The second annual Week of Welcome begins on Sunday and it’s not just for first-years this fall. WOW gives students opportunities to meet each other and familiarize themselves with their surroundings before the hectic pace of college life sets in.
WOW coordinates events during the week to help students get involved, show school spirit and get access to various academic programs. This year the focus has changed to include a larger part of the SMU community.
“We are trying to bring the whole SMU community together along with the first-years,” said Lauren Nemrava, a WOW student director.
This year commuter students and transfer students have also become a WOW priority.
“We are aiming to get [these students] involved in campus activities immediately so we are targeting them,” said Lisa Koetter, a WOW student director.
WOW has organized a luncheon for commuter students and transfer students to get to know each other and learn about campus opportunities.
“We recognize that commuter students and transfer students are an important part of the SMU community and we want to make them feel equally welcomed,” Nemrava said.
Also,transfer and commuter students are invited to get together ahead of time and join first years going through Rotunda passage and convocation.
“They get to experience the walk along with the first years. This has never been done before and hopefully it will help commuter and transfer students feel a greater connection to SMU,” Koetter said.
Another change this year in the spirit of community is the involvement of professors, faculty and staff.
Last year, WOW presented faculty lectures, but this year WOW is taking that show on the road. Destination Dallas offers students the opportunity to take a DART ride around Dallas while listening to lectures from SMU professors. Dr. Robert Gregory will be discussing geology at White Rock Lake, Dr. Larry Reubin will be talking about the Dallas Aquarium and Professor Glenn Linden will discuss the Sixth Floor Museum.
With all these new additions, students will be kept very busy their first week on the Hilltop.
For a complete schedule of WOW events, check the WOW planner handed out at residence hall check-in.
