CSU–Pueblo Opens Fall Semester with Convocation Activities

Pueblo- The fall semester Colorado State University – Pueblo will kick off for faculty and staff next week with convocation activities throughout campus with the theme “Game Plans and Blueprints: Strategies for the Future.” Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 28. Open registration for the fall semester begins on Friday, Aug. 25 at 10 a.m. with the offices of Admissions, Records, Financial Aid, Student Academic services, and the Academic Advising Center assisting new and returning students though the enrollment process.

Coffee and Conversation will start the week at 8 a.m. on Monday, August 21 in the Occhiato University Center Hearthwell Lounge and Ballroom followed by a Presidential Welcome Address by new CSU-Pueblo President Joseph Garcia at 8:30 a.m. Following new staff and faculty introductions at 9:30 a.m., Faculty Senate and Classified Staff Council will meet between 11 a.m.- noon to plan the year’s agenda.

Tuesday, August 22 will be dedicated to departmental and college faculty meetings as faculty begin the new academic year. The day will conclude with a Faculty-Staff Ice Cream Social and the Classified Staff Cake Walk Scholarship Fundraiser from 4:30-5:30 p.m., featuring prize drawings every half hour.

On Wednesday, Aug. 23, Faculty Development Workshop is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dr. Brenda Allen, professor and chair, Department of Communication at University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center, will present “Difference Matters: Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment.” Workshop attendees must RSVP if they are interested in attending the workshop lunch by calling Carol Kallmeyer at 549-2835 or by e-mailing Liz Johnson at
liz.johnson@colostate-pueblo.edu.

Students will return to campus later in the week when the Belmont Residence Hall (BRH) officially opens at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24. Student Welcome Week activities begin with an orientation program to help first-year students make a successful transition from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the OUC, Life Science, and HSB auditoriums. Students also will be able to pick up information on meningitis, and speak with local student services, vendors, and businesses from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in BRH. Resident floor meetings and a parents meeting will occur at 5:30 p.m. also in BRH.

Alumni of CSU in Fort Collins and Pueblo and the general public are invited to Festival on the Hill, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday east of Fountain Plaza; the event is free and will feature the cultures, music, and cuisine of Pueblo. RSVP is required by Monday, August 21 by calling 549-2810.

The entire campus community also is invited to the BRH Block Party from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, a free BBQ dinner courtesy of Auxiliary Services. After the block party students are invited to the 2006 Dance Academy, which begins at 8 p.m. in the Belmont Residence Hall.
RefWorks computer training also takes place from 10 to 11:30 a.m.WHERE, when attendees will learn to use information and tutorial programs like RefWorks, a new online research management, writing collaboration tool designed to gather, manage, store, and share all types of information.

Welcome Week activities officially begin for students with registration from 1 to 1:45 p.m. on Friday, followed by Get A Life… Outside the Classroom from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Hoag Hall. The program will help students figure out what to do between classes and explain the many social and recreational activities available on campus. Orientation Teams will begin at 3:45 p.m. in Hoag Hall followed by a Build Your Own Burrito bar from 5-6:30 p.m. in the OUC. A comedy hypnotist will entertain students beginning at 7 p.m. in the OUC Ballroom.

Free ropes course activities continue on Saturday, August 26 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Following a picnic and ice cream social from 4-7 p.m., an outdoor movie (The Breakup) and kettle corn spectacular will begin at 8:45 p.m. at Hoag Hall. A limited number of free tickets to the Colorado State Fair on Sunday, Aug. 27 will be available with priority given to new students. Returning students may also stop by the Belmont Residence Hall to pick up a ticket as well.

Back to school activities conclude on Wednesday, Aug. 30 with inflatable games on the grass west of the OUC from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. along with an exhibit of clubs and organizations and a barbeque. A Foam Dance Party will end the night from 8 p.m.-11 p.m.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.