The Daily Trojan Online Guide to USC Welcome Week 2014
For many returning students, the events surrounding Welcome Week will bring back some fond memories. It might have been the place where they met their current roommate, or the group of friends they hang out with, or the time they found out that USC has a lot of random free food and awesome events because, well, it’s USC.
USC’s Welcome Week 2014 is shaping up to be just as exciting as in years past, and USC Student Affairs has put together a plethora of events to make sure every Trojan, new or returning, can kick off the semester the right way.
For up-to-the-minute reminders on event times, locations and news on the Welcome Back Concert and 2014 Comedy Show headliner, follow the Daily Trojan Twitter account @DailyTrojan.
An overview of some of the events occurring during Welcome Week | Design by Matt Burke
In the meantime, here’s a list of places and things to check out during Welcome Week 2014:
Wednesday, Aug. 20
Taste of ’SC
Ronald Tutor Campus Center, 5 p.m.
Welcome Week kicks off with a recetption for incoming students and their families. Expect free food, drinks, friendly introductions and hearty speeches.
Why you should go: It’s the perfect time for a break from all the organizing and unpacking. Forget about the piles of luggage lined up outside the dorm room for an hour or so.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Founders Park & EF Hutton Park, 11 a.m. Incoming Annenberg students only.
Incoming Annenberg students are invited to attend a discussion led by Dean Ernest J. Wilson III and Annenberg faculty. Lunch will be provided and booths from various student organizations will be present in case you want to take your first step in getting involved on campus as a future media professional.
Why you should go: Take advantage of the event and get to know future professors and classmates before class
even begins. Ask about the new Wallis Annenberg Hall and learn more about how to get involved with the different organizations and departments within the college.
USC Recreational Sports: Rec Fest
Brittingham Field, 4 p.m.
So you might not be one of the select few student athletes attending USC on an athletic scholarship, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play! Rec Fest invites all students to check out potential opportunities to participate in recreational sports as well as information on workout classes and intramurals.
Why you should go: There’s nothing more exciting than signing up for a new sport with a new friend– Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or polo, anyone? You could also pursue your unfulfilled dreams as a knuckle ball pitcher, or just get more information about getting brawny and staving off the dreaded freshman fifteen.
Bovard Auditorium, 5:30 p.m., Doors at 4:45 p.m.
Pack into Bovard Auditorium for a night celebrating diversity in the arts. DJ duo Urban Assault opens an energetic pre-show for a lineup that includes poetry, classical guitar and a contemporary dance company.
Why you should go: Visions and Voices consistently puts out some of the most interesting arts events throughout the semester — this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with one of the best arts initiatives the University has to offer.
Highlighter Dance presented by RSG
McCarthy Quad, 9 p.m.
Dress in your least favorite plain white shirt and head to McCarthy Quad to meet up with other freshmen and dance to some of the summer’s best Top 40 music. Come prepared to get messy and dance the night away.
Why you should go: It’s Thursday night, there’s no class the next day and there’s a dance at McCarthy Quad. Why wouldn’t you go?
Friday Aug. 22
Panhellenic Recruitment Orientation
Bovard Auditorium, 8 a.m.
If you’re planning on joining a sorority in the USC Panhellenic Council, wake up early and attend this mandatory information session for potential new members. Meet the Panhellenic Executive Board, the recruitment counselors and learn about recruitment rules and guidelines through entertaining skits.
Why you should go: If you’re planning on joining a sorority, it’s mandatory.
Trojan Traditions: Then and Now
Ronald Tutor Campus Center, 1 p.m.
If you’ve ever seen the deranged, shirtless fans painted cardinal and gold at the front of the student section during USC football games, those are the Trojan Knights. Away from the field they’re usually more tame and fully clothed, but no less passionate about being Trojans. The Knights will host a special information session about some of USC’s unique history and traditions.
Why you should go: Nobody wants to be “that guy or girl” at the first home football game of the season who doesn’t know the SoCal shout, or asks why everyone is so vehemently signaling for peace during a football game.
How to Get Involved
Seeley G. Mudd (SGM), 1 p.m.
If you go to USC and just attend classes and go to your internship for four years, you’re probably not doing it right. There are literally hundreds of ways to get involved at USC and start contributing to the Trojan Family right away. Find out more about ways to get involved at this seminar led by current USC student leaders.
Why you should go: Because for countless students, campus organizations are a great place to meet fellow Trojans with similar interests.
USC GeoScavenge
Tommy Trojan (Hahn Plaza), 2 p.m.
Join in a scavenger hunt that will have students looking for various landmarks and clues to discover some of the lesser known parts of USC’s campus.
Why you should go: Because you’re going to realize this campus really isn’t as small as it looks when you were looking it up on Google Maps.
Trojan Pride Rally
Tommy Trojan (Hahn Plaza), 6 p.m. New students only.
Dress in some (close-toed) walking shoes and your best USC gear and be prepared to learn more about USC’s proud traditions. Kick the flagpoles for the first time as a student and take an insider tour of the historic LA Coliseum as you learn more about the incredible successes of our student athletes over the years.
Why you should go: Because this will be the only appropriate time all year where you won’t have to push your way through a mob of tailgaters to stub your toe on a flagpole.
Trojan Pool Party
Uytengsu Aquatics Center (UAC), 9:30 p.m. New students only.
New students are invited to USC’s state-of-the-art Uytengsu Aquatics Center for a good old-fashioned pool party.
Why you should go: That pool is really, really nice.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Friends and Neighbors Day
Volunteer Center, 6:30 a.m.
Wake up (really) early, bring some friends and make some new ones at one of the most rewarding experiences offered to students at USC. Students can sign up at one of many volunteering opportunities to serve the community around campus. Friends and Neighbors Day is a highlight of many Trojans’ semesters and it’s an excellent opportunity to go out and do some honest work and help someone in need.
Why you should go: It really is one of the most rewarding things you’ll do all semester. Helping the community around USC is not just a Trojan’s duty: it’s just part of who we are.
All-Greek Recruitment BBQ
Alumni Park, 4 p.m.
If you’re so inclined, being part of Greek life can be one of many rewarding and lasting sources of friendship and community at USC. Those who plan on joining a Greek organization can talk to current members and learn more about the semester-long process.
Why you should go: If you’re not planning on going Greek, you can at least go get some burgers.
Welcome Back Carnival
McCarthy Quad, 5 p.m.
Snow cones, cotton candy and carnival games out in McCarthy Quad offer a relaxing, idyllic preface to the highly anticipated Welcome Back Concert.
Why you should go: Snow cones, cotton candy and carnival games.
Welcome Back Concert
McCarthy Quad, 7 p.m.
University Student Government and USC Program Board are mum on the headliner at the moment, but the Welcome Back Concert is one of the premiere musical events of the semester. Past performers have included Katy Perry, Cold War Kids, Hellogoodbye and White Panda.
Why you should go: Rumor has it this year’s headliner is going to be huge. In either case, virtually every USC student should have reported to campus by now, and expect practically all of them to be there.
Sunday Aug. 24
Comedy Show
McCarthy Quad, 7 p.m.
No word on who the headliner might be, but the Comedy Show is a truly underrated part of the Welcome Week experience. Past performers have included stand-up comedian Jerrod Carmichael and Conan writer Deon Cole.
Why you should go: Sure, it’s the night before classes start — but it’s the night before classes start. Everyone’s probably going to need a few laughs.
Wednesday Aug. 27
USC Involvement Fair
Trousdale Parkway and Alumni Park, beginning 11 a.m.
This event, held at the first week each semester, is an opportunity to become acquainted with over 300 student organizations. Fancy a round of DoTA 2? Maybe USC E-Sports is your speed. Want to spend your Tuesday and Thursday nights poring over case briefs and sharpening your legal analysis skills? The USC Mock Trial team might be right for you. No matter what you enjoy doing, there’s a group for it at USC.
Why you should go: Because four years at USC is way too short a time to spend solely on classes and internships. On a very serious note, involvement in these student-run organizations are what make USC such a great place to go to school.