There’s something for everyone during the College of Charleston’s Weeks of Welcome (WOW). Taking place Aug. 21 through Sept. 25, 2021, WOW packs in nearly six weeks of events aimed at engaging the CofC community and getting students involved on campus.

Produced by departments within the Division of Student Affairs and coordinated through the Office of Student Life, WOW is a CofC tradition that offers a variety of programs, events and activities meant to connect students with one another, faculty and staff, student/campus organizations and with the College as a whole.

“Weeks of Welcome events are important to help our students build a sense of belonging in their new CofC community,” says Christine Workman, executive director of student involvement in the Division of Student Affairs. “The Student Involvement Team is excited that we can bring back events that will allow our students to safely engage and connect.”

 

 

This year it all starts with First Night Charleston. Held in Rivers Green at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, this traditional event marks new students’ first opportunity to build connections and community. CofC President Andrew T. Hsu and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Pat Kelsey will be there to welcome students and get them pumped up with a pep rally, T-shirt giveaway and Playfair: The World’s Largest Icebreaker.

And that’s just the beginning! Below are a few more highlights of WOW happenings. For a full listing of WOW events, visit the WOW events page.

Involvement Fairs – Come meet with representatives from more than 200 student organizations and community partners to explore all the ways to get involved on campus! There will be free food at both of the two Involvement Fairs:

  • Saturday, Aug. 28, 12–2 p.m., in the Cistern Yard
  • Saturday, Sept. 4, 2–4 p.m., in the Cistern Yard

Dog Therapy Nights – You won’t want to miss this cuddle time with therapy dogs! Back by popular demand, Dog Therapy Nights will be separated out according to class this year, allowing for social distancing – and also giving each class its own special night to interact with therapy dogs.

  • First-Year Students: Monday, Aug. 30, 5–7 p.m., in the Stern Center Gardens
  • Second-Year Students: Tuesday, Sept. 7, 5–7 p.m., in the Stern Center Gardens
  • Third-Year Students: Wednesday, Sept. 15, 5–7 p.m., in the Stern Center Gardens
  • Senior Class Students: Tuesday, Sept. 21, 5–7 p.m., in the Stern Center Gardens
  • ALL STUDENTS: Tuesday, Sept. 28, 5–7 p.m., in the Stern Center Gardens

Back to School Bingo – Join President Hsu and other guest bingo callers for a fun night with amazing prizes!

  • Friday, Sept. 3, 9 p.m.–midnight, in the TD Arena Practice Gym

Check out more of the WOW events on the WOW events page, and be sure to check the schedule of events on CougarConnect often, as it is constantly updated. To register for events, students should use their CofC credentials to log onto CougarConnect, the virtual platform for student organizations and programs.