Welcome-back weekend features roller skating, campus barbecue

New and returning students will celebrate the start of fall semester with a weekend of in-person events and activities for the first time in two years.

Between Saturday-night roller skating on the Green and a campus-wide barbecue on Sunday, Clarkies have plenty to look forward to. Returning students will move in throughout the weekend, joining first-year and transfer students who are already on campus.

After dinner on Saturday, students can head to the Green for Clark After Dark activities — including roller skating, karaoke, caricatures, games, waffles, and more. Be sure to check Clark Engage for updates to the event schedule, which will run from 8:30 to 11 p.m.

On Sunday, the morning will kick off with a Becker Meetup Brunch from 11 a.m. to noon. After meeting at Red Square, Becker transfers will join Dean of Students Coordinator Nikki Curley for an informal get-together focusing on transitioning into the Clark community.

During Yoga on the Green — also taking place from 11 a.m. to noon — Clarkies can roll out their yoga mats and participate in a socially distanced Vinyasa session with Melanie Adams ’22. This uplifting guided movement practice will explore transitions and adjusting to change. Students are asked to bring water, a mask, and a yoga mat, blanket or towel.

Campus tours for new and returning students will leave from Red Square between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and students can hop on the new Clark Shuttle to explore Worcester from 11 a.m. to 8:55 p.m. Transportation information and a route schedule is available here.

The Bickman Fitness Center will be open from noon to 6 p.m., Frisbee on the Green will take place from noon to 2 p.m., and the Kneller Athletic Center will have open hours from 3 to 6 p.m.

Clarkies can learn about the University’s new Esports and Recreational Games program with director Nicholas “Shifty” Travis from 1 to 2 p.m. in Jonas Clark 118. This meet-up is geared toward competitive and casual gamers alike. A meeting to gauge student interest in music ensembles will also take place from 1 to 2 p.m. in Jonas Clark 001, and students can unwind with a zine/collaging workshop in the Grind from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Becker transfers may choose to attend a Becker Family Reunion with faculty and staff from 2 to 3 p.m. in Tilton Hall.

At 4 p.m. it’s time for the Campus BBQ on the Green, featuring free food, a roving magician — and even a mechanical unicorn (think mechanical bull, but “Clarkified”). Rain is expected on Sunday, so stay tuned to Clark Engage for further event details and updates. Welcome back!