Opening our wings to new Jayhawks

There's more to attending KU than going to class. So each August the University welcomes freshmen to the nest, transforming them into Jayhawks even before the first day of classes.

Hawk Week, a 20-year tradition, teaches students not only where they can do research or park their cars but also how to sing the KU fight song and recite the Rock Chalk chant like experienced alumni.

Kristen Trendel, director of New Student Orientation, said Hawk Week sprang from an older, less-educational tradition known as Country Club Week. By the 1980s, Country Club Week had evolved into a disorganized, unsanctioned circuit of parties during the week between the residence halls' opening and the beginning of classes.

David Ambler, the recently retired vice chancellor for student affairs, seized the opportunity to better use those days and created Hawk Week.

"If the students were going to move in early, there might as well be something constructive for them to do with their time and help them get acclimated to the university," Trendel said.

Over the years, the program has grown to include Hawk Days to cover academic and logistical orientation at KU, and Hawk Nights to allow students the chance to get to know one another. The combination, Trendel said, has been very successful.

"We must be doing something right because attendance over the past five years has continued to increase," she said. "It's a fun and festive atmosphere."

Between Sunday, Aug. 18, and Monday, Aug. 26, students have open invitations to attend daily informational sessions on the libraries, sports venues, student employment, volunteer opportunities and finding classes. At night, students are invited to the Student Alumni Association's Ice Cream Social, Traditions Night, free movies, concerts and arts festivals.

"If you're coming from a small school or don't know a lot of people, KU can be intimidating," Trendel said. "Hawk Week welcomes the students and lets them know we're glad they're here.

"I think it really helps students to feel like they haven't just been left here. It tells them that somebody is excited about them being at KU."

For more information about Hawk Week or to look at a schedule of events, visit http://www.hawkweek.ku.edu/.

#top#