Free school supplies, t-shirts, and food are great incentives to attend the annual spring semester kickoff – Welcome Back Week – sponsored by the Office of Campus Life, Monday, Jan. 14 – Friday, Jan. 18.

Other activities such as a magic and hypnosis show, game shows, and a block party also add to the excitement. However, Welcome Back Week is about more than just fun and games. Several UALR programs use the time to share valuable information and connect with students.

“The Office of Campus Life will have a wide variety of programs to highlight the leadership development opportunities that are available for students, ” said Emily Cox, Student Development Specialist and adviser for the University Program Council.

“We want to encourage students to get involved on campus as well as become more familiar with their on-campus resources to help them succeed here at UALR.”

The Office of Campus Life organizes the annual event to expose students to programs and initiatives designed to meet the diverse needs of the UALR student population.

UALR has 130 registered student organizations and on Thursday, Jan. 17, representatives from many of these organizations will meet with students at the Student Organization Fair from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. in rooms A, B, and C of the Donaghey Student Center.

But the week long activities aren’t just for students, according to Cox.

“The Office of Campus Life encourages all faculty and staff members to attend Welcome Back Week events to meet and welcome new and returning students back to campus,” she said.

Activities are planned for the entire week, including a University Program Council Block Party on Wednesday, Jan. 16 in the DSC. All events are free and open to the UALR campus community. See the full list of Welcome Back Week 2013 Activities.

Visit the Office of Campus Life and become a fan of their Facebook page to keep up with student-focused activities throughout the semester.