Like any University, IUPUC has produced a number of traditions during its first 50 years, like serving pizza on “Taco Tuesday” or kissing the fish statue at the Koi Pond on your birthday to bring good luck. This year, it hopes to start a new tradition by setting aside a day during Welcome Week to not only welcome students, but also their families and the community as a whole.
“We received feedback from students that they would like to show off the campus to their families, whether that’s their parents, siblings, spouses, or children,” said Bailey Moss, Assistant Director of Student Affairs at IUPUC. “It just seemed like a natural progression to also invite the entire community to be a part of the celebration of a new school year starting at IUPUC.”
Family Day, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Wednesday, August 28th from 4 - 7 p.m., and will feature activities for both children and adults including a petting zoo, BMX show, giant games, prizes, and the opportunity to learn about what IUPUC has to offer. In addition, several community organizations will be on hand to provide information to students and families about the various services they offer. Those organizations include:
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Alzheimer’s Association
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ASAP Bartholomew County
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Foundation for Youth
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Lincoln Central Family Neighborhood Center
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Love Chapel
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SU CASA
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Turning Point
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United Way
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WIC-Columbus
“IUPUC began as part of a city initiative to have a university in Columbus, and since our beginnings back in the fall of 1970, we have continuously looked for ways to integrate ourselves into the community,” said Reinhold Hill, Vice Chancellor and Dean at IUPUC. “We hope that this is the beginning of a long and successful tradition for IUPUC, the city of Columbus, and the entire region we serve.”
The full list of Welcome Week events includes:
Monday August 26th – Back to School Breakfast
Time: 10:30am-12pm
Location: Outside the Division of Education
Description: Student Government Activities Board wants to introduce themselves as the voice of the students, as well as provide a free breakfast before or after class. Student government are mentors, leaders, and problem solvers. Sponsored by: Student Government Activities Board
Tuesday August 27th – Taco Tuesday
Time: 11am- until supplies lasts
Location: Outside the Division of Education
Description: A classic IUPUC tradition, instead of tacos we serve pizza. Free pizza! Sponsored by: Student Affairs
Wednesday August 28th – Family Day
Time: 4pm-7pm
Location: Serengeti (outside of CC building)
Description: New this year, Family Day is designed to support students with dependents by connecting them with our community partners who can provide resources for them. Activities include a petting zoo, BMX show, giant games, prizes, and the opportunity to learn about what IUPUC has to offer. This event is also open to the public. Sponsored by: Student Affairs
Thursday August 29th – Big Red Blowout
Time: 11am-3pm
Location: Serengeti (outside of CC building)
Description: This annual event connects students to existing campus clubs and organizations, and provides information for how students can even start their own club. Big Red Blowout includes food, the big red chair, giveaways, Dance Dance Revolution and more. Sponsored by: Student Affairs
For more information about Welcome Week, go to iupuc.edu/campus-life/welcome-week.