Start of semester events welcome students to campus and community

With the fall semester underway, the Campus Activities Office is offering a bevy of activities designed to get students acquainted with the campus, community, and with one another.

“For first year students, it’s a new environment,” said Edie McCracken, program coordinator for campus activities. “They’re around new people they’ve never met before, so they need to establish relationships. OFF2PSU allows them to come out to fun events where there’s no pressure, they’re not being graded, and just meet new people.”

The events kicked off earlier this week, with a performance by the rock band Florez and Gorilla Superstar karaoke.

One of the week’s biggest events is the annual Community Fair. Wednesday’s event featured dozens of area businesses and organizations. Approximately 75 groups were there this year, handing out information and freebies.

McCracken said the fair has become a staple of OFF2PSU.

“The free stuff helps,” McCracken said. “But I really don’t think that is the only draw. Every year I hear students talk about how they found something new, or there was a service they didn’t know about.”

McCracken said nonprofit organizations have shown an increased presence in the last few years.

“I think that’s because students today are volunteering more and are interested in giving back,” she said.

From 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, students will be able to tour sorority houses. Tour groups will meet in Overman Student Center.

Hypnotist Michael C. Anthony will perform at 7 and 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, in the Crimson and Gold Ballroom in Overman Student Center. Anthony has become another OFF2PSU tradition.

“We’ve always gotten really positive feedback on the show,” McCracken said. “The show’s always different because the students getting hypnotized are different.”

The last OFF2PSU event is one that always draws a good crowd: karaoke nights, which are sponsored by campus wellness group Gorillas In Your Midst. The first Karaoke Night will be held from 8-11 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, in the U-Club. The group holds a Karaoke Night once a month throughout the school year.

For more information on any event, call the Campus Activities Center at 235-4795, or e-mail campusactivities@pittstate.edu.

---Pitt State---