Kaitlyn KornegayComing to campus and the first week of classes have one thing in common: It’s the most exhilarating and stressful experience. No matter if you’re a freshman, and this is the first time you’ve been on your own, or a senior preparing for your final school year, the experience is still similar.
But EagleMania is hosted by a number of campus organiations each fall. And it helps make the transition a lot easier on students. It gives them a chance to meet new people, celebrate being back, and learn about campus resources.
“The whole goal of EagleMania is to welcome new and returning students back on campus and provide them with fun and engaging activities to learn about each other and resources on campus,” said Kent Williams, assistant director of student engagement and leadership.
“It is important because it helps them feel like it’s their home away from home and makes them feel connected with each other, faculty, and staff. We want students to understand that life is better connected and that as long as you feel connected, we are here to help you in any area possible.”
EagleMania runs from August 10-19 while students are getting settled in residence halls and their class routines. One event, the Gogo Concert, was held on the New Student Center lawn. The Play Fair was held in the New Student Center. And the Student Health Open House was held inside and outside the Student Health Center.
EagleMania is a joint effort between the Division of Student Affairs and many other organizations on campus, said Williams and Ariel Germain, director for marketing and communications in the division of student affairs.
“It is a joint effort with different campus resources and organizations, such as Student Government and the Student Activities Board. Dr. William Clemm charged me with being the chair and to create a committee of people together,” said Williams.
According to Germain it’s important to have a variety of organizations represented. “We usually send out a call of action over the summer to also get more involvement in the committee so it’s a mix of organizations to help plan EagleMania,” she said.
Williams said the work isn’t over after all the events. Then it time to asses and gather student feedback.
“After it is over we focus on our own departments and then after Christmas break we get together and start planning for next year,” said Williams.
Today’s events include Kickback Friday, which takes place from 2-4 p.m., Maker Mania, which takes place from 3-4 p.m., and Studio 1910, which takes place from 8-9 p.m. Saturday’s ending events include a Community Clean Up from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the New Student Center, and Field Day at the Auxiliary Practice Turf Field from 3-6 p.m.
