By Lucas Wimmer

Several  offices across campus, including the First Year Experience, Career and Leadership Development, Residence Life and others, have come together to put on the first ever Whitewater Week of Welcome.

A large amount of resources were dedicated to encourage not only freshmen but also upperclassmen to stay on campus the first weekend after they move in to the residence halls.

The week-long event spans from Aug. 31 to Sept. 7.

One event, Deals of Whitewater, led students by bus to different stores around Whitewater and allowed them to partake in special deals and discounts. The goal was to show students what the community has to offer.

Freshman Chris Roche said the event helped him feel more at home.

“It was a lot better than walking,” he said. “It had more of a family attitude. It makes you want to stay [in Whitewater] longer, and it makes you want to become a part of the community more.”

Alan Jones, assistant complex director for the Arey and Benson residence halls, believes these events can help students make friends and have a desire to remain on campus.

“It’s a good opportunity for the students to interact with each other in an environment that’s not so serious,” he said.

Jones and the Residence Life Professional Staff planned a s’mores event for Aug. 31, where students could enjoy free s’mores, lawn games and music.

The residence halls were broken up into three sections: the Wells towers, the six pack, and Wellers, Knilans and Tutt.

Jones said the goal of the event was to have an interactive environment for the students where they also could have a good time. The event cost $1,600 to put on.

Terry Tumbarello, associate director of Residence Life, said the resident assistants have been tasked with persuading students in the residence halls to attend the events.

A look ahead to the upcoming events shows an array of different events that could appeal to many different kinds of students.

Better Bites is a free food tasting event that includes challenges and games.

The event is sponsored by University Health and Counseling Services and Working for Whitewater’s Wellness.

It will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 in the University Center Room 275.

Student Entertainment Awareness League will be sponsor a live music performance at 8 p.m. Sept. 5 in the UC Down Under. Students who attend will listen to the country trio Scarletta. Admission to this event is free.

More information on upcoming events can be found on the First Year Experience office’s website at uww.edu/fye.