For immediate release
August 13, 2004

Close to 1,000 incoming freshman and transfer students to Abilene Christian University will begin their college experience with Welcome Week August 17-21.  Welcome Week is a chance for new students to build relationships with each other and with upperclassmen and faculty and staff, and a chance to learn about ACU's traditions, school spirit and educational opportunities. 

"Welcome Week is important for new students because it allows them to get connected to ACU and to other students," said Demetrius Collins, student steering committee leader of Welcome Week.  "Most are leaving home for the first time, and it is hard to come into a completely new environment.  Having people to help you through that transition is necessary."

Welcome Week is organized by the First Year Program at ACU, but a 23-member student steering committee directs all activities during the week. Student directors for 2004 steering committee are Collins, senior exercise science major from Odessa; Amber Cardot, senior communication disorders major from Abilene; Jonathan Ross, senior psychology major from Trophy Club, and Misty Willcox, senior early childhood education major from Bedford.

"I love being involved with Welcome Week because I enjoy getting to meet new students," Collins said.  "I like ACU, I had a great first experience here, and I want to help new students have the same experience."

During the week, new students participate in activities with upperclassmen-led mentor groups.  The mentor groups continue through the first semester as a one-hour class to help students transition to college and the academic, spiritual and social aspects of the university. 

Highlights of the week are:

• Moving into residence halls, Saturday, Aug. 14, through Monday, Aug. 16

• Welcome Week Check-In, Monday, Aug. 16, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Opening Ceremonies, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2 p.m.

• World’s Largest Twister Game, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 4:30 p.m., Moody Coliseum

• Performance by singing group Acappella, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m., Moody Coliseum

• Candlelight Devotional, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 9 p.m., Beauchamp Amphitheatre

• Sunrise Devotional, Thursday, Aug. 19, 6:30 a.m.

• Service project with Taylor Elementary, Friday, Aug. 20, 1-3 p.m.

• Service Saturday canned food drive, Saturday, Aug. 21, 1-3:30 p.m.

• New student talent show, Saturday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m., Moody Coliseum

In addition to these events, students can participate in intramural sports such as basketball and volleyball every morning from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and a flag football tournament Thursday at 8 p.m.  Students are also given residence hall and technology orientation, allowed time to finalize their fall class schedules and meet with their academic departments and watch a movie at the Paramount.

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If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Wendy Kilmer, Director of Public Relations.

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