Southeastern students begin college with ‘Traditions’

Thursday, July 21, 2016
by: Tonya Lowentritt


     HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University students will once again have the opportunity to begin a new semester getting to know their peers and all that the university has to offer thanks to “Traditions.”
     “Traditions provides new and returning students with various free programming and information to assist them in making Southeastern their home away from home,” said Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Jim McHodgkins. “Students have the opportunity through Traditions to get to know each other and the campus and become comfortable with the routine of campus life.
     “Students who become engaged with their selected institution early in their college careers generally perform better academically and socially,” McHodgkins added.
     Traditions begins Sunday, Aug. 14, with Move-in Mane-ia from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom. Volunteers will be on hand to assist students as they move into their personal residence halls. Students can check in at their designated move-in times and receive Traditions materials.
     Additionally on Sunday at 7 p.m., Lion Craze will feature Playfair, a high-energy extreme socializing event. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and the Office for Student Engagement, Lion Craze will take place at the Pennington Center, where students will also have the opportunity to learn about actual Southeastern traditions and their history.
     Monday, Aug. 15, University Housing and Hall Council will host a Paint Party at 6:30 p.m. at Lee Field.
     Monday and Tuesday, students will be able to participate in concurrent activities happening all over campus, such as a trip to the mall via the Lion Traxx shuttle service. These events will be hosted by recognized student organizations. Go to southeastern.edu/traditions for a full schedule of events.
     Tuesday concludes with Strawberry Jam, the official semester kick-off party in Strawberry Stadium. Sponsored by Southeastern Athletics, Strawberry Jam is scheduled at 5 p.m. and includes the students’ first “Storm 30” led by Cheerleaders, Lionettes and the Spirit of the Southland Band to get everyone prepared for tailgating for the first Lion home game on Sept. 24. Free food, t-shirts and music will also be plentiful. All fall athletic teams will be present. In the event of inclement weather, the event will move to the Pennington Center.
     Traditions will continue on Wednesday, Aug. 17, the first day of classes, with First Day Q&A sponsored by the Office for Student Engagement. Scheduled from 7:30 to 11 a.m. in the Student Union Quad, students can stop by the “Just Ask Me” tents to get answers to all their first day questions from the Division of Student Affairs Leadership Ambassadors. Maps and other resources will also be provided. Information will be available again on Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     Wednesday’s activities continue with “Get the Scoop Involvement Fair” from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Quad. Student organizations and departments will be on hand to answer questions about getting involved, and students can enjoy a scoop of ice cream while they browse.
     Also on Wednesday students can stop by the Pennington Rec Center from 3 to 5 p.m. to learn about intramural sports, Group X Classes, or get in a quick work out. Then from 6 to 8 p.m. students can enjoy a relaxing social night of acoustic music, coffee and refreshments. Sponsored by CAB and Dining Services, CAB Coffee and Live Music will take place outside of the Student Union Starbucks.
     Thursday, Aug. 18, offers students two CAB sponsored events. The first, CAB City Sampler, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union Breezeway. Area businesses will be distributing free food, coupons and giveaways to students. The second event, a late night block party called CAB After Dark, is scheduled from 8 to 11 p.m. in the Pennington Center. Also a Rec Sports and Wellness sponsored event, CAB After Dark will offer exciting activities, including a foam pit dance party, games and food. Students can also bring out their creative sides at the t-shirt design station and photo booth.
     On Friday, August 19, CAB will sponsor Outdoor Movie Night and will present the summer blockbuster movie “Captain America: Civil War” on an inflatable screen under the stars at 7:30 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium.
     For more information about Traditions, go to southeastern.edu/traditions.




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