EAST LANSING, Mich. - New and returning Michigan State University students can get to know each other, the MSU faculty and their community at events planned for Aug. 25-28. Freshmen can move into their residence halls on Wednesday, Aug. 25; returning students can move in beginning Thursday, Aug. 26. Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 30. The events listed here are just a few of the highlights of Welcome Back activities and events; for a complete list, visit the Student Life Web site at www.vps.msu.edu/SLIFE/orientat/calendar.htm. All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, August 25
· First-year students majoring in programs within the College of Human Ecology and their families are the guests of honor at the college's Matriculation Ceremony, which takes place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Human Ecology Building. New students sign an Enrollment Ledger and are welcomed by the dean and faculty. For more information, contact Peggy Lux at (517) 355-7690.
· All new students will attend dinner with the deans, faculty and returning students of their colleges at various sites across campus beginning at 5 p.m. For more information, contact Donald Straney at (517) 432-5125.
Thursday, August 26
· All new Honors College students will attend a reception at Eustace-Cole Hall, the newly renovated home of the Honors College, beginning at 4 p.m. This is one of MSU's most outstanding classes of honors students ever, comprising nearly 400 students with an average high-school GPA of 3.99. Seventy-nine of these students graduated first in their high school class. For more information, contact Bess German at (517) 355-2326.
· One of the largest "welcome back" events ever hosted by Michigan State University - the Spartan Spirit Pep Rally 1999 - will take place at 7 p.m. in Spartan Stadium. Sponsored by the MSU Alumni Association's Student Alumni Foundation, the pep rally is expected to attract between 8,000 and 10,000 new and returning MSU students. They will be greeted by MSU Provost Lou Anna K. Simon, football coach Nick Saban, basketball coach Tom Izzo, hockey coach Ron Mason and women's basketball coach Karen Langeland. Also on hand will be Sparty, the MSU Marching Band, MSU Cheerleaders and MSU Motion. "This event is designed to promote Spartan Spirit," explains Keith Williams, executive director of the MSU Alumni Association. "We want everyone to learn our cheers and fight song, and to get fired up about being Spartans." Jeff Lemon, president of the Student Alumni Foundation, adds that many door prizes will be given out at the event, including "season tickets for hockey and basketball, free text books and other really cool stuff." For more information, call the Student Alumni Foundation at (517) 355-8314.
· From 10 p.m. to midnight, students can catch a special express bus to Okemos for Midnight Madness at Meijer. Special discounts will be offered on residence hall room and refrigerator essentials. For more information, call Student Life at (517) 355-7535.
Friday, August 27
· The College of Osteopathic Medicine holds a convocation at 2 p.m. at the Wharton Center's Pasant Theatre. This event includes a "White Coat Ceremony" in which new medical students are vested with a white coat as a symbol of their entrance into the profession. For more information, contact Allen Jacobs at (517) 355-9616.
· U-Fest '99, at the MSU Union from 7 to 11 p.m., features a luau, carnival games and prizes, live comedy, laser tag and up-and-coming band "Domestic Problems." For more information, call the Union Activities Board at (517) 355-3354.
· A mystery entertainer will appear at the Breslin Student Events Center at 9 p.m. For more information, call the Breslin Center at (517) 432-1989.
· The brand-new Campus Center opens its doors to the MSU community from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Music, games, food and a local radio station broadcasting live from campus will pack the International Center and Wells Hall. For more information, call Tami Kuhn at (517) 432-7739.
Saturday, August 28
· Students can learn about more than 200 campus organizations, clubs and government groups at the "Party at the Aud Student Organization Fair," which takes place from 7 to 10 p.m. at the MSU Auditorium. For more information, call Student Life at (517) 355-7535.
· The Campus Center hits high gear from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the International Center and Wells Hall with live band Knee Deep Shag, winner of the Outstanding Urban Artist Award at the 1999 Detroit Music Awards. For more information, call Tami Kuhn at (517) 432-7739.
Sunday, August 29
· The College of Human Medicine holds a convocation at 3 p.m. at the Kellogg Center. This event includes a "White Coat Ceremony" in which new medical students are vested with a white coat as a symbol of their entrance into the profession. For more information, contact William Abbett at (517) 353-1730.
· Campus resource offices will be open between 3-5 p.m. to talk about their services, including the Department of Student Life, Study Abroad, the MSU Counseling Center, Career Services and Placement, MSU Libraries, the Office of Financial Aid, the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety, the Writing Center, the Undergraduate University Division and the Learning Resources Center. Special door prizes for those who attend! For more information, contact Student Life at (517) 355-7535.