UWindsor Welcome Week isn’t just for students, says organizer Soula Serra.

“We hope that faculty and staff will get a chance to enjoy our activities, too,” says Serra, a student development specialist in the Student Success Centre. “Whether as participants, spectators or volunteers, there is plenty for everyone to do.”

She says the centrepiece of the week is the Welcoming Celebration on Wednesday, September 3, which caps a day of orientation sessions for every academic program.

“Welcoming Celebration is a tradition that gathers all first-year students to represent their programs,” she says. “Students sign their Class of 2018 banner and are welcomed by our president, Alan Wildeman. We invite all faculty and staff to attend and support Dr. Wildeman in welcoming the new students. Don’t miss the excitement!”

Serra encourages everyone to wear their Lancer gear to attend the event, which starts at 3 p.m. in the St. Denis Centre fieldhouse.

Highlights of the week’s activities include:

Sunday, August 31. Residence move-in day ends with a reception for parents at 3 p.m. Students will hang around for an interactive comedy show featuring Daryn Jones and Danielle Wade and close out the evening with an outdoor double film feature in the Residence Quad.

Monday, September 1. The University of Windsor Students’ Alliance and Campus Ministry are sponsoring a pancake breakfast; next up is a pep rally to gets fans ready for the Lancer football season opener at 1 p.m. on Alumni Field.

Tuesday, September 2. Get wet at the Lancer Nation Slip ’n’ Slide water balloon fight or enjoy free barbecue at the UWWW Beach Party. Or both!

Wednesday, September 3. Academic orientation sessions are mandatory for first-year students in all faculties and programs; the 3 p.m. Welcoming Celebration is a must for new students. The University of Windsor Students’ Alliance is hosting a pool party at the city’s new downtown water park, Adventure Bay.

Thursday, September 4. The first day of classes offers free grub at the Adrenaline Rush inflatable carnival, at a pasta buffet dinner, and at midnight: pancakes!

Friday, September 5. The Lancer Cup competition will wrap up with Crazy Olympics but if brain power is more your bag, check out the trivia extravaganza. End your week with a drive-in movie—no car necessary.

Saturday, September 6. Shine Day will see UWindsor students joining the largest post-secondary fundraiser in Canada, taking their shoe-shining skills to the streets of Windsor to benefit cystic fibrosis charities. Cheer on the blue and gold at the second Lancer football game of the season before heading out to the Coming Home Music Festival on Windsor’s riverfront.

Visit www.uwindsorwelcome.ca for a full list of events, locations and times, or grab the event guide from the Welcome Tent, located in the Student Courtyard between Dillon and Memorial halls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 2 to 5.