Each year as students establish themselves on campus, a series of events takes place to welcome back students and initiate new ones into the Lion family. These parties, activities and gatherings are all part of Traditions, which takes students from move-in through their first day of classes in order to make their first college experiences both positive and memorable.

“Traditions is to get students engaged in the university within the first few days of being on campus and to introduce them to student life,” said Cherie Kay Thriffiley, director of the office for student engagement. “It now incorporates different aspects of the university, not just the Division for Student Affairs, and student organizations play a huge role in it.”

“Move-In Mane-ia” is the kick-off of Traditions each year. Taking place this year on Sunday, August 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Move-In Mane-ia gathers many organizations and services together at the Pennington Student Activity Center to speak with students while they gather what they need to move into their dorm or apartment on campus.

After move-in, student will have several opportunities to meet with members of different campus organizations while enjoying their last few days of summer.

The first party after move-in is a Luau Dance on Sunday night in front of the Pennington starting at 7 p.m. The Luau Dance is sponsored by Campus Activities Board, Lion Legacy and several other Southeastern organizations and will give students a taste of Hawaii but with a Louisiana twist.

“This year we have three hula dancers coming in. We have a 25 foot high water slide, a double inflatable slip-n-slide, the foam pit, and we also have jambalaya for everyone,” said Todd McElroy, coordinator of CAB. “I think it’s a nice welcome for the students. We want to welcome them into the Southeastern community.”

Many student organizations will be hosting social events including free lunches, games and snacks throughout Monday and Tuesday.

The Department of Recreational Sports and Wellness, University Housing and Hall Council will be hosting a Fiesta and Late Night at the Pennington Student Activity Center on Tuesday starting at 7:30 p.m. The Fiesta will provide free food and use of the center’s facilities for games and recreational sports.

On Tuesday afternoon, Cayman Café and the Student Government Association present: Grubin’ Lion Style, a free lunch where students can learn about campus dining and meet with student leaders and Center for Student Excellence advisors. Then that night the Division of Student Affairs and Athletics will co-host Strawberry Jam at Friendship Circle from 6 to 8 p.m. Strawberry Jam, the biggest party during Traditions, is a pep-rally to kick off the year and offers live music, free pizza, t-shirt giveaways and more.

“It’s important for us to have access to the students when they first start,” Andrew Hickman, coordinator of student marketing and promotions with the Athletics Department. “It’s a great opportunity to show students what Athletics is and what we do and exactly what it means to this university. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to co-host Strawberry Jam and work with all the different departments on campus. It’s just a really exciting time for us.”

For a full schedule of Traditions events, visit the Traditions page on Southeastern website.