By 1812Blockhouse
As the new academic year dawns, The Ohio State University at Mansfield is rolling out a Welcome Week(s) experience that’s more than just a warm greeting—it’s a celebration! With an exciting lineup of events ranging from acoustic karaoke sessions to hands-on tie-dye fun, this week is designed to ignite school spirit, foster new friendships, and ease students into campus life with a mix of energy, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a freshman finding your way or a returning student ready to dive back in, OSU Mansfield’s Welcome Week(s) promises an unforgettable start to the semester. 🚀
Sunday, August 18: The festivities begin with a cozy Mixer with 3rd Cup Tea 🍵 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Molyet Community Center. This event is an excellent opportunity for students to unwind, meet new friends, and enjoy some refreshments.
August 20 and 21: As students navigate their way around the Mansfield campus, they can rely on the helpful Where Am I Tables 🗺️ located outside Oakwood Hall from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. These tables will be staffed with friendly faces ready to assist with directions and answer any campus-related questions.
Monday, August 19: The week officially kicks off with a series of How-To Sessions 📚 at Oakwood Hall, beginning at 2:30 PM. These rotating sessions cover essential topics such as using Carmen (OSU’s learning management system), scheduling appointments in OnCourse, understanding financial aid, managing your dining plan, and getting involved on campus. Later in the evening, students can unwind at the Acoustic Karaoke with John Rush 🎤 event at Eisenhower Marketplace from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. It’s a chance to showcase your singing talents or simply enjoy the live performances of others.
Midweek Events: From Hypnosis to Community Involvement 🌍
Tuesday, August 20: The day starts with the opening of Intramural Registration 🏀 at the Campus Rec Center. Students interested in participating in sports can sign up for their preferred activities. The evening promises some fun and laughter with Cards Against Hypnosis with David Hall 🎭 at Founders Auditorium at 7:00 PM. This event is a blend of hypnotic tricks and the popular game, guaranteed to entertain.
During lunchtime, students can attend the Major Mixer Mash-Up 🤝 at Eisenhower Marketplace, which is divided into two sessions: Humanities Majors from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM and Non-Humanities Majors from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This event is ideal for those looking to network with faculty and peers in their fields of study.
Wednesday, August 21: The Community & Involvement Fair 🐾 at Mansfield Oval from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM is a highlight of the week. Students can explore various clubs, organizations, and community services, with the added bonus of therapy dogs 🐕 and Pickleball on Lot 1. Additionally, the Blood Drive with Versiti 🩸 takes place at Eisenhower Student Union from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Donors will receive a free T-shirt, making it a win-win event.
End of the Week: Music, Tie-Dye, and Field Day Fun 🎶
Thursday, August 22: Music lovers can check out the Club 419 Open House/Music Club Sign-Up 🎸 at the Student Union from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. At the same time, students can also participate in the Meet and Greet with Student Orgs 🤝 at The Marketplace or join the fun at the Buckeye Tie Dye 🎨 event outside Eisenhower. Participants are encouraged to bring their own shirts or use the ones provided while supplies last.
The day concludes with an Outdoor Field Day 🏐 at Parking Lot 5 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring bumper cars, surfboard riding 🏄, giant cornhole, and a slip-and-slide. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day full of activity and engagement.
Friday, August 23: The week wraps up with the CRC Showcase 🧘 at the Campus Rec Center from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Activities include yoga on the lawn with Amy Kuscsik, volleyball, dodgeball, and guided meditation with Megan Bailey. Students can also learn about wellness and mental health resources, with NAMI and the Campus Sexual Assault Advocate available to share information.
To sweeten the deal, Mark’s Homemade Ice Cream 🍦 will be on campus, offering students a delicious treat as they explore what the CRC has to offer.
Special Highlight: Kaleidoscope Community Conversations 🌈
In addition to the Welcome Week events, the Kaleidoscope Series presents Amanda Ripley on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 5:30 PM at The Renaissance. The session, titled “Participants will be challenged to look at conflict, not only on the resolution side but the build-ups and triggers that are at the root of it,” promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking event. Tickets are available at rentickets.org/event.
Photo: Michelle Eberhart, United States Army, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
