Events celebrating the return of thousands of students to Washington State University campuses across the state are taking place throughout the month of August.
Expanding on the prior sponsorship agreement with the university, BECU, the state’s largest credit union is the presenting sponsor of welcome back events on the Pullman, Spokane, Vancouver, and Everett campuses.
First day of fall semester classes is Aug. 19 but welcoming events begin the prior week on most campuses.
Campus-by-campus information is available below:
Pullman
Week of Welcome presented by BECU kicks off Aug. 12 on the Pullman campus with the #BePullmanProud Ice Cream Social from 3–5 p.m. at the Brelsford WSU Visitor Center. Later in the evening, the Student Recreation Center is hosting a Casino Carnivale where students can win chips and tickets to exchange for prizes in addition to enjoying music and snacks. The event runs from 6:30–9 p.m.
On Aug. 13, Glenn Terrell Mall will be the site of a Student Employment Fair from 1–3 p.m.
The annual fall Pep Rally and New Coug Photo is taking place from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Gesa Field, with all first-year students invited to participate.
First-year students will be welcomed by academic and community leaders during University Convocation on Aug. 16, which begins at 10 a.m. The Week of Welcome Back to School BBQ presented by BECU, also known as the All-Campus Picnic and Resource Fair, will take place immediately after convocation inside the Compton Union Building and on the Terrell Mall.
More information about Week of Welcome events on the Pullman campus is available online.
Global Campus
WSU Global campus will kick off its Week of Welcome events Aug. 12 with a virtual first-year welcome session beginning at 5 p.m. Global Campus staff are also hosting an intention bracelets crafting event at 6 p.m. where students will connect their plans for the upcoming semester with their creativity. Registration for the intention bracelets crafting event is available online.
An Academic Resources Panel where students can hear from staff with the Access Center, Library Services, and the Center for Civic Engagement, among others, is taking place at 6 p.m. on Aug. 13.
A Words with Cougs Game night is also scheduled to take place Aug. 14 at 6 p.m., while a Financial Resources Panel will take place at 6 p.m. Aug. 15.
More information about Global Campus Week of Welcome events is available online.
Spokane
Campus orientation events for incoming students are planned for Aug. 13 in Yakima and Aug. 14 in Spokane.
WSU Spokane’s Student Equity, Leadership and Community hub is planning a series of events during the second week of classes to ensure students are able to attend clinical orientations and get settled in.
Week of Welcome presented by BECU events on the Spokane campus include a Leadership Do’s and Donuts meetup on Aug. 26, an ELC Open House Aug. 27, an all-campus picnic Aug. 28 and the Involvement Fair Aug. 29. More information about WSU Spokane events for incoming students is available online.
Vancouver
The welcoming events on the Vancouver campus, known as Week Zero presented by BECU, includes food and games from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Aug. 19 on The Quad hosted by the WSU Vancouver Student Activities Board.
The following day is Rec Fest, also taking place on The Quad from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., and will include lawn games, free shaved ice, and information about ways to get involved in recreational sports during the academic year.
WSU Vancouver’s Week of Welcome Back to School BBQ presented by BECU is happening Aug. 21 on The Quad from 11 a.m.–2 p.m., with all students, faculty, and staff invited to attend.
The Firstenburg Student Commons will host a student employment fair for those looking to learn more about job opportunities on the Vancouver campus. The fair will run from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Aug. 22.
The complete calendar of upcoming WSU Vancouver Week of Welcome events is available on the campus’ website.
Tri-Cities
The Association Students of Washington State University Tri-Cities will host an open house Aug. 19 for incoming students from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. In addition student senators will host meet and greets during the first two weeks of the semester within the colleges to talk about their work and how to get involved.
The Tri-Cities campus Engagement Fair and Barbeque is taking place Aug. 20.
More information about Week of Welcome events on the Tri-Cities campus is available on the campus’ website.
Everett
Week of Welcome presented by BECU events on the Everett campus kick off with the annual Wave the Flag ceremony as well as a welcome back breakfast hosted by the Associated Students of WSU Everett beginning at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 19.
On Aug. 21, the campus will host a resource fair from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., complete with giveaways and tabling by registered student organizations.
The campus is hosting a Cougar Pride Day Aug. 23, which will include the dedication of the campuses new Cougar Pride statue at 11:30 a.m.
More information about the Everett campus’ Week of Welcome events is available online.
