There is excitement on the campus of The Ohio State University at Mansfield, where classes kick off on Tuesday.
In true OSUM fashion, the first week of school brings not only the receipt of a syllabus in each class, but events which commemorate the beginning of a new academic year. This year, those include:
Convocation takes place at noon on Monday, August 19, which is not only the official kickoff of the 2019-2020 year, but is an event for which students can actually gain credit for attending. At 1:00 PM, Dean Dr. Norman Jones will welcome students, faculty, and staff for a campus picnic lunch.
Classes begin on Tuesday, August 20.
On Tuesday evening from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, a Backyard Barbecue will include food, drinks, and games. This will be followed on Wednesday by the annual Involvement and Community Fair, where opportunities for on-campus and off-campus activities will be featured. The Fair will run from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
What better way to celebrate a new year than dancing in a sea of bubbles? Thursday brings the Foam Dance Party from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM outside Ovalwood Hall.
Finally, the community is invited to close the first week with a performance by the group Step Afrika. Step Afrika blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities, African traditional dance and influences from a variety of other dance and art forms. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor, and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.
This concert is free to students and only $5 per person for community members. Tickets may be picked up at the doors night of performance or patrons may pick up at Business Office from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The event will be held in the Campus Recreation Center, where doors will open at 6:00 PM. The show starts at 7:00 PM.
Source: The Ohio State University at Mansfield
