As Grand Valley State University prepares for the largest incoming class of students in school history, the university has a wide variety of welcome week events planned to kick off the 2023-24 school year.
From music-themed events, such as the block parties and Laker Kickoff, to the mellow events, such as friendship bracelet making and movies on the football field, they all have the same goals in mind: bringing more students together to make them feel welcome.
The Campus Activities Board (CAB) president Bridie Tolley said she aims to get students involved to help create a positive college experience.
“It’s an easy way to make friends and build those relationships that you’ll use throughout the rest of the four years,” Tolley said.
As students began to arrive on campus for the first move in day on Tuesday, Aug. 22, they had an evening to look forward to with the north campus block party. Students flooded out of their dorms and onto the Holton-Hooker basketball courts, and they danced and socialized the rest of the night to kick off the start of the year.
The south campus held its own block party the following evening. Housing and residence life, intramural sports and Greek Life all partnered together on this event to bring the south apartment basketball courts to life. As the music played and students danced, student creators, such as photographers and videographers, used the opportunity to create content for the university and the various organizations collaborating on the event.
By Thursday afternoon, things settled down with friendship bracelet-making took place at the Cook Carillon Tower from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. There was a table lined with multiple different colors and types of beads, which gave students the creative freedom to make whatever they desired.
“It was fun that I got to do a hobby of mine for free while meeting other students at the same time,” said sophomore, Abby Johnson.
Students were encouraged to trade these bracelets at the Convocation with other students later that evening.
The anticipated event of the week was the Laker Kickoff ,which took place on Friday, Aug. 25, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the Kirkhof lawn. This event had food trucks, a DJ, a foam pit and inflatables. Tolley said numerous aspects go into making Laker Kickoff and interesting and engaging event for students.
“Even if students live in on campus housing or off campus housing, going to a food truck is something that is different,” Tolley said.
With hundreds of students attended the evening. Many student attended and people noted that the environment was exciting.
“It was actually lit,” said Taryn William, a junior at GVSU. “I’m glad I decided to go.”
The final event of the welcome week was Saturday, Aug. 26, with tie-dying on the Kirkhof lawn, followed by a movie at Lubbers stadium in the evening.
Tolley loves to see the campus come back to life again as everyone arrives on campus.
“Seeing the campus live and up again is a huge deal, especially for transfer students or even just people who weren’t up here over the summer,” Tolley said.
As students approach a new school year, CAB encourages students to participate with activities on campus.
“(I just) like telling people to get involved, I think a huge part of your campus experience is who you meet and where you go,” Tolley said.