The fall 2007 semester will kick off in grand fashion Thursday, Aug. 23, when more than 6,000 students are expected to converge on campus for NIU Opening Day.
Students and their families will be greeted by approximately 1,000 student and staff volunteers, who will be on-hand in and around the residence halls to assist with the move-in process. “We have a terrific team of campus and community volunteers in place,” said Phyllis Dupre, event and marketing coordinator for NIU Housing and Dining. “Our goal is to make the transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.”
Parents in need of rest and refreshments are invited to stop by Diversions Lounge, located in Holmes Student Center, between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. for Huskie Hospitality, hosted by the NIU Parents’ Association.
After spending the day unloading cars and unpacking boxes, all students and their families are encouraged to unwind at the Huskie Bash, where more than 20 local vendors will show off the best of their menus. While sampling local fare, attendees will be entertained by the NIU marching band and led in the Huskie Fight Song by the NIU football team. Other bash activities include a DJ, a climbing wall and a bungee run.
Student festivities continue at 10 p.m. with a block party in Central Park, hosted by the NIU Residence Hall Association. Also at 10 p.m., Target Corporation will transport students to and from campus for a special student shopping extravaganza. Opening Day activities will conclude with a pizza party in Central Park at 12:30 a.m.
More information on Opening Day, including maps and directions, is available online. Campus and community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact (815) 753-7482.
Be sure to check out the full 2007 Welcome Days Calendar of Events.
- Abby Nall, NIU Public Affairs
- Photo courtesy of NIU Media Services