For the first time, Wayne State is hosting a three-day event to start the academic year and welcome Warriors — new and returning — to campus.
Open to students, parents, faculty and staff, Fall Opening is an opportunity for all Warriors to come together and explore, as well as prepare for the start of a brand-new semester and academic year. Beginning the week of Aug. 21, a full slate of activities will be hosted for the campus community to celebrate and connect before classes begin Monday, Aug. 28.
Fall Opening expands on favorite Wayne State traditions – and builds new ones. Events will showcase WSU’s breadth of extracurriculars and academic programs, provide advice on preparing for classes, navigating campus, making friends and getting involved, accessing resources, and more.
“Fall is always the most exciting time of the year, and we’re so ready to open the door to the future for these students. This has been an all-hands-on-deck effort to start the semester on the right foot,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Mark Kornbluh. “It’s also rejuvenating for faculty and staff. When you see the look on students’ and parents’ faces when they come to college for the first time — it reminds us of why we do our jobs.”
Kornbluh also noted that this semester is particularly momentous on campus as Wayne State welcomes a new president, Kimberly Andrews Espy, Ph.D., and prepares for the first fall free of pandemic restrictions.
“This is the beginning of a new era for Wayne State, and you can feel the energy and excitement on campus,” he said. “We can’t wait to share that with our new and returning students and their families.”
A collaborative, campuswide effort, Fall Opening has been led by grassroots volunteer committees of dedicated faculty and staff, committed to helping celebrate the start of the semester and setting up students early for success.
“There was an enormous response from volunteers across campus and in our community who were eager to come together in support of our students, and to celebrate the beginning of the new academic year,” said Ahmad Ezzeddine, vice president for academic student affairs and global engagement. “We’ve invested a lot of thought, time and resources because we know those first few weeks on campus are crucial to students’ sense of belonging and academic success. These events will set the stage for them to thrive throughout the year and as they begin their academic journey and work toward graduation.”
Selected Fall Opening Events
Tuesday, Aug. 22
- Presidential Oath of Office Ceremony and Reception, 4 to 6 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 24
Friday, Aug. 25
- Arcade night, 6 to 9 p.m.
- Brightly Twisted tie-dye, 6 to 9 p.m.
- Bonfire and S’mores, 9 to 11 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 26
- City Institute-led Midtown walking tour, 3 to 4 p.m.
- Welcome Black, 6 to 9 p.m.
- Block Party, 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 27
- New Student Convocation, 2 to 3 p.m.
- FestiFall, 3 to 6 p.m.
- Outdoor movie night, 8 to 11 p.m.
To learn more — and view the latest listing of exciting events — visit wayne.edu/fall-opening.