This story was originally published in Vol. 34, Issue 1 (September 2023)
WSU Vancouver’s annual Week of Welcome sets a new standard for students returning to campus for the fall 2023 semester. The festivities kicked off with the Student Activities Board’s Welcome Party on Aug. 22. Students were greeted with complimentary cupcakes and the opportunity to create custom tie-dye cloth bags. The event drew a crowd to the quad and left students eagerly anticipating the upcoming semester, thanks to the delectable food and swag on offer.
The Week of Welcome continued with the perennial favorite, WSU Vancouver’s Back-to-School Barbecue, planned and hosted collaboratively by the Student Advisory Board, Student Activities Board, ASWSUV, and Office of Student Involvement. Attendees savored freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs while enjoying tunes spun by a local DJ. A highlight of the evening was a thrilling fire dance performance by @ishstarbeing on the Quad.
These memorable events were the result of planning by WSU Vancouver’s student government, including ASWSUV member Jacob Winstead. Winstead, in addition to his planning duties, rolled up his sleeves and manned the grill, serving up mouthwatering Coug burgers and hot dogs to fellow students. Despite facing post-COVID budget cuts, Winstead maintained a positive outlook, stating, “It just makes you get crafty.”
While WSU Vancouver’s enrollment has seen a decline in recent years, there’s a silver lining in the form of increased event attendance. Vice Chair of SAB, Faafetai Brown, noted that this year’s barbecue attracted more students than the 2022 edition, signaling a growing interest in on-campus events. Brown also shared exciting news about the upcoming Halloween Extravaganza, a “huge party event” featuring spooky costumes, haunted campus buildings, free food, and scary movies. Brown emphasized inclusivity and accessibility for all students.
Moreover, students with event suggestions can utilize the “Suggestion Box” located outside the SAB office. This allows any student to submit anonymous requests for future on-campus events, ensuring that student demand informs event planning at WSU Vancouver.
WSU Vancouver’s Welcome Week showcased a commitment to engaging and supporting students, even in the face of budget challenges, with a rich array of events and resources. Despite budget limitations, the week’s engaging activities and creative initiatives brought students closer together. Despite declining enrollment, the increased event attendance shows growing student enthusiasm for on-campus activities. As WSU Vancouver faces budget challenges, the resilience and innovation of its student body shine through, promising an exciting future for campus engagement and involvement. For those looking to stay informed about campus happenings, Winstead recommends visiting the “Coug Presence” website at https://vancouver-wsu.presence.io/events.