Nicholls State University kicked off the first week of the Fall 2016 semester by welcoming new and returning students with the nearly 30 events of Welcome Week.

From a formal welcome and proclamation by the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce on Monday, August 22 and ending with the Silent Disco and Colonel Games on Saturday, the University was ready to welcome its students back with lively spirits. Tommy Thibodaux, president of Student Government Association, said how important the first few weeks of school are, especially for new students.

“The first two weeks for a freshman paints a picture about the University that lasts their entire time at the institution,” Thibodaux said.

Following Freshman Move-In Day Saturday, VIP Freshman Night gave new students an opportunity to get their textbooks at the bookstore and to participate in games for prizes in the Union. In addition to the activities that helped freshman break the ice on campus, freshmen were able to attend events that helped them get to know Nicholls better.

Colonel Kickstart put all of the University’s resources in the spotlight on Sunday. With one of the services being provided by campus police, University Chief of Police Craig Jacuzzo doled out parking advice for drivers new to campus. President Murphy hosted a Welcome Week party at his house called Freshman Party at the Prez Rez Monday night where new students were able to eat and play games with the president. On Tuesday, upperclassmen offered advice to freshmen during an open forum. On Tuesday night, the Snack Bar in the Union hosted bingo games that raffled hot commodities for college students. On Wednesday night, Sodexo offered a waffle bar in the union where students could enjoy free waffles and participate in Colonel Karaoke. Despite the rain on Thursday, the University continued the week’s festivities by highlighting the many campus organizations that make it come alive.

The faith-based organizations on campus also contributed to Welcome Week activities including the Baptist Collegiate Ministry’s Luau on Monday, Colonel Catholic’s Waterslide and BBQ on Wednesday and Chi Alpha’s paint war in front of the library on Friday.

To wrap up the week’s activities, the University celebrated with the Jammin’ BBQ on Friday. In addition, the women’s soccer team captured a victory against Louisiana-Lafayette Friday afternoon.