FSU starts spring semester with ‘Welcome FSU’

While classes are meeting remotely through Jan. 15 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, students will still have plenty of opportunities to meet new people and have new experiences during “Welcome FSU,” a week of engaging activities that foster student involvement and inclusion on campus. (FSU Division of Student Affairs)

Each semester, Florida State University presents “Welcome FSU,” a week of engaging activities that foster student involvement and inclusion on campus.

While classes are meeting remotely through Jan. 15 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, students will still have plenty of opportunities to meet new people and have new experiences during this time.

“We hope that all of our students, whether on campus or not, will feel connected to and supported by Florida State University,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “The FSU experience is one of the reasons why our students are so successful. While we are hopeful that the approved vaccine is the beginning of the end of the pandemic, we need to continue to follow our COVID-19 protocols a bit longer to keep ourselves and our community safe.”

New undergraduate first-year and transfer students who are living away from Tallahassee and taking classes remotely can connect with fellow students and access support services through Florida State Anywhere, a program designed to ease the transition to FSU for students who can’t participate on campus.

“I look forward to Welcome Week every semester because there are a variety of leadership opportunities and fun events that make meeting new people easy,” said Merissa Chu, a sophomore majoring in international affairs and Chinese. “As director of the Inter-Residence Hall Council (IRHC), my work allows me to give back to on-campus student life through leadership development, community involvement and peer advocacy. Here at Florida State, there is a community for everyone to join.”

Both on-campus and remote students are encouraged to utilize the Return to Student Life Guide, which outlines FSU’s plans to offer innovative, creative and safe measures to foster engagement, community and health and wellness during the semester.

For a full list of Welcome FSU events, visit welcome.fsu.edu.

First Day Photos (Virtual)

Wednesday, Jan. 6 – Friday, Jan. 8

Celebrate the first day (or last first day) of classes at FSU with a First Day Photo. Take a picture and share it using the hashtags #WelcomeFSU and #FSUFirstDayPhoto. Students can also tag @FSUNSFP for a chance to win an “I bleed garnet and gold” t-shirt.

School of Dance Workshop: Contemporary Ballet

2 – 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8

Experience the FSU School of Dance with an exploration into contemporary ballet movement. No prior dance experience required. Information regarding all School of Dance non-major courses will also be available during this workshop. Zoom link: fsu.zoom.us. Meeting ID: 942 4099 5345. Passcode: 052981.

International Coffee Hour

5 – 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8 and Jan. 15

Virtual International Coffee Hour serves as an opportunity to connect with FSU students, faculty and staff from around the world. During this event, students can watch a live cooking demonstration of an international dish hosted by either CGE’s Chef Jesse or representatives from Registered Student Organizations (RSOs).

Cyberpunk 2077: Journey through Night City Part 2

6 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9

Join ASLC Gaming on Twitch for a stream of Cyberpunk 2077: Journey through Night City Part 2.

Involvement Fair (Virtual)

6 – 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12

Watch fun introduction videos from student organizations and chat with student leaders about membership, upcoming events, and more. Students can participate in the 2021 Spring Involvement Fair on the Discord or Flipgrid applications.

Discord Game Night: Variety Time

6 – 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15

Join ASLC Gaming on Discord for variety games such as Among Us, Minecraft and Jackbox.

Opening Weekend at the Lake

11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Jan. 15 – 18

Enjoy the sunshine at Lake Bradford, relax on the green, play sand volleyball or disc golf, or checkout a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard for time on the lake. Access is free for FSU students, and no reservation required but capacity is limited.

Engage TLH Service Trips (return to in-person)

Monday, Jan. 18 – Friday, Jan. 22

While virtual service trips will continue, Engage TLH will relaunch in-person service trips at community agencies throughout the week.

Ask a ‘Nole (In-Person)

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 and Wednesday, Jan. 20

Students can visit one of the Ask a ‘Nole locations across campus for directions and answers to their questions. Each station will also be giving away free face coverings.

First Day Photos (In-Person)

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 and Wednesday, Jan. 20

Celebrate the first day (or last first day) of classes at FSU with a First Day Photo. Take a picture using one of Student Affairs’ signature signs and share your photo using the hashtags #WelcomeFSU and #FSUFirstDayPhoto. Students can also tag @FSUNSFP for a chance to win an “I bleed garnet and gold” t-shirt.

Campus Plant Walk

4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20

Students are invited to take a stroll around campus with Outdoor Pursuits to admire and learn more about the natural flora on campus.

Drive-In Movie Night: “Tenet”

7:30 – 10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21

The ASLC and Club Downunder/Union Productions will host a drive-in movie night featuring “Tenet” at Lot 371 by Langford Green. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Social Change Symposium

Jan. 22 – Jan. 23, 29 – 30 and Feb. 5 – 6

Over the course of three weekends, students from FSU and several regional visiting campuses will be invited to virtually attend workshops and small group sessions on topics such as anti-racism, interfaith inclusion, anti-sexism, transgender inclusion, anti-heterosexism, anti-classism, anti-ableism and anti-xenophobia.

MLK Week Presents: “Hidden Figures” on Landis

7 – 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22

Join the ASLC and the MLK Celebration Week Committee on Landis Green for an outdoor screening of “Hidden Figures” and a celebration of Martin Luther King’s legacy! There is a maximum of 50 participants, and this screening’s seating will be on a first come first serve basis.

Experience FSU

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23

Students are invited to experience FSU and all the campus has to offer with representatives from across campus.

Drive-In Movie Night: “Lilo & Stitch”

7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28

Join the ASLC and Club Downunder/Union Productions for a drive-in movie night of “Lilo & Stitch” at Lot 371 by Langford Green. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.