As students return to The Nest, Campus Engagement is introducing new ways for students to get involved through campus events, student organizations, and programs designed to help them build connections with the community.
Campus Engagement oversees student organizations and campus events at UIW. One of its biggest events of the year is Welcome Week, which gives students the opportunity to participate in activities at the start of the academic year.
This year’s Welcome Week featured five events over five days, each with different activities. The department also introduced a passport system to encourage students to attend multiple events.
Campus Engagement coordinator Gus De La Cerda said the department uses students’ interests and feedback to decide which activities to offer.
“Every one of us is always consistently looking at new things that we could do,” De La Cerda said.
The department has also changed how it approaches events compared with previous years. According to De La Cerda, the passport program has evolved over the years. Along with the surveys students take before events to give feedback on those events, this gives the department more ways to hear from students and increase awareness of Campus Engagement.
Student feedback has become an important part of event planning. During Welcome Week, approximately 700 students shared feedback about their experiences. The Campus Engagement team reviews the responses to determine what worked well and what could be improved for future events.
“Feedback is super important,” De La Cerda said. “We always take the time to read it all.”
Campus Engagement also works to engage incoming first-year students through events such as student organization fairs and activities during orientation. De La Cerda said that introducing first-year students to student organizations can help them learn about the opportunities available on campus and other ways to get involved.
One of Campus Engagement’s traditions is the annual Posada, which brings students together for food and community during the holiday season. The team serves food to students, and the event is designed to provide a sense of home and community, especially for those who may not be able to travel home for the holidays.
While some traditions are expected to remain, Campus Engagement plans to introduce changes this year. De La Cerda said students should expect new initiatives rather than simply repeating activities from previous years.
Students can follow Campus Engagement on social media to stay up to date with upcoming events and new opportunities to participate in campus life.
Instagram: @uiwcampusengangement
