Wayne State College is kicking off the 2025-26 school year with a bang. Before classes started, the incoming freshmen moved in early for a tradition called Week of Welcome. This consists of multiple activities that get the new students out of their dorm rooms to connect with their community. The weekend before classes start, all freshmen are given a schedule and an assigned group. Each group has two returning students that show them around campus and what it is like to be a Wildcat.
Some of the activities include a convocation with President Marysz Rames, alcohol and sex presentations, residence hall events, ice breakers, a block party and more. There are several activities to keep the freshmen busy and involved during their first couple days on campus.
“Week of Welcome influenced me in many ways,” freshman Rachel Pfeiffer said. “I loved hearing from the speakers, learning where my classes are and meeting new people.”
Even with the school year starting and classes beginning, there are plenty of events and activities for WSC students to participate in. Last Wednesday, Cat PAC hosted a Bingo Night, a tradition they hold every year. All students are invited to enjoy snacks, win prizes and meet new people on campus.
“Bingo Night allows people to come out of their shell and sit at tables with people they don’t know,” Cat PAC member Eryn Webb said. “They bond over the idea of wanting to win a prize and end up making some really good friends.”
Bingo Night is a welcoming event especially for the freshmen who are still trying to find their footing and connect with their campus, but this is also a great event for returners because it welcomes them back on campus.
“It allows returners to still get involved in on-campus events and socialize with the new freshmen on campus,” Webb said. “Just allowing a space where returners can be social can help them still feel a part of the Wayne State College community.”
Week of Welcome and all the activities that come with it are crucial for the freshmen to feel they are part of the community. The first six weeks of college are crucial for freshmen to discover if WSC is the right college for them. Cat PAC put on all these events to show the incoming students why Wayne should be their home for the next four years.
“This is the foundation for what the college experience is going to be,” Webb said. “This includes the friendships they make, the places they live in, how comfortable they are and how their overall experience is going to pan out.”
As the class of 2029 completes their first days as Wildcats, they will remember these days the most. Having a positive experience right off the bat can create confidence and reassurance going into the rest of the semester. As the school year continues, each residence hall will hold monthly events called socials. All residents are invited to attend these socials to stay connected to their community throughout the year.
