A rock wall stood on the far side of Harbor Lawn. Beside it was a row of inflatables, including a gladiator pit, bungee run and the inevitable moon bounce.
Students gathered around each event for the opening day of the 2016 Week of Welcome at USF St. Petersburg on Friday. WOW is a week-long event put on every year to help incoming students get acclimated to what Kania Davis, one of the student programmers for the events, called the “USF St. Pete spirit.” Food and drinks were plentiful, as were smiles and laughter, amidst the steady jams being pumped out by the disc jockey.
“[Week of Welcome] promotes a sense of unity and helps to build connections,” said Alandria Savage, a criminology student.
The new vice chancellor of student affairs, Dr. Patricia Helton, introduced herself. Students also heard from the interim student body president, Laraine Ruiz. After their speeches the new students had the chance to meet their resident life assistants and peer coaches.
There seemed to be a consensus among programmers and students alike that Casino Night and the Dive-in Movie would be the best WOW events.
Saturday’s events culminated with the ThinkFast Game Show, where students tested their skills and won cool prizes. On Sunday evening was the Back-to-School Bingo and Resident Life Ice Cream Social, where students enjoyed frozen treats while getting to know their fellow Bulls
Monday’s Student Government Island Party starts at 8 p.m. at Coquina Pool, where free food will be served. Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. is Get on Board Day, where students can meet the clubs and organizations on campus. This event will be followed by the Harborside Activities Board Casino Night, starting at 8 p.m. Blackjack, poker, slot machines and a DJ are just some of the things students can expect.
On Wednesday evening, the Office of Multicultural Affairs will host the Multicultural Mixer at 7 p.m. Thursday is Comedy Night featuring comedian Adam Grabowski in the USC Ballroom. Earlier in the day the Do It Yourself Novelty Item where students can create a customized airbrush T-shirt will take place on Harbor Walk. WOW concludes on Friday with the HAB Dive-In Movie event, where free pizza will be served during a showing of “Neighbors 2.”
For more information on WOW 2016, make sure to check out the Facebook page “USF St. Petersburg Week of Welcome.”
