With the start of the fall semester upon us, the Capilano Students’ Union (CSU) bi-annual Welcome Back Week is upon us. These events take place the first two weeks of the semester, and provide a variety of events which promise to have something for every discerning student out there. It is meant to welcome new students (and welcome back old ones), introduce them to the CSU, and help students meet new people on campus.
CSU 40th Anniversary
Tuesday, Sept 6
During the University’s new student orientation on the first day of school, the CSU will be hosting a table and giving away cake to celebrate the Student Union’s 40th anniversary. The CSU’s Social Activities Coordinator, Amelia Koebel, says to “come by the party table to learn more about the CSU and have fun.”
Breakfast Giveaway
Wednesday, September 7th
For the first full day of classes, the CSU will be giving out an assortment of free sandwiches by the Purcell Way bus stop from 8 am until 9:30 am to help promote healthy eating, and as a pick-me-up for those students with early classes. Come early as sandwiches are limited.
The Walkabout
Thursday, September 8th
Thursday brings the constituency walkabout. A self led tour of all of Capilano University’s constituency rooms to show what they can offer students, such as the First Nations Lounge, Queer Centre and Women’s Cenre. The tour will begin outside the Treehouse (LB131) at 11:30 am and will end at approximately 1 pm. The Treehouse can be located on the first floor of the Library building.
Free food is included with the tour in each room, including bannock bread in the First Nation’s Lounge, fruits and veggies in the Women’s Centre and desserts in the Queer Centre. The CSU’s constituency representatives will be present in each room to answer questions, and tell you more about more about the rooms.
Lounge Party
Friday, Sept 9
Come up to the Lounge between 11 am and 1 pm for a party including popcorn, music, and tables from Capilano’s clubs and constituencies. The CSU is also using this as a chance to showcase the CSU lounge in the Maple building, and all that it has to
offer.
“The Lounge party is an informational event to support the booksale and for entertainment for the people in there, with music and slideshows,” says Koebel.
Speed Friending
Tuesday, Sept 13
Having trouble making friends? Want to meet more people? The CSU is hosting a speed friending event in the cafeteria from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. This event was previously held in the spring semester, and it was well attended and enjoyed by many
students.
Desserts will be served at the event, and little slips of paper with questions on them such as “If you could be a colour, what colour would you be?” It is great way to meet new people from different programs.
Harvest Moon Festival
Thursday, Sept 15
The CSU will be hosting a party in Library Square located between the Library and Cedar buildings from 11 am until approximately 2 pm. The Whiskey Dicks will be playing Celtic rock from noon until 1 pm, followed by BBQ hotdogs, chips, and pop.
Between 15 and 20 informational groups will be present, some from the community and some from the school, including our own Capilano Courier. “There won’t be any vendors that are selling,” says Koebel. “[It will be] mostly just informational vendors, with free stuff to give out.”
The events are meant to “welcome back students and give them a chance to make new friends right off the bat.” says Koebel.
Many students skip the events each year, but as general studies student Megan Cheung says: “I’ve always wanted to go to one of the events, [but] I just never hear about them until after they’re over!”
Summer is over and school is back in session, but that’s no reason for the fun to stop. Whether you are brand-new to Cap or a returning student, stop by one of the CSU’s events to meet new people, have fun, and maybe learn a thing or two about your student union.
// Cecilia Yus
Writer
