The University of Olivet will kick off the fall 2016 semester with several days of activities, many offered in partnership with the local community, during Welcome Week Aug. 26-31. A number of events are free and open to the public.
Under the theme, “A Change Worth the Challenge” the college will ring in the 2016-17 academic year Friday, Aug. 26 when it welcomes new students to campus for Move-In Day.
A recent college tradition, Move-In Day brings together the entire The University of Olivet community, including administrators, trustees, faculty and staff, students and alumni, to assist new students and their families with moving to campus. From helping residents find their dorm rooms to carrying boxes and answering questions, volunteers dedicate the entire day to making students feel welcome and excited about living on campus.
After moving is complete, students, their families and volunteers have the opportunity to shop in the College Square for items such as carpet remnants and other supplies. Vendors including Sam’s Club as well as local business such as the Lamplighter, Whitetail Farms and others will be in attendance. The day concludes with a picnic, games and activities in the College Square including the “Lighting the Lamp of Learning” ceremony.
On Monday, Aug. 29 at 5 p.m., students will have the opportunity to learn more about the local businesses in the city of Olivet during the annual “Night on the Town.” The event, which is open to the public, is co-sponsored by The University of Olivet and the Olivet Community Chamber of Commerce.
Chartwells, the college’s food service provider, will serve a picnic-style dinner downtown in the lot behind the businesses on Main St. The cost for the dinner is $6.50 for adults, $4.25 for children 5- to 12-years-old and free for children 4 and under. Olivet students eat for free when they show their college IDs. The event will also feature games and activities, as well as coupons and prizes from local businesses.
Welcome Week continues Wednesday, Aug. 31 with the President’s Opening Convocation at 11:15 a.m. in Upton Gymnasium. The University of Olivet President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., will officially launch the 2016-17 academic year with an address to students, faculty and staff. The college’s annual Stand-Up will immediately follow.
A longstanding The University of Olivet tradition, Stand-Up brings together the entire campus community to get acquainted with one another. Activities include games, a mechanical bull and live music from DJ Butcher. Chartwells will also serve a meal for the same price at this event.
Classes for the fall 2016 semester begin Tuesday, Aug. 30. For more information, contact the Office of Student Life at 269.749.7172 or visit www.olivetcollege.edu.