Orientation Programs to host first Mall Madness

Many students are stressed out this week about chemistry or calculus, but this evening there will be a much easier class: a crash course in shopping.
From 5 to 9 p.m. at College Mall there will be free food and prizes ranging from a gift certificate to Blondie’s Cookies and free Chick-fil-A for a year, to the grand prize of the Target Ultimate Dorm Room.
Kelly Key, the marketing director for Chick-fil-A said the store was eager to participate and welcome new students to campus.
“We enjoy having a youth base of clients,” she said.
The marketing office at the mall came up with the idea for the event and approached the Office of Orientation Programs, which was happy to form the partnership.
The assistant director for the Office of Orientation Programs, Megan Ray, said she was excited to add another program to its schedule.
“Orientation Programs is always looking for ways to enhance the student experience at IU,” she said. “Including helping them connect with the city of Bloomington in different ways.”
The campus bus service is also helping out, as it will have representatives at all bus stops to direct people on routes heading to College Mall.
Once inside the mall, students will receive a punch card that will have the names of various locations within the mall. Once completed, the card can be turned in for prizes, which will be drawn every hour from 6 to 9 p.m.
The final prize drawing will be for the Ultimate Dorm Room from Target, which is a collection of items, including a futon. The cost of the items amounts to more than $600.
Radio stations B97 and 105.1 FM will also be on hand to play music as students wander through the mall shopping at the various stores.  
New and returning students will also be met by special guests from the IU Athletic Department. Student athletes from the women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s soccer, cross country and field hockey programs will sign autographs, hand out posters and interact with fans.
Shannon Branson, assistant marketing director for the IU Athletic Department, said she believes it is important for the student-athletes to meet and interact with new students.
“It is a great opportunity for our student-athletes to give back and thank a community that shows such tremendous support to Indiana Athletics,” she said.
Other stores that will offer special deals include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inside Scoop, Subway, T.J. Maxx and many more.
Ray said she expects many people to come out for the event and could see this becoming a permanent part of the orientation experience.
“It’s a great way to celebrate the first week of classes,” she said.