It was an exciting day as the entire body of student leaders gathered together to assist with freshman move-in day. Sunny weather and upbeat music blaring from speakers worked together to provide a cheerful atmosphere for the first day of Welcome Weekend.

Student leaders split up to help with various tasks depending on their roles. Dressed in matching CIU T-shirts, they welcomed dozens of freshmen, waving to them as they drove onto campus and showing them to their residence halls. Then came some heavy lifting of boxes as clothes and prized possessions were carried into the freshmen’s home away from home.

After moving in, the new students sat in on some informational seminars with their families before participating in Welcome Weekend activities. The first event on the schedule was a grocery-themed bingo tournament where students played to win grocery items such as snacks and soft drinks. Other highlights of the week were a scavenger hunt, a neon dodgeball tournament and a movie night.  

Wrapping up Welcome Weekend was a worship night in Shortess Chapel where students were encouraged by Dr. Dan Coy, associate dean of spiritual formation, to “brag a little on Jesus.” Students gathered into small groups and talked about what God has been doing in their lives. Afterward, a closing prayer was said for the new school year.

Among the new students who enjoyed Welcome Weekend was Nursing major Sadie Lorrick from Lexington, South Carolina. 

“The bingo night and the scavenger hunt were especially fun and a great new way to get to know fellow first-time students,” said Lorrick. “It felt so welcoming when people began addressing us by our names, and shows how great the community is here,” she added.

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.