Along with new challenges, assignments and discoveries, a new semester also brings with it a tradition known as Weeks of Welcome at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. The Fall 2016 “WOW” Booklet is hot off the press and packed with helpful information about six weeks of fun and enrichment.
Geared for both new and returning UMSL students, the colorful guide details events ranging from opportunities to connect around shared interests, to movie nights, to a s’mores competition and, well, lots more.
UMSL Daily recently asked Office of Student Involvement insiders for a few of their top WOW picks. After much deliberation, they settled on the following list – with the caveat that the entire booklet full of festivity and information is well worth a read.
Dive-In Movie – 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 23
(Photo by August Jennewein)
UMSL’s student-driven University Program Board has a reputation for fantastic events, and the second-annual Dive-In Movie looks likely to continue that trusted tradition of campus fun. Experience the Recreation and Wellness Center natatorium in a unique way as “Captain America Civil War” screens alongside your swim.
Fall Expo – 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 24
(Photo by August Jennewein)
The Expo’s a shoo-in for the things-not-to-miss list. With booths in the Quad near the Millennium Student Center bridge featuring all sorts of student organizations and campus departments until 2 p.m. during the event, plus generous swag to be had, it’s a no-brainer.
Paint-A-Palooza – 1 p.m. Friday, August 26
(Photo courtesy of PLHCSA)
A much-loved annual event sponsored by the Pierre Laclede Honors College Student Association, this is basically a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get covered in a ton of paint. Using environmentally safe powder-paint, the event makes a glorious mess in front of Provincial House on UMSL’s South Campus. T-shirts are available for $2, with all proceeds going to charity.
Glow Party – 9 p.m. Saturday, August 27
(Creative Commons photo)
Head to the Pilot House in the Millennium Student Center for a night of dancing – and even more paint. Organized by New Student Programs and the University Program Board, the Glow Party promises much fun and smearing by Operation Glow.
Meet the Greeks/Stomp the Quad – 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 31
(Image courtesy of the Office of Student Involvement)
With all fraternities and sororities on hand for anyone interested in learning more about the chapters, this is a handy one-stop shop – followed by an energetic, first-hand look at Greek life at UMSL. The fun starts on the Millennium Student Center patio at 5 p.m., with Stomp the Quad officially kicking off at 6 p.m. and including a yard show.
Late Night Bingo – 10 p.m. Friday, September 2
(Creative Commons photo by Edwin Torres Photography)
Play to win awesome prizes while enjoying snacks and refreshments in the Provincial House dining hall.
ABC’s Wreck the REC – 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 6
(Photo by August Jennewein)
Hosted by UMSL’s Associated Black Collegians, Wreck the REC is back for the second year in a row. Break a sweat while enjoying a fun night of basketball, rock climbing, swimming and more at the Recreation and Wellness Center.
UMSL Night at the Ballpark – 7 p.m. Friday, September 9
(Image courtesy of the Office of Student Involvement)
It’s not early fall in St. Louis or at UMSL without some Cardinals baseball. Celebrate two wonderful entities at once at Busch Stadium next month as the Redbirds take on the Milwaukee Brewers.
MSC Spectacular – 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 20
(Photo by August Jennewein)
Learn the ins and outs of the Millennium Student Center like never before while enjoying free food and taking advantage of giveaways and prizes. The building houses all sorts of offices and departments – and many of them will be running stations full of fun activities at various spots throughout the MSC until 2 p.m.
Major Minor Jam – 1 p.m. Thursday, September 22
(Photo by August Jennewein)
Perhaps appropriately, the final WOW pick takes an academic turn. Scheduled in the fifth week of the semester, it’s an ideal time to do some reflecting on that college career. Undecided about a course of study? Feeling uncertain about a current path? Stop by the third floor of the MSC to chat with fellow students and academic advisers from many different fields across the university.
