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MANHATTAN, KS — Kansas State University is diving right back in, now that summer break is over Student Programs and Involvement is hitting the ground running with their annual “Week of Welcome” for both new and returning students.
K-State's Week of Welcome is an annual event designed to welcome new and returning students to campus at the beginning of the academic year. The event includes various activities and events to help students acclimate to campus life, meet new people, and get involved in the university community. From ice cream social meetings to browsing the various booths for activities across Manhattan both on and off campus, there's something for everyone.
“I think K-State has already done a really great job with the pancake feed over the weekend. I think it's been a great start to the week. I'm really looking forward to it.” says Brandon Niece, a junior with a major in environmental science.
Many, such as Claire Perhask, a senior majoring in Biology and Spanish, expressed that the Week of Welcome provides an excellent opportunity for everyone, both old and new. She is looking forward to all that the staff have to offer.
Students like Veah Castillo, a freshman majoring in secondary education and theater, have spoken with their friends and hope to head to the activity carnival this Thursday to find something that fits with their academic life. "I feel like resources are very readily available," said Castillo.
"I would really like to establish a sense of community, which hasn’t been a struggle so far because everyone here is so friendly."
Students aren’t the only ones partaking in the fun. Staff at Lafene Health Center helped organize the annual “Get the Scoop” open house meet and greet, offering students a chance to tour the facility, meet staff, and enjoy free ice cream. Now in its fifth year, the event aims to introduce students to the comprehensive health services available on campus.
"We wanted to show off all the great work that we've done, all the great professionals that we have," said Chris Bowman, Director of the Morrison Family Center for Student Wellbeing. Bowman explained that many students were unaware of the extent of services offered, from dermatology to sports medicine and allergy immunization. Skylar Lundeen, HR Specialist, emphasized the importance of this interaction: "Putting a face with that makes it easier for them to engage when they do need help".
Wendy Nicholson, Director of Student Health and Well-Being Services, expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to showcase Lafene and CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) to students.
"It is a golden opportunity for us to showcase Lafene and CAPS to the students," Nicholson said.
She noted that the event's popularity has grown, with returning students eager to learn more about available services.
"Services range from allergy immunization... to radiology. There's dermatology, a psychiatry provider on staff... physical therapy, sports medicine, gender-affirming care, women's health, men's health, and the list is just extensive," she said.
The health center also offers unique amenities, including an in-house pharmacy with a drive-thru option and occasional medication delivery for students unable to visit the center. Nicholson shared, "Our pharmacy director has physically gone over and delivered medications to students as well."
Finally, she wished to express the important service of the comprehensive primary care services, offering counseling and psychological services as well as nutritional counseling.
That is only one of many events for this year’s week of welcoming, events ranging from WellCAT Festival, to the Lunch on the Plaza, finishing off with the Back to School Concert.
For more info, view the full Week of Welcome event schedule on OrgCentral and at https://wow.k-state.edu/.
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