To the new students on campus full of curiosities and anticipation, Oregon State University’s welcome week looks to provide events to both inform and entertain.
According to the website, OSUWelcome 2023 events will be hosted for new undergraduates, transfer students and open to new graduate students through numerous events hosted from Sept. 22 to Oct. 7.
New student events
Campus residence hall move-in will kick off the week, running from Sept. 22 to 24, as well as an End of Summer Beaver Bash – a foam-filled dance party with live DJ performance – hosted in the Student Experience Center Plaza on Sept. 24 from 8-11 p.m.
On Monday, Sept. 25, students can kick off their first week on campus with a sunrise breakfast with OSU President, Jayathi Murthy. This event will be held in the Memorial Union quad from 8-11 a.m., free for all students.
Following the breakfast opportunity, students are expected to arrive at their college’s FORTE block. FORTE is a new unified academic orientation for students that was built in coordination with colleges and campus partners, according to Sarah Norek, Coordinator of Outreach and Education at OSU.
“We’re focusing on onboarding: what can we offer to students that will help them start classes on Wednesday feeling grounded and ready to go,” Norek said.
These blocks are specific to a group of colleges and will comprise of 80-minute keynotes and two 40-minute breakout sessions. Sessions will be held in either Milam or the Learning Innovation Center, specific block times and locations are listed here.
According to Norek, topics discussed in the sessions include planning, task management tools, approaches to academics and the importance of creating a support network.
On Tuesday Sept. 26, OSU’s annual convocation, new student walk, orange and black rally and picnic outside Parker Plaza will be held from 2:15-6 p.m., beginning in the MU Quad.
Students are expected to attend this event where they will hear from university leadership inside Gill Coliseum followed by a chance to learn OSU cheers inside Reser Stadium and enjoy free food to close out the evening.
As classes start on Wednesday, Sept. 27, students will be able to mark the occasion by taking a first day of school photo inside the welcome booth in Waldo Hall from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
To close out week zero, students can cheer on the Beavers in a football game against University of Utah on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. Students are required to reserve their free ticket online before the game and can do so as early as Sept. 25 at 9 a.m.
At the end of the first full week of classes, students can learn about clubs and organizations on campus at the Beaver Community Fair taking place Friday, Oct. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. in the MU Quad and SEC Plaza.
Transfer student events
Aside from being expected to join in on the specific FORTE block and all new student convocation, transfer students are given additional opportunities and events to get to know the campus.
Following convocation on Tuesday, Sept. 26, a game night with snacks will be hosted in the Valley Library.
The College of Science will be hosting a transfer student breakfast on the first day of classes in the Science Success Center at 7:30 a.m. The event includes free food for those in attendance.
On Thursday, Sept. 27, students can grab a cup of coffee and talk with OSU peers and staff at a transfer student coffee and connection hosted in the lobby of the SEC at 9:30 a.m.
