With the COVID-19 pandemic having taken its toll on campus life last year, many then-freshman, as well as other students, were saddened by the loss of classic first week traditions and notable events such as the annual march through the arch and paint party on the quad. 

While some events were able to be transferred to an online format, such as the frequented bingo nights, some students still felt that they were robbed of their beloved annual icons. 

After a short-term decline of COVID-19 in most states, college campuses across the nation began to re-offer in-person events and classes to their students.

Not falling short of this, Idaho State University re-hosted its classic welcome week events, as well as including some new ones,  giving new and long-term students alike opportunities to mingle, dance, and compete back into the school year once again. 

Starting on Monday, “Welcome Back Orange and Black” was hosted downtown, a staple week-starter offering students the chance to score some Bengal gear to start off the year, as well as offering live music, performances and food trucks. Throughout the rest of the week, many other events arrived. On Tuesday, the annual “Cold Butts and Beer” commenced, with a plethora of students gathering to get the chance to sled on ice blocks down the local Bartz Field with root beer in hand. On Wednesday, the annual Costco Night gave students the opportunity to buy bulk products to their heart’s desire with no membership, including some of the iconic Costco favorites such as Island Way Sorbet. On Thursday, students gathered in the quad to visit the annual Involvement Fair, where clubs and organizations got to show off to students, including fun freebies from free trips hosted by the Outdoor Adventure Center to handmade ice cream. To finish off the week, a Cornhole tournament on the quad was hosted on Friday, giving people the opportunity to show their skills in the classic bean bag game, as well as enjoy some free pizza and sodas.

At the end of the week, the Student Activity Board hosted one of Idaho State’s most iconic events, the paint party. Hundreds of students gathered on the quad for a night filled with music, dancing, and of course, paint. “The Paint Party was super fun! It was a great way to get to know some of my new friends from class better,” said sophomore student Anna Jarik. 

Even after the first week was over, social-based festivities continued throughout the next week as well, such as the year’s first in the Student Union ballroom. 

Due to increasing vaccination rates amongst students and staff, it is hoped that this year will continue to host in-person classes and events for students, including the return of non-socially-distanced, mask-free football games. 

Although the welcome week has now come to an end, many more events will be offered to students throughout the school year to allow students to have as many opportunities as possible to make up for lost time.

For a full list of upcoming events and descriptions throughout the school year, visit the official Idaho State University calendar at isu.edu/calendar.