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Welcome Week Fall 2022 class of 2026 Students make their way to campus for their first academic year.

After months of planning, the University of Southern Indiana welcomed a new flock of Screaming Eagles to the nest. Two weeks of activities began with the first official Move In day on August 17 and will end with Labor Day at the Lake on September 4. Returning students joined the new class as another academic year began. Days were full of free food, swag and plenty of fun.

Area Coordinators, Resident Assistants and Welcome Week Leaders made Move In much easier for families.

THEME LIVING: COMMUNITY CARNIVAL

From wax hands to cotton candy, students living in the six Theme Living Communities (TLCs) in the residence halls enjoyed a carnival before classes started. Wearing their "Stranger Things"-themed TLC shirts, they stuffed cuddly study buddies (Archie Eagle being the most popular), tie-dyed shirts, made wax hands and enjoyed an array of carnival-themed food.

"I had a great time meeting and spending time with the incoming freshmen College of Nursing and Health Professions TLC members during Welcome Week as they moved in and attended the scheduled fun activities on Thursday. What a joy it is to see such promise and excitement!" — Beth Thompson, College of Nursing and Health Professions TLC Advisor

EAGLE EXPERIENCE: ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Students gathered by their respective colleges to meet their professors and deans and learned how to get involved with their majors and programs. They also received their college T-shirts and learned the chants they would use at the inaugural Pride & Spirit event.

The Commuter Student Meeting was led by Welcome Leaders who gave commuter students invaluable tips, such as alternate routes to USI during Lloyd Expressway construction, time management tips and how to find new friends while living off campus.

SCREAGLE PRIDE & SPIRIT

USI coaches cheer while watching the Athletics hype video.

School spirit rocked the Screaming Eagles Arena as the Class of 2026 students exercised vocal cords while learning college-related chants led by the USI Cheer and Dance teams and Welcome Week leaders. Students waved official USI rally towels and learned USI's fight song. Amid the roar of the crowd, they met coaching staff and student athletes. Full of Screagle Pride, they headed out to The Quad for their class photo.

"It has been great to see the enthusiasm these new students have. Last year, there was still so much uncertainty and lots of restrictions on what we could do. However, this group of students gets to experience a typical college experience, and I am so glad they are choosing to embrace it. It’s going to be a great year to be a Screagle!" — Taegan Garner, Student Government Association President

Eagle Experience: All Freshman Campus Program

It was a packed house as freshmen got a jump start on their USI experience. Student leaders answered questions about how to succeed in college, make friends and get connected at USI. After, students enjoyed a host of activities from karaoke, to an Information Fair (courtesy of the student organizations from Pott College), to a hypnotist show sponsored by the Activities Programming Board.

“I am excited to have our newest class on campus. Already, through my interactions and conversations, I can see this class will be engaging with one another and the campus community in meaningful ways. I am looking forward to getting to know them as they become active members of our Screagle family." —Laurie Berry, Assistant Dean of Students

EXPLORE EVANSVILLE FAIR

In its second year, this popular event brought outside vendors to campus as a way to introduce new students to Evansville culture. Free bucket hats from the Evansville Thunder and a bottle of barbeque sauce from Buffalo Wild Wings were among many giveaways. Students dined on food from the five food trucks parked outside of the Screaming Eagles Arena.

Students dined on options from greek food to whipped pineapple ice cream.

First Day of Class

Volunteers at Welcome Tents and the University Center helped new students find their way as the 2022-23 academic year began. Wearing an assortment of new USI T-shirts, freshmen were both exhausted and fired up by all the activities leading up to the first day of classes. They explored the new food options in University Center East, found study areas and stood in line for Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A. The week culminated in events like the Part-Time Student Job Fair, a petting zoo and picnics sponsored by Student Government Association and the International Club. Welcome Week wraps up the first week in September with the annual Labor Day at the Lake event.

BEHIND THE SCENES: FIRST WEEK OF THE FALL SEMESTER

Students gather to create the Class of '26 number on The Quad.
Created By
Barbara J. Goodwin
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Barbara J. Goodwin