Saturday, August 27
Target Takeover preview and promotion
1 to 4 p.m. – Kogan Plaza
As if the main event itself isn’t enough, don’t miss this prelude to the after-hours shopping extravaganza. Sponsored by the Residence Hall Association, the preview offers free coupons and a surprise gift for your use at the Target Takeover Wednesday night, as well as free food and an opportunity to win Target gift cards.
Women’s Volleyball vs. Georgetown
7 p.m. – Smith Center
After some time away from GW, get your school spirit flowing in the “D.C. Challenge.” What better way to be excited about the start of the year than to cheer on the Colonials as they oppose our Georgetown rivals? Dust off that buff and blue attire, and join your peers in welcoming the season with spirit.
House meetings
Evening; times vary – Marvin Center
Though you may not be home much during Welcome Week, don’t forget about getting to know your housing community. This meeting will help you get your bearings and learn how to settle in for the next eight months. Your house proctor has information about meeting time and place.
G-Dub First Night
9:30 to 11 p.m. – Marvin Center
Get in touch with your inner kid with large inflatables, laser tag, free bowling and billiards. Did we mention this is one of many opportunities to get free food? Grab a few friends, catch up and let loose.
Sunday, August 28
Sunday Brunch: Get to know the Vern
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – West Hall Dining
The opportunity to chow down on an all-you-can-eat brunch on a leisurely Sunday morning is a great incentive for freshmen and upperclassmen alike to explore the Vern. For $7.25 per person (option to pay with Dining Dollars and Colonial Cash), you can eat to your heart’s content.
Legacy Family Welcome Reception
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Alumni House, 1918 F St.
Do you have family members who have attended or currently attend GW? If so, the GW Alumni Association would like you to join in this welcoming brunch reception. The invitation is extended to legacy members of the Class of 2015, as well as other legacy community members.
Freshman Convocation and Fresh on the Yard
4 to 7 p.m. – Charles E. Smith Center & University Yard
If you are a freshman eagerly awaiting a formal welcoming, this is it! Head to the Smith Center to hear from University President Steven Knapp and Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Steve Lerman about your upcoming years at GW. Listening to speeches not your thing? Console yourself by thinking of the free food at the freshman barbecue afterward in U-Yard.
Movie on the Yard: Scream 4
8 p.m. – University Yard
If you typically steer clear of horror films, now is a good time to try one out with friends for support. Bring blankets and snacks, kick back and enjoy this film showing sponsored by Program Board.
Monday, August 29
265 Days ‘Til Graduation Senior Breakfast
9 to 11 a.m. – Alumni House, 1918 F St.
Let’s face it seniors, you’ve just returned, but already you’re looking ahead to the end. Come prepared with calendars to mark the date, because here starts the official countdown to graduation. In honor of the occasion, have some free breakfast sponsored by the GW Alumni Association.
Student Leadership Meet-and-Greet
4 to 6 p.m. – Kogan Plaza (rain location: Marvin Center Continental Ballroom)
If you’re searching for ways to get involved as a leader, or think you’ve got what it takes to head a student organization, don’t miss this opportunity to meet current GW student leaders. Who better to give you advice about the various opportunities for leadership, and how to succeed in getting them?
Student Performance Showcase
7 to 11 p.m. – Lisner Auditorium; Kogan Plaza
Sample GW’s talent and treat yourself to an evening of performances. Whether you’re interested in acting, dancing, comedy or something else, something is sure to catch your eye.
If you decide afterwards to try your own hand at creativity, join a dessert reception in Kogan Plaza to learn how to get involved in the arts at GW.
Tuesday, August 30
University Services and Student Organization Fair
7 to 9 p.m. – University Yard
Browse the student organization tables for something fun or challenging, and be sure to talk with the student representatives about their experiences. Not looking to get too involved? Take a break at the Taste of GWorld and try the free food and drinks–you’ll need ideas for where to spend GWorld money later in the year.
Hypnotist, Tom DeLuca
9 to 11 p.m. – Dorothy Betts Marvin Theatre
There’s never a dull Tuesday night during Welcome Week. Head over with a few adventurous friends, who are hopefully willing to volunteer on stage, for some light hypnotic entertainment.
Wednesday, August 31
Campaign GW Mount Vernon Campus Fall Kickoff
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. – West Hall Room B108 A&B
Interested in hearing more about GW’s future and the people who are planning it? Head to Campaign GW’s fall kickoff on the Vern to find out how to get involved.
Wacky Wednesday: Design on a Dime
9 to 11 p.m. – Post Hall, Mount Vernon Campus
Attend this home-décor themed Wacky Wednesday (the first of many) for tips on how to decorate your space on a college student budget.
Target Takeover
10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. – leaving from Kogan Plaza, Thurston Hall and Mount Vernon Campus Quad
Shoppers, show your dedication and head to one of these meeting locations (rain or shine) to embark on an invasion of Target to get all the college essentials. Expect free refreshments, giveaways, prizes and of course, a ton of shopping.
Thursday, September 1
LGBT and Ally Celebration and Resource Center Open House
6 to 8 p.m. – Multicultural Student Services Center, third floor
With a fresh year and a brand new Resource Center space in the Multicultural Student Services Center, LGBT and ally students and faculty invite you to join them for free food, giveaways and good company.
Last Lecture
7:30 p.m. – Marvin Center Amphitheater
This marks the start of the fourth annual Last Lecture Series at GW, in which faculty answer the question, “If you knew this was the last lecture you’d ever give to an audience of students, what would you say?”
Senior Kickoff
8 to 11 p.m. – Nick’s Riverside Grille on the Georgetown Waterfront
Since the start of the countdown at Monday’s breakfast, you’ve already made it three days closer to graduation! Celebrate that, as well as the start of a great year, with your peers at the Georgetown Waterfront, and take advantage of giveaways and senior perks. Sponsored by the 2012 Senior Class Gift Campaign, Nick’s will be serving GW-themed drinks throughout the night.
Friday, September 2
International Services Office Open House Breakfast
9 to 11 a.m. – Multicultural Student Services Center, room 209
Enjoy a sampling of international breakfast foods while meeting students dressed in their countries’ traditional attire. All are welcome and may wear their traditional attire if desired. Like what you see? Take note of the other events offered by the ISO’s student group, C3.
Multicultural Student Services Center Block Party
4 to 7 p.m. – Marvin Center Third Floor Terrace (rain location: Marvin Center Grand Ballroom)
Whether you’re a new kid on the block or just returning, join the Multicultural Student Services Center students, faculty and staff for a good time. Food, music, performances and dancing are included – you need only bring your party hat.
College Colors Day: GW Women’s Volleyball vs. UNV-Wilmington
7 p.m. – Charles E. Smith Center
Welcome Week may be almost over, but remember to keep your school spirit up this year! Celebrate College Colors Day by sporting buff and blue, and head to the first match of the GW Invitational for food and giveaways.
Colonial Quest Adventure Race
7 to 11 p.m. – Kogan Plaza
Have any friends who love trivia and clues? Take it outside and gather a team to race on an adventure around Foggy Bottom and its surrounding areas. First place winners (and other lucky team members) will receive prizes, in addition to the priceless reward of bonding with friends.
Saturday, September 3
Paddle Boat Race
10 a.m. – Tidal Basin Paddle Boats, 1501 Maine Ave. NW
Prove your athletic superiority right from the start this year. Grab a partner for a paddle boat race at the Tidal Basin – winners will be featured in the Intramural Sports Hall of Fame photo gallery in the Lerner Health and Wellness Center. Registration, along with more info, available at the Campus Recreation Office in the Heath and Wellness Center.
Sunday, September 4
Fall Fest
4 to 10 p.m. – University Yard (rain or shine)
Fall Fest features a festival and live concert, as well as free food. The show this year will be headlined by Girl Talk, with OCD: Moosh & Twist opening. Be sure to bookmark this event, sponsored by Program Board, in your calendar!