In a break from college-oriented activities, NIU’s Family Weekend is designed to promote activities students can enjoy with their families.

“Family Weekend is an opportunity for students to visit with family and friends, as well as a chance for people to learn more about NIU,” said Angela Dreessen, director of Student Involvement and Leadership Development. “I think it’s mainly important for freshmen students, who are away from their family a lot.”

The event will kick off at 6 p.m. Friday with cosmic bowling at Huskie Den in the Holmes Student Center.

Other events on Friday include performances by the Spicy Clamato Improv Comedy Group at 7:30 p.m. in the Smart Classroom of Stevenson Tower South and at 10 p.m. in the Capitol Room of the HSC.

“Programs change from year to year, but the concept stays the same,” Dreessen said. “Family Weekend also usually coincides with the first football game of the season.”

Saturday’s pre-game activities include a Family Weekend Brunch at HSC as well as a Parents Association Tailgate behind Huskie Stadium.

Other events include a Pork Chop Chow Down at Newman Catholic Student Center, 512 Normal Road, and a 5th Quarter Event at the Lutheran Campus Ministry, 401 Normal Road.

Family Weekend will conclude Sunday with a brunch at Grant North Dinner Hall at 11 a.m.

The Residence Hall Association has a hand in contributing to the weekend.

“The Residence Hall Association wanted to have more variety for the family attending the football games,” said Angela Zentefis, vice president of programming for the RHA.

Traditionally, Family Weekend has included only a few events, outside of the homecoming game. This year, the RHA attempted to achieve more variety in Family Weekend, but according to Zentefis, the project has not come without setbacks.

“Since department heads have been switched around, there hasn’t been a lot of chances for advertisements,” Zentefis said.

The Residence Hall Association will also run various events throughout the week in coordination with Family Weekend, including a “Make Your Own Teddy Bear” night Thursday at Stevenson North Multi-purpose Room from 6 to 8 p.m.

“It’s going really well,” said Katie Wages, vice president for Public Relations at the RHA. “We’re hoping to have a lot of people out here this weekend.”

A complete list of the Family Weekend events can be found at the Student Involvement and Leadership Development Office in Campus Life Building, Suite 150, or on the RHA Web site, http://rha.housing.niu.edu/rha.