Welcome Week is an annual event that happens in the beginning of the fall semester to welcome incoming and returning students to campus.   File Photo

To open the new academic year, the university hosts Welcome Week, previously known as Traditions, for incoming and returning students.

This year, Welcome Week will take place from Sunday, Aug. 13 through Friday, Aug. 18.

“Adjusting to university life can be challenging, especially for new, beginning students,” said Vice President of the Division for Student Affairs Dr. Eric Summers. “Our hope is that their participation in Welcome Week will lessen their anxieties and prepare them for a successful semester.”

According to the Director of University Housing Dr. Pamela Rault, Welcome Week has been around for many decades.

“A committee of university representatives and students evaluate the schedule from the previous year, discuss what we as a university are trying to achieve through Welcome Week, and develop events in order to reach those goals,” said Rault.

Welcome Week consists of many old and new events. 

“Probably the oldest event this year is Strawberry Jam,” said Rault. “Strawberry Jam is always popular with new and returning students. However, there are many new events this year that will also be a big draw to the students.”

Rault believes there are three primary goals for Welcome Week.

Rault said, “We want to help students feel welcomed to campus, prepare for a successful year, provide opportunities for new and returning Southeastern students to get involved and connect to campus life. We also want to help new students begin to feel a sense of belonging to Southeastern family.”