ISU Bengal

Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Front Page

Media Credit: Photo by Cody Fowers First Day at ISU.

By Princess Young
News Editor

Over the last few days, a new and exciting year at ISU presented itself as numerous students moved in to residence halls, bought meal plans, purchased parking permits, visited the bookstore and attended events that gave them the opportunity to meet new students and become reacquainted with old friends.
As the fall 2008 semester begins, Arthur C. Vailas, ISU President, wished to express his excitement for the upcoming year and sincere welcome for new and returning students to ISU. He said that ISU is making significant steps in improving areas all over the campus, especially in the area of information technology, making it more user-friendly for students and using it to enhance students' education. Along with other improvements are those in housing and on-campus activities.
President Vailas said that students will be happy to know that ISU is working to recruit more students nationally and internationally by creating focused areas in recruiting all over the nation and world. Also, ISU has been working to better advising areas, so that students can receive more assistance and guidance, even when they have not yet declared a major.
"ISU is constantly exploring more things regarding campus life because our student population is so diverse," Vailas said. We are also using information technology to help students with accessibility and affordability with their classes and school career. You are coming in to this university at an exciting time regarding its history and constant advancements."
President Vailas encouraged students to take part in as many on-campus activities as they can throughout the semester.
The first week of school is filled with numerous activities for new and returning students to enjoy.
March Through the Arch, which took place the day before fall classes began, was an event where new students attended a welcome rally, the "March Through Swanson Arch" and a barbeque on the Quad, attended by President Vailas and his wife Dr. Laura Vailas.
Presently, there are several events for students and faculty to partake in during the rest of W.O.W., or Week of Welcome. On Wednesday, Aug. 27, there will be the White Tent Event and barbeque on the Quad from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is an event where new and returning students can receive free food, listen to live music and become better aware of the organizations, clubs and resources that students and faculty have on campus throughout the year.
On Thursday, Aug. 28, the Student Activities Board will be hosting a Street Party on Martin Luther King Jr. Way, next to the Rendezvous Complex. Taking place from 6 p.m. to midnight, live music and dinner options from various vendors will provide students an entertaining time.
Sophomore Jessica Wood attended many of the Week of Welcome events last year as a freshman and remembers the week as being helpful, informative and enjoyable. She said, "Last year when I went to the W.O.W. events, I was able to learn about all the programs ISU had to offer. I had many of my questions about various organizations and clubs answered, I met new people and I got a lot of free food, which is always a good thing."
With a diverse amount of events happening throughout the first few weeks of this semester, students will be exposed to the countless organizations, resources, areas of study and options that students at ISU have within their grasp all over campus.

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