WoW features fun and informational events

As University of North Georgia (UNG) students step back onto campus and resume in-person classes and activities this fall, faculty and staff are ready to greet them during Weeks of Welcome (WoW).

"Weeks of Welcome is the university introducing itself to new and returning students," Stacie Rowley, associate dean of students, said. "It is designed to help them reconnect with each other, introduce them to faculty and staff, and become acquainted with UNG resources, opportunities and expectations."

The various social activities and educational programs happen during the first two weeks of the semester. Social activities include a glow party on UNG's Dahlonega Campus, a luau on the Gainesville Campus, goat yoga on the Oconee Campus, a cookout on the Blue Ridge Campus and a Student Resource Fair on the Cumming Campus. All campuses also are holding Student Convocation events.

The events supply students with places and programs they can access to help with college-level work. Social activities will allow students to meet new people and find leadership opportunities.

The perk this year is most will be in person. Last year, activities were conducted digitally because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are excited to do these events face to face," Rowley said, explaining some virtual elements will remain. "While our student organizations will hold in-person events, they can offer them online to allow students from other campuses to participate, too."

For example, the Student Government Association (SGA) will host a town hall meeting on Aug. 31 via Microsoft Teams. It will permit students from all five campuses and those taking courses online to ask questions, share their concerns and voice their opinions.

Weeks of Welcome is not limited to on-campus activities. UNG students will venture into the community through the First Saturday of Service on UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Students from any campus may volunteer their time and talents from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 28.

Mallory Rodriguez, director of student leadership programs, said most of the volunteer opportunities will involve manual labor such as cleaning and organizing for community partners. The result is a connection between students and their community.

"We learn so much about the community by giving back," she said. "And the more we engage, the more we are exposed to the needs of the community and how we can serve those needs. It also gives us a sense of belonging."

Students also engage in a time of reflection after the physical work is complete.

"They learn to understand the importance of service, the value of volunteering and how to remain engaged in their new community," Rodriguez said. "And I love hearing their stories and how they impacted our community."

For more information, visit the WoW website.