Cal Poly Pomona will usher in freshmen and transfer students with activities and fun during the annual Welcome Week.

Welcome Week is a four-day, three-night residential program that allows new students to get acclimated to campus life.

“Welcome Week is needed so that students don’t have to worry about making friends that first day of classes,” says Brittany Myers, Welcome Week co-chair. “It gives them a chance to get acquainted with campus before they have to worry about navigating the bookstore or finding their classes.”

The program kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 18 after students move in to on-campus housing. The first day includes family orientation events and a banquet in the evening at which University President Soraya M. Coley will speak.

On Monday, Sept. 19, organizers will host a pep rally to promote Bronco pride. A club/vendor fair also is planned to showcase campus activities.

Events planned for Tuesday, Sept. 20 include workshops and a movie night.

Welcome Week culminates on Wednesday, Sept. 21 with activities related to BroncoFusion, a daylong event that marks the start of the academic year.

New activities added to Welcome Week include laser tag and “Puppies in the Park,” where students can play with the pooches, says Myers, a third-year civil engineering student. A community outreach event also will be initiated.

The Welcome Week committee is partnering with the Center for Community Engagement to make posters and write letters to distribute to elementary and high school students, designed to let children and teens know that attending college is possible, Myers says.

“We are trying to inspire them to live their dreams and succeed in academics,” she says.

Visit the Welcome Week website for more information and the full schedule.