Eastern Connecticut State University welcomed the class of 2027 and returning students to campus with a fun array of events during Welcome Week from Aug. 29 – Sept. 2. Hosted by the Campus Activity Board (CAB) and Office of Student Activities, the week had students of all classes enthusiastic about starting a new academic year.  

Welcome Week began Aug. 29 with the “Swing into the New Semester” event. A wooden swing set on the Fine Arts Lawn made for some lively photo shoots accompanied by a DJ. 

Members of the Campus Activity Board (CAB) distributed free bubble tea so students could decompress with something sweet after a long first day of school. Taste buds were blessed yet again the following afternoon at Squeeze the Day with a lemonade bar. Attendees also tapped into their creative side with DIY crafts and tie-dye booths. The next evening saw R&B musician King Chima serenading music enthusiasts in the Student Center Café. This was topped off with the first Thursday Night Café of the school year, complete with a late-night breakfast. 

“I really enjoyed Welcome Week. There was a variety of events, and it provided an opportunity to meet different people,” said Sadie Blackwell, a CAB coordinator. “One of my favorite events from the week was Stay & Play: Night of Inflatables.” 

Many would agree that Stay and Play was the highlight of the week. Students had a bouncy blast in some friendly competition on the obstacle course or the jousting platform. A DJ dynamized the night as a balloon twister adorned students with butterfly wings, plush swords and an entire kingdom of inflatable animals. 

The grand finale came on Seek-And-Solve Saturday, where student sleuths familiarized themselves with the campus by scouting for notes and turning them in for rewards. 

“CAB hosted Welcome Week with a wide array of activities for students to participate in as they returned to or entered campus for the first time,” said Alyssa Duffy, associate director of Student Activities. “Every event had a great turnout, and students could be seen dancing around, taking photos, meeting new people and enjoying campus.” 

New Warriors commented that the events of the week helped them adjust to campus life quickly. “I’ve met tons of new people just by attending events,” one first-year student said. “The week's events felt super inclusive.” Returning students attested that Eastern's Welcome Week continues to be a great motivational launching pad for the new year.