Schedule of Events: Welcome Week 2023
Friday, August 25
In order to prepare for your first of many traditions at WCSU, collect your FREE commemorative Welcome Week Bucket Hat at Orientation Headquarters in the Student Center Plaza. This bucket hat shows pride in your new beginnings at WCSU! It was created new and unique this year for this special occasion. We ask that you wear the bucket hat during the “Entering the Gates” ceremony along with an orange, navy blue, or white shirt.
Schedule
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Resident Student Check-in & Move-in
Resident Student Check-in and Move-in will take place in each student’s residence hall.
Students need to move in during their appointed color-coded move-in time only. Members of various student organizations and athletics teams will be available to assist with luggage.
10 a.m.
Tour of Midtown campus
Leave from the Midtown Student Center Plaza. Campus tour lasts approx. 1 hour.
9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Campus Bookstore
The Campus Bookstore will be open for students to purchase textbooks required for classes and WCSU apparel. The bookstore is located on the Midtown Campus on the first floor of the Student Center.
10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Midtown Berkshire Dining Hall & Westside Market Place
The Midtown Berkshire Dining Hall and the Westside Market Place will be open. Students, parents and guests are invited to join us for a complimentary lunch during your scheduled time following the Entering the Gates Ceremony.
10:30 – 11:15 a.m.
Commuter Student Check-in
Commuter Student Check-in in the Student Center Lobby. Commuter students do not need to be here early unless they want to take a tour or come for other activities such as the Alumni photo. Main activities for commuters begin with the line-up at 11:30 a.m.
11 a.m.
Alumni Legacy Photo
Alumni Legacy Photo – If one of your Parents or Grandparents is an Alumni, please join us on the front steps of Old Main for a “Next Generation” photo.
11:30 a.m. REQUIRED
Entering the Gates ceremony
Assemble on Alumni & Friends Circle for Entering the Gates ceremony. Students gather in front of Litchfield Hall.
Noon REQUIRED
Entering the Gates ceremony
Entering the Gates ceremony in Alumni & Friends Circle
During the “Entering the Gates” ceremony, you, as a new member of the WCSU community, will enter through the university gates, symbolically leaving behind your life as a high school student or student at another university. Led by the university president, deans, and faculty in academic regalia, you will enter and accept your new role as a responsible member of the WCSU community and university life.
It’s time to take on your new role and be proud of it!
12:30 – 2:30 p.m. REQUIRED
Gathering in the Quad
Join us for some fun in the Quad immediately following the Entering the Gates Ceremony. Enjoy, music, mingling and photo opportunities on the patio and Quad.
For your parents:
3 – 4 p.m.
Parent Workshops
Parent Workshops in the Student Center Theater.
TBD
International Student Exchange Program (Study Abroad)
This will be a presentation of our International Student Exchange Program by Donna Warner our International Services Coordinator.
TBD
Video Presentation of Mike Weber
Video Presentation of Mike Weber in Ives Concert Hall. Changes for College – Parent Edition.
It’s new…it’s exciting…it’s scary! “For 18 years you’ve worked, invested, cried, laughed and had fun watching them grow. We live in the age of ‘helicopter’ parents. We hover around trying to solve our children’s problems. But now it’s up to them.” This session provides concrete tools and realistic answers to the challenges of letting go. The father of 2 college age sons, Mike speaks from experience. With stories and activities, he paints a realistic picture of the transitions our relationships go through as we transition to parents of college age students. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. But best of all you’ll leave with ideas and strategies on how to help your child succeed and excel in college.
4 – 7 p.m.
Dinner at the Midtown Berkshire Dining Hall and Westside Marketplace
Families are welcome to join the students. Meal plans are active, so resident students need to swipe their card. The cost for family members is $11.50 per person. Family members can pay as they go through the line in the Midtown Berkshire Dining Hall or Westside Marketplace. Commuter students please let cashier know you are a commuter for a complimentary meal.
6 p.m. REQUIRED
Commuter Student Workshop
Commuter Student Workshop in the Midtown Student Center 202
6 p.m. REQUIRED
Resident students
Resident students will meet in their respective residence halls
8 – 10 p.m.
Come to have fun!
Take it or Leave It Game Show
Take it or Leave It Game Show! In the Midtown Student Center Theater
Hosted by your favorite Orientation Leaders, you may get a chance to win a $250 gift card of your choice…IF you pick the correct case! Based on the TV Show ‘Deal or No Deal’. Audience members have the chance to win gift cards as well!
Friday Shuttle Bus Schedule
The shuttle begins service at 9:00 a.m. from the Westside Campus. The shuttle’s final pickup is at 11:00 p.m. on the Westside Campus, the trip between campuses will be 30 minutes.
Saturday Shuttle Bus Schedule
The shuttle begins service at 9:00 a.m. from the Westside Campus. The shuttle’s final pickup is at 11:00 p.m. on the Westside Campus, the trip between campuses will be 30 minutes.
Sunday Shuttle Bus Schedule
The shuttle begins service at 9:00 a.m. from the Westside Campus. The shuttle’s final pickup is at 11:00 p.m. on the Westside Campus, the trip between campuses will be 30 minutes.
*These times are approximate – Please download the shuttle app
Saturday, August 26
Schedule
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Farmers' Market
Affiliate program: CityCenter Danbury: Farmers’ Market at Danbury Green. Every Saturday through October the Farmers’ Market has a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables for purchase along with live music.
2 – 6 p.m.
Come to have fun!
RecFest ’23
Come find us on the Recreation Field. Come prepared to have fun playing games, receiving giveaways with chances to win prizes! So, come join us and GET REC’D this fall!
8 p.m.
Come to have fun!
Who’s Got Game
Who’s Got Game, Midtown Student Center Game Room, 2nd Floor
Come and join us for Pool, Ping Pong, Darts, Board Games and even some Rec Zone fun with complimentary food and beverages!
Friday Shuttle Bus Schedule
The shuttle begins service at 9:00 a.m. from the Westside Campus. The shuttle’s final pickup is at 11:00 p.m. on the Westside Campus, the trip between campuses will be 30 minutes.
Saturday Shuttle Bus Schedule
The shuttle begins service at 9:00 a.m. from the Westside Campus. The shuttle’s final pickup is at 11:00 p.m. on the Westside Campus, the trip between campuses will be 30 minutes.
Sunday Shuttle Bus Schedule
The shuttle begins service at 9:00 a.m. from the Westside Campus. The shuttle’s final pickup is at 11:00 p.m. on the Westside Campus, the trip between campuses will be 30 minutes.
*These times are approximate – Please download the shuttle app
Sunday, August 27
Schedule
2 p.m.
Welcome BBQ for First-Year and Transfer Students
Welcome BBQ for First-Year and Transfer Students on the Alumni & Friends Circle, Sponsored by Housing & Residence Life
Please join us for lawn games, prizes, and food to kick off the 23-24 school year.
Friday Shuttle Bus Schedule
The shuttle begins service at 9:00 a.m. from the Westside Campus. The shuttle’s final pickup is at 11:00 p.m. on the Westside Campus, the trip between campuses will be 30 minutes.
Saturday Shuttle Bus Schedule
The shuttle begins service at 9:00 a.m. from the Westside Campus. The shuttle’s final pickup is at 11:00 p.m. on the Westside Campus, the trip between campuses will be 30 minutes.
Sunday Shuttle Bus Schedule
The shuttle begins service at 9:00 a.m. from the Westside Campus. The shuttle’s final pickup is at 11:00 p.m. on the Westside Campus, the trip between campuses will be 30 minutes.
*These times are approximate – Please download the shuttle app
Monday, August 28
Schedule
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Honors Student Orientation
Honors Student Orientation – Science Building 125
The Kathwari Honors Program will welcome all incoming first-year Honors students, incoming Honors transfers, and all students newly admitted to the Associate Honors Program. This morning session will introduce students to the Kathwari Honors staff and provide a wealth of orientation on Honors curriculum and advising, required Honors activities, benefits of the program, and opportunities available only to the Kathwari Honors community. Students are invited to have breakfast before arriving, but beverages and some snacks will be provided.
5 p.m.
WestConn Athletics Opening Meeting
WestConn Athletics Opening Meeting – Westside Athletic Complex (WAC)
This meeting is required for all student-athletes and will begin promptly at 5 p.m. in the Westside Athletic Complex (WAC stadium). Wear a NAVY BLUE or ORANGE shirt for the annual all-student-athlete photo during this time. Contact your coach with questions.
7 – 9 p.m.
Smores Night
Smores Night on the Quad sponsored by Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL)
Come join us for a night of socializing while enjoying some delicious smores
The Shuttle Bus resumes its regular schedule – see www.wcsu.edu/shuttle/schedule/
Tuesday, August 29
Schedule
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
Wolves Fitness Zone
Westside – 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Midtown – 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
4 – 6 p.m.
Non-Traditional Student
Non-Traditional Student Social in Warner 101
This informal social is for all non-traditional (non-trad) students (students 25 and over) to mingle and make connections with other students.
Wednesday, August 30
Schedule
Wolves Fitness Zone
Westside – 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Midtown – 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
8 – 10 p.m.
Recommended
BINGO
BINGO in the Westside Campus Ballroom, Sponsored by Program Activities Council (PAC)
Come for a fun night with many opportunities to win prizes!
Thursday, August 31
Schedule
Wolves Fitness Zone
Westside – 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Midtown – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Noon – 3 p.m.
Student Employment Job Fair
Midtown Campus Quad, Rain Location Student Center Lobby
Looking for an on-campus job this year? Attend the Student Employment Job Fair! Representatives from various on-campus departments will be present with part-time job opportunities. All new and returning students are encouraged to attend.
1 – 4 p.m.
Vision Boards Novelty
Wolves Den, Sponsored by Program Activities Council (PAC)
Students can stop by and create vision boards using magazines, construction paper, and more to set their goals for the coming semester!
8 p.m
Recommended
Midtown Coffeehouse
Midtown Coffeehouse – Midtown Student Center Theater
Join us for our First Coffeehouse of the semester when we bring you Hypnotist Nadeen Manuel. We will start the evening with an Open Mic and then close out the night with Nadeen Manuel who combines skill, experience & passion to her award-winning Comedy Hypnosis Show for the perfect combination of funny, fascinating, and smart!
Friday, September 1
Schedule
Wolves Fitness Zone
Westside – 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Midtown – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
4 p.m.
Men’s Soccer
WestConn vs. Vassar College at Westside Athletic Complex
7 p.m.
Field Hockey
WestConn vs. University of Saint Joseph at Westside Athletic Complex
3 – 7 p.m.
Wolves Rally
Westside : ”Access Road” in front of O’Neill Center
Come join us for a RecFest and Pep Rally to get pumped up to cheer on your Men’s Soccer Team at 4 p.m. and the Field Hockey Team at 7 p.m. There will be a Pep Rally at 3:30 p.m. along with other fun activities and lawn games.
Saturday, September 2
Schedule
Wolves Fitness Zone
Westside – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Midtown – 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Farmers' Market
Affiliate program: CityCenter Danbury: Farmers’ Market at Danbury Green. Every Saturday through October the Farmers’ Market has a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables for purchase along with live music. Get your Labor Day Supplies!
Noon
Women’s Volleyball
WestConn vs. University of Hartford at William A. O’Neill Center
10 a.m. – Noon
It’s Game Day!
Westside Alumni Pavilion and surrounding areas
Come join us as we get ready to cheer on our teams! Students are asked to wear orange shirts to the games. We will have fun prior to football game kickoff at 12:00 p.m. with games, giveaways, food, and drinks for the first 50 students in the stadium and much more wolf packed experiences.
Noon
Football
WestConn vs. United States Merchant Marine Academy at Westside Athletic Complex
Wolves Gone Wild – Students are asked to wear Orange shirts to the game!
4 p.m.
Women’s Volleyball
WestConn vs. United States Merchant Marine Academy at William A. O’Neill Center
Sunday, September 3
Schedule
Wolves Fitness Zone
Westside – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Midtown – 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
11:30 a.m.
Field Hockey
WestConn vs. Transylvania University at Westside Athletic Complex
3 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
WestConn vs. Johnson & Wales University at Westside Athletic Complex
Monday, September 4
LABOR DAY
Suggestions for other things to do in and around Danbury:
- Walk into Downtown Danbury and eat at one of the local restaurants
- Take the HART bus to go Bowling in Brookfield or New Milford, or perhaps visit
- the Elephants Trunk Flea Market in New Milford on Sunday
- Go Hiking in the Westside Nature Preserve or Tarrywile Park
- Go Shopping at one of the local stores: Target, Wal-Mart, Costco, BJ’s – check the Danbury and Surrounding Area Map for locations
- Go Ice Skating or watch an Ice Hockey Game at the Danbury Ice Arena, a 10-minute walk from the Midtown campus (www.danburyice.org)