Students begin college career with Traditions at Southeastern
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
by: Rene Abadie
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 programming and
information to assist them in making Southeastern their home away from home,” said
Vice President for Student Affairs Marvin Yates. “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,” Yates added. “We see
this as a way of engaging new and returning students at Southeastern.”
Traditions begins Sunday, Aug. 16, with Move-in Mane-ia from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
in the Student Union Ballroom. Students can check in at their designated move-in time
and receive Traditions materials.
Additionally on Sunday at 7 p.m., Luau Night featuring Desert Polynesia Dance
Company will be held adjacent to Fayard Hall and the Student union near the Katrina-Rita
Fountain. The event will feature authentic Pacific Island entertainment sharing the
spirit of Aloha and perpetuating the Pacific Island cultures through songs and dances
of Hawaii and other Pacific regions. DJ Cloud will provide the music as students enjoy
free food and drinks with a Hawaiian Luau flare.
Monday, Aug. 17, University Housing and Hall Council will host a Paint Party
at 7:30 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.
Tuesday concludes with Strawberry Jam, the official semester kick-off party in
Strawberry Stadium. Sponsored by Athletics, Strawberry Jam is scheduled from 6 – 8
p.m. and includes DJ music, free food and t-shirts. In the event of inclement weather,
the event will move to the parking garage.
Traditions will continue on Wednesday, Aug. 19, the first day of classes, with
First Day Q&A. Scheduled from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Union Quad, students
can stop by the Traditions tent to get answers to all their first day questions on
Wednesday and Thursday.
The following week holds more Traditions events, such as a service fair in the
Student Union Mall on Monday, Aug. 24, a movie presentation throughout the day on
Tuesday sponsored by CAB, a student organization browse sponsored by the Office of
Student Engagement on Wednesday, and a part-time job fair sponsored by the Office
of Career Services on Thursday.
For more information about Traditions, go to southeastern.edu/traditions.