From a luau to glow-in-the-dark dodgeball to mechanical bull-riding: Welcome to CIU Welcome Weekend!

To celebrate the new school year, students took part in a number of entertaining events that included friendly competition, laid-back relaxation, and opportunities to interact with new faces and old friends. Known on campus as Welcome Weekend, the activities encourage incoming students to connect with one another and get an early taste of life at CIU.

On the evening of new student move-in day, Hawaiian leis were donned and mocktails were poured at the second annual Luau Party. Competition was in the air with multiple volleyball games on the sand volleyball court and a limbo contest simultaneously taking place. 

Meanwhile, “Neon Dodgeball,” a glow-in-the-dark rendition of the popular game, has become another staple of Welcome Weekend. Taking place in the newly renovated Moore Fitness Center, students wore glow-stick necklaces and formed teams with their respective residence halls in a double-elimination tournament culminating in a lopsided but friendly match between RAs and students. 

After the tournament, students switched from competing to line dancing to the classics such as “Cupid Shuffle” and “Church Clap.” 

The final day of Welcome Weekend saw the inaugural Pineview Apartments kickoff party at the Pine View Community Center. The event included a bounce house and a mechanical bull-riding station. Garnering the most interest was the dunk tank, and an opportunity for students to sink beloved CIU faculty such as the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, Dr. David DeWitt, and Pineview Resident Director Dylan Jacobs. 

Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online. Apply now or request information on enrollment at CIU by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.