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news
Week of Welcome
lays out the mat
By Tom Carey
On-line Forty-Niner
The Week of Welcome,
for some students, is a good time to see what Cal State Long
Beach has to offer in the way of clubs and fraternities. For
others, it is just another hassle during their walk to the
next class. The majority of students end up avoiding the area
where clubs and fraternities try to recruit. And the
flyers that are passed out in the hallways always seem to
find their way into the nearest trashcan.
Sitting behind
a booth waiting for people to inquire about a club doesn't
seem too inviting or interesting. What happened to the
crazy days on campuses which are portrayed in movies like
"Revenge of the Nerds" and "Animal House?"
Some CSULB students
offered suggestions on how to get more people excited about
Week of Welcome.
"I think it
would be cool to see more students get involved even if they
don't join your club or frat," said senior Ryan Johnson.
"Maybe some food fighting and stupid contests would at
least get people to laugh and watch."
Only organizations
that are giving out free gear as incentives to join their
particular club fare the best.
"No one seems
to care about the clubs and frats," said senior Tyler
Wawrzynski. "They already have their mindset on what
they are going to join. I don't think people are going to
persuade others to join their club. They are either into it
or not."
In the past, popular
bands such as Save Ferris have played at the Week of Welcome.
Now unknown bands play to a slim audience that is more interested
in their lunch than the music. Clubs and fraternities also
seem to tear down their booths from a lack of involvement
from the students. The tables set up down the Friendship Walk
seem to be used as lunch tables instead of for their intended
use.
On the other hand,
some club and fraternity members feel that the Week of Welcome
is a positive way to showcase what they have to offer.
"It is a good
chance for clubs and organizations to set up shop and let
people know what they are about, and help get their message
across," said Tommy Stark of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
On the other hand,
one club that seems to do well is the Long Beach State Surf
Team.
"Ninety percent
of the new members in our club were recruited during the Week
of Welcome," said Surf Team President Mike Reilley. "I
think the Week of Welcome is a good chance for students to
see what the school has to offer outside of academics. It
creates student involvement and awareness of what clubs are
out there so people can have a good time at school."
The Week of Welcome
concludes today with an Associated Students Inc. pool party
at the USU pool from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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