales of wanderlust with other worldly Bulls and a good old-fashioned barbeque.
Breakfast at Midnight
11 p.m. – 1 a.m.
USF Crosswinds Building (WFC)
Details: There really is something to breakfast food at night, and the people of Crosswinds at USF understand that. Don’t let Thursday night go to waste! Head over to Crosswinds for food, giveaways, games and a live DJ to keep the night alive.
Friday, Aug. 24:
Welcome to Tampa Bay and Get Plugged In
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Marshall Student Center Amphitheater
Details: The perfect networking opportunity, the “Get Plugged In” event is the perfect “appetizer” for students interested in Student Government, the Student Alumni Association and other groups, as well as fraternities and sororities. Of course, the event is open-invite, and there’s plenty of grub to go around!
Saturday, Aug. 25:
Bulls For Moffitt Welcome Breakfast
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 2709
Details: There are countless opportunities for students to get involved on campus, and joining Bulls For Moffitt is one of them. Start your day of right with a hearty breakfast, and learn how to get involved with one of the world’s top cancer research centers, right here on campus!
Unity Festival
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Marshall Student Center Amphitheater
Details: It should come as no shock that USF has a very, very diverse student body; Bringing together so many diverse cultures and backgrounds is the focus of the Office of Multicultural Affairs’ Unity Festival. With plenty of food, entertainment and performances, the festival promises something for everybody.
CIA Welcome Back Picnic
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Castor Hall Lawn
Details: Taking full advantage of our lovely campus’ picnic-friendly areas, Christians In Action invites all students to join in on a picnic lunch on the Castor Lawn.
Burgers and Bands
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Marshall Student Center Amphitheater
Details: Now THIS is something you simply cannot miss. Burgers and Bands 2012 is a celebration of, well… burgers and bands! Always a Week of Welcome highlight, the event will bring the Marshall Center Amphitheater alive with music, food and entertainment.
SIA’s Multi-Club Welcome Social
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 2709
Details: The perfect way to embrace eastern culture, the Students of India Association’s Welcome Social offers information and opportunities with USF’s many South Asian clubs, with some free food and drinks, performances and games!
Jazz Night
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 3707
Details: Admittedly, we all need to get our fix of easy-listening music from time to time. Why not live? Come grab a bite and catch a performance by USF’s own Jazz Quartet!
Sunday, August 26:
H20 Splash
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Andros Pool
Details: It’s the last day of summer! Why would you not go to a pool party? Conveniently, there’s one on-campus at the Andros Pool! Live music, free food, games… what else could you possibly need for a pool party?
Hillel’s Welcome BBQ
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Hillel Jewish Student Center
Details: When you’re done at the pool, why not fill your stomach with some delicious barbeque? Open to all students, the event will be a great way to feast-up and meet some new people.
Pig Roast
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Beta Hall Lawn
Details: Apparently, Sunday is Barbeque Day! If you’re a sucker for pulled pork sandwiches (like me), you won’t want to miss the Pig Roast, right outside Beta Hall. They’ve got pulled pork… What more motivation do you need?
Back to the Grind Coffeehouse
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 2708
Details: Music? Check. Board games? Check. A generous dose of coffee and pastries? You better believe it. Work back into that coffee-and-class grind with Baptist Collegiate Ministries in the Marshall Student Center!
Monday, Aug. 27:
Cup of Joe
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Martin Luther King Plaza Sidewalk
Details: It’s finally here… The first week of fall semester. Start your semester of right with a morning coffee and scrumptious donut bites, courtesy of the Student Veterans Association and the Office of Veterans Services.
Hot Dog, You’re Back!
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Marshall Student Center Plaza
Details: Stop by the Marshall Student Center in between Monday classes for a free hot dog lunch and drinks!
F3=Free Fall Food
6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Baptist Student Center (BPT)
Details: Have you ever tried inflatable jousting? No? Then get yourself over to the Baptist Student Center, where they’ve got all your jousting needs covered, in addition to an obstacle course, video games, board games and, yes, free food!
Sprinkle In Some Fun With Your OTL!
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Holly J
Details: Interested in becoming an Orientation Team Leader in the future? Interested in ice cream sundaes? Hang out with your OTL and pick up some sweet dessert at Holly J!
Tuesday, August 28:
Aquarist Club Carnival
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 2707
Details: Why, it’s just a regular old carnival at the Marshall Student Center today! Come play some carnival games, win cool stuff and cram your stomach with free cotton candy and freeze pops.
The Arts and Crafts of Asia
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Martin Luther King Stage Fountain
Details: Throw yourself into eastern culture at The Arts and Crafts of Asia, where you can learn how to make paper lanterns, Chinese New Year drums, and snack on some free Asian food!
LGBT & Ally Ice Cream Social
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 2708
Details: Dessert before dinner? But of course! Go indulge in some frosty treats with your friends, make some new ones and play some fun games like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
Sociology Club Social
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 3712
Details: Hang out with your friends, and learn about getting involved with the Sociology Club @ USF over dinner, games and prizes.
Cool Running’s Dominoes Tournament
7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 2709
Details: Take a breather after the second day of classes with a game or two of dominoes with USF’s Progressive Black Men, Inc! It’s a unique way to get out there and see some new faces.
One Night Only
9 p.m. 11:30 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 3709
Details: Dress up as your favorite celebrity (Sean Connery), and sing some karaoke with the Prestige Modeling Troupe! Food will be provided, of course, as well as a photo booth for some memorable snapshots.
Wednesday, August 29:
Battle of the Sexes
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 2709
Details: Grab a Cuban sandwich for lunch with the Cuban American Student Association and enjoy a day of fun activities and games. How much do you really know about the opposite sex? Too much? Too little? Find out!
Art & Ice
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
USF Contemporary Art Museum
Details: Be sure to check out the USF Contemporary Art Museum’s fall exhibitions, “The Importance of Being Photographed” and “The Andy Warhol Legacy Project” with some refreshing snacks courtesy of Beach Snoballs.
Caribbean Dance Experience
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 3709
Details: Pick up some foodage and learn to dance Caribbean style with the Caribbean Cultural Exchange.
Explore Korea With KASA
5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 3705
Details: Immerse yourself in Korean culture through cuisine, music and activities with the Korean American Students Association. Open to all students!
BSU Scavenger Hunt
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Marshall Student Center/Crescent Hill
Details: We have quite the expansive campus here at USF. How much do you really know about it? Create a team, and give the Black Student Union’s Scavenger Hunt a try. It’s anyone’s game in this exciting race against time.
Movies on the Lawn – “The Avengers”
9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Marshall Student Center Lawn (Rain Site: MSC Oval Theater)
Details: Movies on the Lawn is back for fall, this time with the superhero-ensemble epic, “The Avengers.” Bring a cozy blanket and chill out on the lawn with free popcorn, soda and The Hulk smashing stuff!
Thursday, August 30:
SG Welcome Back BBQ
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Martin Luther King Lawn
Details: USF’s Student Government is a great starting point for students looking to get more involved in their college experience. Learn about your opportunities with USF SG over a tasty barbeque lunch.
Sports Clubs Eat n’ Greet
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Grassy Area in Front of Campus Recreation Center
Details: With over 40 sports clubs here at USF, the Sports Clubs Eat n’ Greet is an easy way to become acquainted with our many athletic organizations, and pick up a bite, with music, demonstrations and giveaways.
American Sign Language Festival
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 2708
Details: Join the American Sign Language Club for an afternoon of stories, poems and music (in American Sign Language!) and a snack or two!
Friday, August 31:
Vegetarian/Vegan Pizza Social
2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 3711
Details: Vegetarian? Interested in learning about vegetarian and vegan friendly dining options around campus? Check out the Students Protecting the Environment and Animals through Knowledge (SPEAK) pizza social! Drinks, games and prizes included!
CSU Carnival
3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Catholic Student Union (CTH)
Details: Week of Welcome’s second carnival event, the Catholic Student Union invites all students to the CSU Carnival, fully equipped with cotton candy, carnival games and music.
Bulls Nite Out: Spirit Splash
8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Andros Pool
Details: Kick back on Friday with a nighttime luau pool party over at Andros Pool. Plenty of food, music and giveaways courtesy of Bulls Nite Out and the Homecoming Board!
Saturday, September 1:
Taste of USF FCU
11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
USF Federal Credit Union
Details: Hang out with your friends, win some cool stuff and enjoy a wide selection of samples from local Tampa food vendors with USF FCU!
Political Brain Freeze
12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Marshall Student Center 2708
Details: So, you’re patriotic and hungry? Come grab some red, white and blue snow cones with the College Republicans at USF and learn about events and guest speakers heading our way this year!
Stampede the Stadium
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Raymond James Stadium
Details: What better way to wrap up Week of Welcome with Stampede the Stadium, and the first football game of the season? Climb aboard the free Bull Runner shuttle to Raymond James Stadium and show your Bulls spirit with beads and USF body paint. The perfect way to pump up for the Bulls first game of the season!