ETSU’s Welcome Week looks different this year as student organizations adapt to a new virtual world amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both new and returning students engaged with student organizations through a virtual involvement fair Aug. 24-27 and can still participate this Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. Attendees can interact with student leaders and request to join organizations. They are also eligible to win prizes such as tablets and headphones.
Among many others, ETSU has 12 sports clubs students can get involved with. The clubs welcome all students, regardless of ability or experience, and there is no extra cost to students to join. Clubs will not be able to compete this semester, but Assistant Director of Sport Programs Rob Bruner is working on a plan that will allow them to hold modified practices.
“We’re always looking for new students to join,” said Bruner. “It’s a great way to make friends and gain leadership skills. It’s a lot of fun.”
The sports clubs were not able to have their usual welcome event inside the Basler Center for Physical Activity, but they were able to participate in their virtual involvement fair Aug. 27.
The clubs aimed to get new students involved with sports at ETSU, but also interacted with some returning students and those interested in starting new clubs. Bruner encouraged students to do their part to help sports clubs return to competition, such as wearing masks, physically distancing and avoiding large gatherings.
“Right now, we’re being optimistic and hoping that we can compete in the spring,” said Bruner. “That takes all of us taking the pledge seriously and making sure that we are being responsible citizens.”
Braden Lay, president of the Buccaneer Anime Club, said his club will now be meeting virtually rather than in-person.
“We’re considering doing it on Zoom for now because of campus policy regarding large groups,” said Lay.
While the club focuses mostly on anime, it welcomes fans of video games, television shows and tabletop games. They show a variety of shows from sci-fi to fantasy and hold discussions about anything on the ‘nerd spectrum’.
“We embrace all aspects of nerd culture and pretty much anyone is welcome,” said Lay.
The Buccaneer Anime Club will hold their part of the virtual involvement fair Sept. 2 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Other Welcome Week events include a virtual trivia gameshow Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. and a drive-in movie hosted by Buctainment on Sept. 4 at 8 p.m.
For more information about student organizations and the virtual involvement fair, visit https://www.etsu.edu/students/sao/welcomeweek.php.
