'Weeks of Welcome Back' offer fresh entertainment for students

This year's first Weeks of Welcome Back are here to greet students from their return to school for the spring semester with fun, free giveaways and academic success.

The two weeks of activities began on Friday and are designed to engage and familiarize new and returning students to campus.

The Weeks of Welcome Back were created this year, mirroring the fall semester's Weeks of Welcome, to bring a new and exciting start to the spring semester.

"Our goal is to get people focused and back in the swing of things," said Carol O. Woodruff, director of Co-Curricular Programs and Cultural Outreach at the university.

Today, students will be able to receive fresh fruit, fruit bars, hot chocolate and coffee at various locations on campus as a part of Random Acts of Welcome provided by Campus Living and Dining. During Weeks of Welcome Back, students can also receive free T-shirts and free popcorn at basketball games.

Weeks of Welcome Back kicked off on Friday with Late Night ECU from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at Mendenhall Student Center. Free snacks and beverages were provided along with free bowling, billiards and movies.

ECU's own version of American Idol, "ECU Stars," was held Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. in Hendrix Theatre.

Nineteen students registered to perform and were then narrowed down to 12 by three judges: Student Affairs professional Steven Gray, former advisor to the ECU Gospel Choir Tarrick Cox and Woodruff.

The 12 contestants were narrowed down to three by the judges and the audience chose first, second and third place by applause.

First place went to Travis Marshmon who was awarded a $150 gift certificate to Dowdy Student Stores and the opportunity to perform at halftime at the men's basketball game against Memphis on Jan. 28. Second place went to Brittany Harler, who was awarded a $100 gift certificate to Dowdy Student Stores and the opportunity to perform at halftime at the women's basketball game against UAB on Jan. 24. Third place went to Estee Gabay, who was awarded a $75 gift certificate to Dowdy Student Stores.

"The turnout was great, with about 300 people in attendance," said Toya Jacobs, a director with the Division of Student Affairs.

Also in conjunction with Weeks of Welcome Back is ECU's Virtual Job Fair, which will be held from Jan. 9-22. Students will be able to search for part-time jobs on and off campus via the Career Connections online jobs database.

The MLK Day Challenge will also be held as a part of Weeks of Welcome Back on Jan. 19. Held by the ECU Volunteer and Service-Learning Center, the day will be dedicated to serving local non-profit agencies.

"It's a day to give back to the community," Woodruff said.

On Jan. 15, the Pirate Tutoring Center will conduct academic skills workshops in various residence halls.

"It's helping to get students back on track academically," Woodruff said.

Also, the Pirate Tutoring Center will be offering free tutoring every Tuesday and Wednesday at Joyner Library from 6:30-9 p.m. on Jan. 20 and 21.

The 13th annual Polar Bear Plunge will be held on Jan. 22 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center's outdoor pool where students can brave the icy waters. Also, while students wait in line to take the plunge they can check out Get A Clue Again, a student organization fair showcasing various clubs and organizations available for students to join.

Weeks of Welcome Back is a collaborative program made available through the support of Aramark Campus Living and Dining, Ledonia Wright Cultural Center, Office of Co-Curricular Programs, Pirate Tutoring Center, Student Employment Office, Student Organization Center and the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center and will run until Jan. 28 at the Men's Basketball game against Memphis.

"The whole program is a good blend of social and networking activities along with the academic and engagement pieces," Woodruff said.

This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.