CSU-Pueblo opens 2014-15 academic year with move in, events

PUEBLO –Back to school events for faculty, staff, and students begin over the next few weeks at Colorado State University-Pueblo as the first day of class for the Fall 2014 Semester approaches on Monday, Aug. 25. Departmental and college faculty meetings begin on Tuesday (August 19) as faculty return to the start the Fall semester. As part of the University’s back-to-school events, CSU-Pueblo President Lesley Di Mare will greet new and returning faculty and staff at 9 a.m. on Monday (August 18) in the Occhiato University Center Ballroom. Updates on campus enrollment, budget, information technology, and strategic plan will follow at 10:15 a.m.

Student move in begins from 1-5 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, followed by the nine-day WolfPack Welcome, which facilitates students and their family transition into the exciting environment of the CSU-Pueblo community. Among this year’s activities are a bus tour of Pueblo, comedians, and a trip to Elitch Gardens in downtown Denver. This week provides the foundation for the overall college experience through opportunities for social interaction, intellectual challenges, cultural exchanges, and service in the community and strives to follow and support the CSU-Pueblo values. This week strives to provide practical information, familiarity with academic expectations, and an overview of their responsibility as a ThunderWolf community member.

Additionally, the events provide information regarding the resources that are available to support the growth and development of the students. Faculty and staff will have an opportunity to take in a variety of workshops throughout the week, including sexual harassment, change management, undocumented students, veterans’ issues, as well as updates on advising,  PROPEL (Providing Opportunities to Excel), library resources, and the American Association of University Professors.

Faculty and staff have several opportunities to socialize and reconnect, including a family barbeque at Gateway Park in downtown Pueblo on Thursday, Aug. 21 that includes riverboat, gondola, and paddle boat rides, tours of the Center for American Values and specials at Walters Brewery.

Campus and community organizations will welcome students back to town at the Student Involvement/Employment Festival from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27.  Student organizations, university departments, and community vendors will be involved in the day’s activities. Businesses and individuals interested getting involved with the festival may obtain a registration form by calling Student Activities at 549-2151.  The festival is open to the Pueblo community.