Moving back to campus doesn’t mean that the summer fun has come to an end. In order to welcome new students and welcome back returning Lakers, the start of Grand Valley State University’s fall semester is kicking off with a bash.

To mark the beginning of a new school year, the Back to School Bash offers some fun on campus before classes are in session.

The Back to School Bash is an annual event that encourages all students to come out and meet new people while celebrating the end of summer and the beginning of a new academic year.

The Back to School Bash will be held Saturday, Aug. 29 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. outside by Zumberge Pond. There will be plenty of entertainment available including a human hamster ball, a giant water slide, inflatables, bean bag toss, a photo booth and a D.J. for the entire event. Sweet treats such as popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, and ice cream will also be available.

Megan Ellinger, the campus programming graduate assistant in the Office of Student Life, played a large role in planning the Back to School Bash this year.

“It’s a great opportunity for both first-year and returning students to meet new friends,” Ellinger said. “There will be fun for all students on campus.”

The Back to School Bash is co-sponsored by the Greek Life Council and Spotlight Productions. Each of the four Greek governing councils will be present at the Back to School Bash and will have a table set up with more information about how to become involved with fraternity and sorority life at GVSU.

The fraternity and sorority life coordinator, Santiago Gayton, said that the Back to School Bash is great for “offering a way for students to get involved on our campus and allowing the students to get the full Grand Valley experience beyond classes.”

Gayton said that the Back to School Bash benefits students because “(it) offers a safe, on-campus event that they can go to on the weekend before classes.” Gayton also encourages students to come out and discover what the values of Greek life are all about.

“One of the biggest goals of it is just getting students out and having fun and introducing them to the campus,” Gayton said.

Spotlight Productions, a student organization, will also have a table set up where students can go learn more about them. If anyone is interested in becoming a member of the Spotlight team to help plan events like the Back to School Bash, they are welcome to join.