New and returning students alike were greeted by 12 different events during the first half “Welcome Week 2014.”

Events began Saturday with new student move ins.  On-campus housing opened at 11 a.m. and several student organizations assisted new residents.

Later Saturday, SHSU football fans were invited to the Lowman Student Center Kat Klub to watch the no. 13-ranked Bearkats play no. 2-ranked Eastern Washington.  The game, which was broadcasted nationally on ESPN, resulted in a 35-56 loss.

Students were able to relax after a stressful move-in weekend at the Recreational Sports Center pool party Sunday.

Immediately following the pool party, students headed over to the Gaertner Performing Arts Center and were welcomed to Sam Houston State University at the New Student Convocation.  SHSU President Dana G. Hoyt, Ph.D., Dan Rather internship winner Alexis Bloomer and the author of the Bearkat Read to Succeed common reader book, “Ernest Cline,” spoke to students in the event styled similarly to graduation.

Later that evening, students went to the LSC to get a first look at the newly remodeled campus book store at Barnes and Noble VIP Night and rounded out the evening with billiards and games at the Kat Klub Bash.

Monday, Bearkats were given the opportunity to volunteer at charity organizations. Students volunteered at SAAFE House, which helps individuals and families affected by family violence and sexual abuse and at the New Life Alliance, an organization that provides encouragement and empowerment to a wide variety of people.

That evening, students interested in Panhellenic groups on campus attended SneakPeek@Greek. Students were able to speak to several fraternities and sororities learn more about what greek life has to offer.

Senior agriculture communications major Catherine Till and Sigma Sigma Sigma member said that SneakPeek@Greek helped both prospective and active greek members.

“Sneak Peek at Greek was a great start to what we believe will be an amazing recruitment for Panhellenic,” she said. “It offered us the chance to meet incoming freshmen as well as showcase what and who Tri Sigma is.”

Comedians Judah Friedlander and Nick Swardson brought laughs to campus at the Kat Comedy Showcase organized by the Department of Student Activities.  Tuesday morning, Student Activities also helped students find their classes on campus.

Later in the evening, students made their way to Party in the Pit to celebrate the last night of summer.  Students received free pizzas, Red Bulls, glow sticks and the always popular free t-shirt at the event held in Old Main Pit.

Party in the Pit was the first Welcome Week event Freshman kinesiology major Kasey Mcgee attended. She appreciated how the university organized events for students to enjoy.

“Back at home I really didn’t go out much,” Mcgee said.  “This is very cool to get the chance to experience a lot of stuff,” Mcgee said.

Freshmen forensic chemistry major Breana Sheridan said Welcome Week events like Party in the Pit help students get out and connect.

“I feel like it gives us a chance to see who is a part of our freshmen class,” she said.  “It’s nice to know who is a part of your freshmen class.”

After the first day of classes, students gambled the night away at Casino Night in the LSC. Participants lined up to try their luck at slot machines and poker tables in hopes of winning several prizes such as iPods, a flat screen TV and other electronics.

That night, the Student Money Management Center also hosted an event titled “So you’re on your own; now what?” to help students learn to deal with their personal finances.

Although the semester just started, welcome week is only half over. Events continue until Sunday including a picnic, karaoke and movie night.  The week ends with the Bearkats’ first home football game against Alabama State.

For the complete schedule of the events, visit Today @ Sam.