Incoming students walk through the main gates at NDSU surrounded by cheering administrators, faculty and staff. The first day of classes began at 4 p.m., on Monday, Aug. 21.
Incoming NDSU students received a warm welcome to campus on Monday, Aug. 21, to kick off the start of the fall semester.
After being cheered through the university gates by faculty, staff and peers, students were greeted to campus by President David Cook and wife, Kate Cook, during the Welcome to the Academy event.
Cook’s tip for students is try something different by getting involved in one of the 275 student organizations on campus. Cook also offered some advice based on his own college experience, which is to not be afraid to ask for help.
“I was a first-generation college student, which meant my parents didn’t go to college. So I went to college and I was overwhelmed,” Cook said. “I had no clue what I was doing. It took me a couple years to hit my stride and one thing I never did, heaven forbid, was ask for help. I really know the people who are in the room across campus, they really are here for you.”
Monday’s activities were among a few that make up Welcome Week, a time that connects students through a variety of facilitated activities. Additional activities that are still to come include:
First Day of School Photos
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Bison statue across from the library.
Share your first day with family and friends. Be sure to stop by the iconic Bison statue to get your first day of school photo done.
Memorial Union Open House
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Memorial Union
The Memorial Union is a hub of activity and a great place to hang out and make connections. Check out the variety of activities throughout the day to learn more about all that the Memorial Union has to offer.
Tie Dye
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Babbling Brook, west of South Engineering.
Grab a free t-shirt and tie dye it in NDSU colors to show off your Bison Pride.
Block party
Thursday, Aug 24, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Bolley Drive loop next to West Dining Center
Capture your memories during a night full of fun. Enjoy snacks, crafts, music, yard games and tons of fun. Students won’t want to miss the celebration.
Farm Animal Fun
Friday, Aug. 25, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Shepperd Arena
NDSU has a rich tradition as an agricultural institution, and this is an opportunity to get to know the animals. The schedule includes equine grooming, bottle feeding dairy calves and looking at ultrasounds of pig and sheep.
Student Involvement Expo
Wednesday, Aug. 30, 11 p.m. to 3 p.m., outside of Memorial Union
Over 200 student organizations and campus departments will be showcased. Find something that interests you by visiting with some of the organizations.
The first full day of fall semester classes is Tuesday, Aug. 22.
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