On Thursday, Sept. 5, WXOU hosted one of its several welcome week events, Social @ the Circle. This event was a freshmen-oriented block party organized between Hamlin and Vandenberg Hall specifically for the on-campus students living in housing nearby.
The night was filled with games, snacks and a dance party to bring together students and create a welcoming environment. Snacks included cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones. Students could also join in on a game of cornhole, Spikeball or Jenga. No matter one’s preference, there was something to do for everyone.
“Everybody seems like they’re having a good time — it’s much needed at the beginning of the school year to get people out of their shells,” sophomore Grant Kerry said.
Social @ the Circle was a perfect way for students to socialize and meet new people. As the school year begins, students look forward to forming new friendships and getting to know their classmates.
“The Welcome Week Block Party is a really good place for freshmen to get to know each other. There’s a lot of people dancing around. There’s games for everybody. It’s right on campus in between all the dining halls and residence dorms, so it’s a perfect place,” sophomore Kaeden Bryer said.
The event was brought together by Student Video Productions (SVP), The Oakland Post, Resident Life Association (RLA), OU Housing and WXOU. All these student organizations were working together to put on the event — each showcasing their student organizations and contributing to the event.
“We got so much help from everybody on campus. The OSI lent us all the tables. RLA lent us the water jug, some games and a projector,” Andrew Deacon, the Event Director at WXOU, shared. “OU is such a tight-knit community that we can reach out. We work at other people’s events — they help out here. We’re all friends, and that’s something I love.”
Deacon has been instrumental in organizing WXOU’s welcome week events. His extensive planning included marketing for two demographic groups of OU students.
“Our Welcome Week strategy for this year is split up into two parts. We have our freshman Welcome Week event, Social at the Circle, right outside Hamlin Hall,” Deacon said. “Next week, we have our Y2K night, which is focused on our upperclassmen.”
Y2K night will be held on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at Elliot Tower. The event will have a live band and opportunities for even more student socializing and Welcome Week festivities. Additionally, WXOU has multiple opportunities for student involvement within the organization including DJing, event planning and live shows.
“We got Y2K night, it’s like an early 2000s party type of thing. We will have a live band there doing covers. It’s another event not to miss,” Logan Pizzurro, General Manager of WXOU, shared.
Echoing the excitement around upcoming campus events, Deacon offered advice for freshmen, urging them to get involved on campus and make the most of their first year.
“As a freshman, most things are marketed to you. You don’t want to be on campus two, or three years from now, regretting not enjoying your freshman Welcome Week as much as you could have,” Deacon said. “My biggest advice is to go out there, do things, meet people, join clubs and get involved. There’s a lot to do, there’s a lot to see, there’s a lot of people to meet — that is what makes our campus so nice.”
Bryer shared this sentiment, cautioning students against self-isolation and reminding students that there’s more to college than just academics. It’s important to build friendships and enjoy the experience.
“I think too often students fall into the trap of arriving their first year and taking it too seriously, keeping to themselves and staying isolated. In reality, the college experience shouldn’t entail just academics but also friendship, discovering yourself and having fun,” Bryer shared.
Oakland’s Welcome Week runs Sept. 3 through Sept. 14, so there’s still time to get involved. Additionally, various events throughout the university will be held throughout the semester, so keep an eye on GrizzOrgs or the events calendar.
