Welcome Week

The University of Nebraska at Omaha tries to go out of its way to make sure that students feel comfortable and aware of what opportunities are available to them when they enroll here.Freshmen orientation introduce students to "UNO 101" (or maybe we should say "UNO 1010?") and help make sure they know where the various buildings are on campus, what services are available and give them a chance to meet some fellow students.

Durango Days, the university's recent addition to orientation, provides an opportunity to further get to know UNO and form real bonds with future classmates while participating in a service learning activity, and - if you're lucky - perhaps play with some pneumatic tubes at the Omaha Children's Museum.

Some of the larger scholarship programs try to make sure their students are given special attention, by having back-to-school meetings. The Thompson Scholar and Scott Scholar programs also match students with upperclassman mentors to give them another chance to ask questions.

The Gateway tries to get involved, too, with our annual "Guide to UNO" issue being mailed to incoming freshmen and transfer students. In it, we try to highlight some of the important things about campus. (Copies of it are likely still available in our newsstands now, too.)

The cream de la crŠme of the welcome back activities, though, has to be Welcome Week. Held each day in the Maverick Plaza, the area just outside the south doors of the Milo Bail Student Center, Welcome Week offers free food, live music, activities and a chance to learn more about what UNO has to offer.

For instance, today's theme is academic excellence, and representatives of various campus units will be on hand to discuss UNO academics from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Additionally, the band Prairie Dogs will perform while jousting, basketball, caricature drawings and photos will be offered in the Maverick Plaza. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will also be given away starting at 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, however, is the culmination of Welcome Week with the annual clubs and organizations fair. During the fair, students are able to peruse a cross-section of university groups to find out which ones they might want to get involved with.

Many student leaders found their niche by wandering the Welcome Week organization fair. The Gateway's editor in chief, for instance, first got involved with the publication after a chance encounter with The Gateway's news editor during his freshman year. He still has the business card he got that Thursday afternoon.

For those who want to get involved, the organization fair is a must-attend event. On the whole, Welcome Week is also a great way to learn more about campus and the myriad of opportunities available at UNO.

And, besides that, what self-respecting college student is going to pass up a free lunch?