Virtual Welcome to the Pack Day Includes Newly Admitted Students

Newly admitted students are normally invited to a Welcome to the Pack Night on campus at Colorado State University Pueblo however due to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, students were invited to virtually participate.

The Welcome to the Pack event included a Zoom link and social media promotion to encourage students to participate. In years past, the event took place in a laid back atmosphere where students, faculty and staff alike were encouraged to wear their ThunderWolves gear and be comfortable. Ryan Kendall, Admissions Counselor of CSU Pueblo, organized this event and started it four years ago.  

“I just kept thinking, how do I take this from an in person thing to a virtual event?” said Kendall. “I’ve had a lot of technology help from others and people willing to make it work.”

This year due to the virtual nature it allowed students from Colorado and all across the nation to participate which opened it to be more inclusive. Last year’s event boasted 88 attendees which was a large increase from prior attendance, this year CSU Pueblo anticipated over 100 students.

“When we had this 4 years ago, it was Pueblo area and Fremont county students,” said Kendall. “Then we expanded it to a 50 miles radius the follow year, and then to the entire state of Colorado last year.”

Students were able to ask questions about scholarships, housing and meal plans, being advised, what work study opportunities look like and what they can expect as a new student. The panel included Residence Life and Housing, Center for Academic Enrichment, Admissions, Student Engagement and Leadership, Financial Aid counselors and other departments across campus.

Students who attended the Virtual Welcome to the Pack events were eligible to win prizes such as a CSU Pueblo swag bag full of ThunderWolves gear and memorabilia, awarded through the Admissions office. Students who were admitted, completed their enrollment deposit and Registration Authorization Form (RAF) were eligible to win a $2,500 scholarship.  

Angela Barela, a transfer student currently residing in Pueblo, was the recipient of the scholarship. Barela plans to study psychology while attending CSU Pueblo.

“This scholarship, any scholarship, helps at this point with furthering my education,” said Barela. “This scholarship will help me be able to enjoy school more and worry about money a little less.”

The next virtual event scheduled with CSU Pueblo Admissions will be held on May, 29 for Virtual Discover Day.  Students interested in attending CSU Pueblo are encouraged to attend via Zoom and will hear a message from President Timothy Mottet. More information can be found at the Colorado State University Pueblo Admissions Facebook page or @PackAdmissions. Students who attend are eligible to win a $1,000 scholarship. 

For more information, please contact CSU Pueblo Admissions at info@csupueblo.edu.