A DEFINING MOVE

Unlike the first day of high school, freshmen discover that coming back to IU doesn't mean hitting the books right away. A week filled with fight songs, live music, outdoor movie screenings, henna tattoos and free food awaits the arrival of the students.\nUpon check-in at their assigned residence hall, students will receive a Welcome Week booklet providing information on the upcoming week's festivities.\n"The basic purpose of Welcome Week is to help students get connected," said Melanie Payne, director of Welcome Week programs. "We want them to feel like they are a part of something a little bit bigger than themselves."\nThe week is centered on three basic aspects: people, places and resources. Every event is planned in a different area of the campus to familiarize new students to IU.\nThe official commencement of the week begins with the traditional Freshman Induction Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. in Assembly Hall.\n"The kickoff event to Welcome Week is the official recognition of the new students being welcomed into the IU family," said Bill Elliot, director of university ceremonies. "It's just a nice way to formally greet them." \nThere are plenty of other opportunities throughout the week that provide students the chance to become acquainted with each other. The induction picnic, following the ceremony, offers free food and gives freshmen a chance to mingle with other newcomers. \n"I'm really looking forward to meeting so many new people," said incoming freshman Jori Weingarten, from South Bend. "I just spent a week at home after attending the Intensive Freshman Seminar program, and it feels great to be back."\nPayne touched on three events that are the most beneficial for new students to attend. \n"If you can't get to every Welcome Week function, the 'big three' to attend are the Induction Ceremony, CultureFest and Traditions and Spirit of IU," she said.\nCultureFest, which takes place at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, is a two-part event stressing the diversity at IU. The event opens in the IU Auditorium with several informative speakers specializing in the culture and history of the University. Students are then given vouchers for free food and other prizes for the second event in the Fine Arts Plaza, outside of the auditorium. Live music, ethnic food, and henna tattoos characterize the event.\nAssembly Hall opens its doors once again at 4:30 p.m. Friday for the Traditions and Spirit of IU. Students will learn the IU fight song, cheers and get a general feel for what sporting events -- particularly basketball games -- are all about.\nThroughout Welcome Week, several student organizations around campus will hold events to educate students on what they're about. The Union Board will host an outdoor screening of "Orange County," a comedy starring Jack Black and Colin Hanks, between Read Center and the Wright Education Building.\nPayne said the basic message at all these events is for students to understand that "when you ask for help at IU, you get it."\n-- Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu.