Ohio State kicks off Welcome Week 2005 Sunday

COLUMBUS – The Ohio State University will begin welcoming its best academically prepared freshman class and returning students to campus on Sunday (9/18) with a record number of events during Welcome Week 2005. Autumn quarter classes begin Wednesday (9/21) for approximately 37,000 undergraduates, including 5,800 first-year students.

Welcome Week features traditional events such as Convocation, a Student Involvement Fair, and Community Commitment Day, one of the nation's largest single-day community service events on a college campus. An Oval Re-Dedication Party and activities at the newly opened Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC), 337 W. 17th Ave., are new to the schedule.

"Welcome Week 2005 is a combination of traditional events that students have loved over the years, coupled with new events we're hoping students will take advantage of," said Matt Couch, assistant director for the Ohio Union and chair of the 2005 steering committee.

The week-long celebration focuses events around the many aspects of the student experience at Ohio State, including academics, athletics, campus resources, campus safety, cultural diversity, school traditions, student service, and health and wellness.

"Welcome Week is one of the ways that Ohio State can provide an important first impression for students," Couch said. "We want the experience to be one of the reasons students feel like Ohio State is the 'right place' for them as they start their academic study here."

Highlights of Welcome Week 2005 follow. For more information and a complete schedule of Welcome Week events, visit the Welcome Week website at http://welcomeweek.osu.edu.

Sunday, Sept. 18
•Residence Hall Move-in Day
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Ohio State Residence Halls
New and returning students will be moving into Ohio State residence halls across campus with the help of Ohio State Welcome Leaders (OWLS), a group of student volunteers.

Monday, Sept. 19
•Convocation 2005
10:30 to 11:30 a.m., St. John Arena, 410 Woody Hayes Dr.
Convocation is the first official academic ceremony for new students and one of the oldest Welcome Week traditions. Students will observe an academic procession and receive an official welcome from President Karen A. Holbrook. Following a lesson in Ohio State history and traditions, students will be led by the Ohio State Marching Band through Ohio Stadium to the Oval for the Student Involvement Fair and the President's Picnic & Buckeye Bash.

•Scarlet Fever
7 to 8:30 p.m., St. John Arena, 410 Woody Hayes Dr.
During this university-wide pep rally, Ohio State cheerleaders, Brutus Buckeye and the Ohio State Marching Band will introduce student-athletes and teach students Buckeye traditions.

Tuesday, Sept. 20
•Community Commitment Day
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St.
Approximately 1,500 students are expected to volunteer at 90 different service sites around the city during this annual day of service. Volunteers will return to campus after completing their service projects for a community service fair at the Ohio Union.

•Picnic with the Buckeyes-Columbus Jazz Orchestra
5:30 to 7:30 p.m., South Oval
The Columbus Jazz Orchestra will provide the entertainment for a complimentary evening picnic on the South Oval for Ohio State faculty, staff and students.

Wednesday, Sept. 21
•Campus Locator Services
7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Campus wide
Student, faculty and staff volunteers in brightly colored T-shirts will be scattered around campus helping new Buckeyes navigate their first two days (9/21-22) of classes. Volunteers will also staff several information booths to address other student needs. Booths will be located on the South Oval near Mirror Lake, at the corners of Neil and 17th avenues and College Road and 17th Avenue, and on Woodruff Avenue near the Neilwood Gables residence hall.

•Oval Re-Dedication Party
Noon to 9 p.m., the Oval
Students, faculty and staff are welcomed to the renovated Oval for a day of fun and Ohio State traditions. Highlights of the party include giant Twister™ games, carnival-style food and activities, and massage demonstrations sponsored by the Department of Recreational Sports. Students will encircle the Oval at 8:30 p.m. for a quick history lesson and follow a special guest conductor in the singing of the university's alma mater, "Carmen Ohio," by candlelight.

Thursday, Sept. 22
•RPAC Wellness Fair
11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC), 337 W. 17th Ave.
Featuring more than 25,000 square feet of state-of-the-art fitness equipment, RPAC will host an open house and wellness fair throughout the day. Tours, wellness screenings, sports club demonstrations and various other activities will be provided.

Friday, Sept. 23
•Wexner Center Student Open House
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N. High St.
Students will learn more about their complimentary student membership and receive information on the upcoming events scheduled for the new season. Free food, raffles and giveaways will be offered.

Saturday, Sept. 24
•Football - Ohio State vs. Iowa
Noon Kickoff, Ohio Stadium
Cheer the Buckeyes in Ohio Stadium as they take on Iowa in their first Big Ten match-up of the year. Students must have a game ticket.

•Women's Volleyball - Ohio State vs. Illinois
7 p.m., St. John Arena, 410 Woody Hayes Dr.
The 14-ranked Ohio State women's volleyball team will host the Fighting Illini.
Tickets are available for purchase at the St. John Arena ticket office.

Sunday, Sept. 25
•Miracle Miles - 5K
12 to 1 p.m., Sunday, The Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St.
Members of the Ohio State community are invited to run or walk this 3.1-mile course, which begins and ends at the Ohio Union. Registration is $15 per participant and race proceeds will benefit Children's Hospital.