Monday, August 19, 2013

A welcoming week for USC’s newest undergrads

By Lillian Insalata; excerpt reposted from USC's news site
August 19, 2013

After filling up their residences with boxes, USC’s incoming class of 2013 will have plenty to do. During Welcome Week, the period between Move-in Day on Aug. 21 and the first day of classes on Aug. 26, the university has planned an array of events and activities for the newest members of the Trojan Family and — for the first two days — their families.

This year the university will offer more programming than ever, including two new signature events. The first, “Taste of SC,” will be held on Move-in Day from 5 to 7 p.m. Students and their parents can enjoy free food and see student groups perform in the Ronald Tutor Campus Center and Student Union as they tour campus offices and learn about student resources.

On Aug. 23, students will recreate the Game Day experience during “Light Up the Coliseum.” On that evening, the students will meet at Tommy Trojan at 7:30 p.m. and follow the USC Trojan Marching Band to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, where they will learn about USC traditions, have a group photo taken and spell out USC with flashlights. The first 500 students will also receive free food. The event is scheduled to end at 10 p.m.

For a complete list of events and activities, visit sait.usc.edu/welcomeweek. Students can also sign up for a special Welcome Week app to help them plan their schedules and sign up for events.

Wednesday, Aug. 21
In the evening, following “Taste of SC”, students can dance with new friends courtesy of radio station KXSC and USC Spectrum, which will sponsor live music at Tommy’s Place.

Thursday, Aug. 22
Parents are encouraged to attend the New Student Convocation, a traditional ceremony featuring a student procession and remarks from USC President C. L. Max Nikias, academic deans and Ainsley Carry, the new vice provost for Student Affairs. Preceding the event, families are invited to a pancake breakfast in McCarthy Quad.

Also on tap are the first day of micro-seminars — lectures and discussions that provide a glimpse into what college classes are like. USC professors, Nikias and Provost Elizabeth Garrett are scheduled to present seminars on a variety of topics.

In the evening, “SPARK! 8th Annual Visions and Voices Multimedia Kickoff” will present music, dance, theater and performance art in Bovard Auditorium. Students are encouraged to arrive early to get seats.

Friday, Aug. 23
The schedule will include tours of USC libraries throughout the day and the second day of micro-seminars.

To cap the night, following “Light Up the Coliseum,” students can catch a movie that will be shown in McCarthy Quad.

Saturday, Aug. 24
Students are encouraged to learn more about their neighborhood through Friends and Neighbors Day (FND), which pairs student volunteers with 30 community partners. After FND, buses will take students on neighborhood tours showcasing historic houses and landmarks.

That night, the Welcome Back Carnival and Concert featuring refreshments, games and a musical guest will take place in McCarthy Quad.

Sunday, Aug. 25
Students who need supplies for their rooms or want to explore Los Angeles for the day can make online reservations for shuttles leaving the University Park Campus for Target, Santa Monica, museums and other locations.

That evening McCarthy Quad will be a performance site once again — this time, a comedy show from 7 to 9 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 26

After Welcome Week excitement, students are advised to get a good night’s sleep on Sunday; fall semester classes start Monday morning.