It’s a new school year and time for a new beginning. Introducing: Alpha Week! A five-day event initiating freshmen to the campus community and its culture. The week was a part of the House Collective, a year-long competition between residence halls. Although, this year there is a special emphasis on ALL CIU students to join a House and participate, including those living off campus, those living in the on-campus Pine View Apartments, graduate, and even online students.

During Alpha Week, students won points for their House in three different events: extreme cake decorating, Human Battleship, and a video presentation of each house’s unique culture.

Nicholas Waldrop, a member of Residence Life’s Community Life Coordinator Team said Alpha Week set an exciting, positive tone for the school year.

“It’s really exciting seeing how much the student body came together so quickly and were able to bond (within their) House,” Waldrop said.  

Jen Johnson, assistant dean of student services, said Alpha Week was especially fun because the university administration didn’t plan it. Instead, students created the events for students.

“I really enjoyed watching them think through everything and host as well.” Johnson said. “I think they did an outstanding job!"

Clarissa Crowley, director of residence life, said getting everyone involved from the first day is exciting.

“The impact that it had on our students, especially the House Collective, is outrageous!” Crowley said. “I've never seen so much competition straight out of the gate.”

Community is at the heart of CIU and consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.