By SARA GIBONEY
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney will welcome new students to campus for the spring semester at Blue and Gold Welcome Week Jan. 10-23.
“It’s very similar to what we do in the fall with the purpose of getting new students connected with current students and giving them a snapshot of what’s going to happen in the classroom and what goes on around campus,” said Chandra Daffer, assistant director of the First Year Program.
The 13-day event is designed to help students become familiar with the UNK campus before classes begin and during the first week of classes. The event traditionally takes place each fall to welcome new students. This is the first time Blue and Gold will take place in the spring semester.
“A spring Blue and Gold Week evolved from the idea that we have a number of transfer students and a few first-time freshman who come in to the university at the spring semester,” Daffer said. “It’s hard to get acclimated. This is an opportunity for new students to learn about different offices on campus and to give them an opportunity to socialize with other students.”
New students will spend Friday (Jan. 10) moving in to residence halls and attending the Student Services Browsing Fair, Life as a Loper Orientation and Life as a Loper Student Panel, and finding their classrooms during the Campus Class Roam. Classes begin Monday (Jan. 13).
“We’re excited to be able to offer this opportunity to new students in the spring semester,” Daffer said.
The featured event at Blue and Gold Welcome Week is a performance by entertainer and master hypnotist Jim Wand. Wand will perform at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Jan. 23 in the Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa Room.
Tickets, which are available at the Welcome Desk in the student union or at the door the day of the event, are $2 for students and $8 for the general public.
Wand has worked with such personalities as Jay Leno of the “Tonight Show,” Chris Rock and Carrot Top, along with football players from eight different NFL teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers.
Wand, who holds a Ph.D. in psychology, has been involved in hypnosis for nearly 30 years and has more than 6,000 performances to his credit. He does more than 250 shows each year and has performed at UNK for 26 years.
Blue and Gold Welcome Week Schedule
Friday, Jan. 10
10 a.m. – Residence Halls open for new student move in
1 to 2 p.m. – Check in and Student Services Browsing Fair, Nebraskan Student Union Atrium. Check in with the First Year Program office to receive information on events happening during the weekend and talk to campus offices to learn more about services available to students.
2 to 4 p.m. – Life as a Loper Orientation, Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa C & D. The orientation will officially welcome new students to Life as a Loper, introduce you to campus resources, prepare you for your first day of class, help you navigate the UNK wireless network and connect you with current students.
4 p.m. – Life as a Loper Student Panel, Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa C & D. Listen to current UNK students share their experiences as a Loper. Ask any questions you might have.
4:45 p.m. – Campus Class Roam, Nebraskan Student Union Atrium. Bring your schedule to the student union atrium and meet with current students who will assist you in finding your classes.
8 p.m. – Planetarium Show, Bruner Hall of Science Planetarium. For new students only. A tour of the current sky, highlighting bright stars, constellations, planets and other points of interest.
Saturday, Jan. 11
7:05 p.m. – Storm Hockey UNK Night. Tri-City Storm offers 80s Hairband College Night at the game against Sioux Falls. Tickets are $6 with a student ID.
Sunday, Jan. 12
7 to 9 p.m. – Loper Bingo, the Market@27th Street. Get to know new and current students. Prizes include various food items every college student needs. Co-sponsored by the First Year Program and UNK Dining Services.
Monday, Jan. 13
First day of classes
Wednesday, Jan. 15
7 p.m. – Respect 2 ALL, Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa Room. An interactive presentation on how to respect yourself, your friends and significant other. Sponsored by the Residence Hall Association, NRHH, the Women’s Center, Greek Life and Intercollegiate Athletics.
Friday, Jan. 17
8 to 11 p.m. – Loper Live Music, Nebraskan Student Union Food Court. A concert featuring live performances by members of the UNK community and regional artists.
Monday, Jan. 20
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – No Classes
7 p.m. – Martin Luther King, Jr. Event, Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa Room. Celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. at this event sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and Black Student Association.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
8 p.m. – Campus Can, Cushing Pool in Cushing Coliseum. Join fellow students for a fun event at the UNK pool.
Wednesday, Jan. 22
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Student Organization Fair, Nebraskan Student Union Atrium. Get information from many student organizations and talk with current student leaders to find out how to get involved.
Thursday, Jan. 23
7 p.m. and 9 p.m. – Hypnotist: Jim Wand, Nebraskan Student Union Ponderosa Room. Tickets available at the Student Union Welcome Desk or at the door the day of the event. Tickets are $2 for students and $8 for general admission.
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Source: Chandra Daffer, 308-865-8291, dafferca@unk.edu
Writer: Sara Giboney, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu
