Jan. 5 marked the jump-start of a new semester and a week filled with events at Oakland University. Much like fall of 2009, the winter semester offered current and new students the chance to become better acquainted with the university through Welcome Week.

Tuesday began with events at the Oakland Center that gave students the chance to get to know their men’s and women’s basketball teams. At noon players from both teams lined up along a table and signed autographs for two hours.

“It’s always cool to see our fans up close,” said senior forward Hanna Reising.

Not only were there autographs to give out, but the Grizz Gang provided food, giveaways and games for the students who were there.

“OU Spirit Day” was organized by Grizz Gang president Anthony Lewis and advisor Kate Burke. Grizz Gang is responsible for organizing athletic events, making posters and doing anything that would promote OU athletics.

The main intention of Welcome Week is to educate students about athletic events on campus which are free to anyone registered for classes at OU.

“Sometimes it’s hard to decide what students will respond to,” said Burke. “But we like to educate students about the opportunities on campus.”

Along with the two-hour event, another part of Welcome Week was taking place just one floor below. Located in the Bumpers Game Room, gamers had the opportunity to play free games. Free games will be offered on Friday as well.

Wednesday

In the spirit of the winter season, the Pioneer Food Court will host the XXI Olympic Winter Games “sneak” preview, “Cool Runnings” starring John Candy at 11:30 a.m to 1 p.m. The movie will then be repeated at the Vandenberg Dining Center at 5 p.m.

Thursday

The Center for Student Activities will present “Get Involved Day” for students, both old and new. The event will feature a Student Greek and Organizations Fair which will allow students to explore different groups in which they may want to participate.

The fair will take place from 11 a.m to 1 p.m on Thursday in the Fireside Lounge and the main hallway of the Oakland Center.

Friday

Starting at 7 p.m, Residence Hall Programming will host Friday Night Live featuring comedian Johnny Cardinale. Students can see Cardinale in the Banquet Rooms of the Oakland Center.

Following the comedian, nationally-acclaimed hypnotist Tom DeLuca will be performing “The Hippest Hypnosis Show” at 9 p.m. Shortly after, “The Electric Glow Dance Party” will begin at 11 p.m and wrap up around 2 a.m in the Gold Rooms.

Saturday, Welcome Week goes out on a high note. From 9 p.m to 1 a.m, students can come to the Oakland Center to enjoy many free events. At the beginning at the night, students can partake in the OC Mini-Club located in the Gold Rooms. Participants can dance to music, do karaoke or share talents during open mike.

If students like a movie-watching scene, three movies will be shown at 9 p.m, throughout the Oakland Center, “The Hangover,” “The Ugly Truth” and “Paranormal Activity. In addition to the movies, dance lessons will be given at the same time.

Saturday

Unlike previous Welcome Weeks, Saturday will offer an event unlike any other: Speed Dating-OU Style.

This event-filled Saturday was made possible because the OU basketball teams do not have a double-header as they normally would this weekend.

Students can gather at the Pioneer Food Court at 9:45 p.m to meet other OU students. There will also be a psychic that will do activities like palm reading and tarot cards.

“We want to enforce the fact that all of the activities we have are free to the students” said CSA Director Jean Ann Miller. “We also would like to show students that there are things to do at Oakland on the weekends.”

The festivities are a semi-annual event but this week’s activities will be unlike any other.