As the fall semester approaches, sponsors all over town are preparing for this year’s edition of New Student Welcome Days.

But don’t let the name fool you. New Student Welcome Days is not limited to incoming freshmen and transfers as the name implies. The activities are open to returning students as well.

Chris Porterfield, assistant director for Welcome Days, said “Welcome Days is intended to welcome students back and to help students get adjusted to life at Northern.” To do this, there will be a host of entertaining activities.

Porterfield said the activities he oversees are largely coordinated by students. In particular, he said student coordinator Kier Harris was “instrumental” in planning a great lineup of welcome days activities. Harris also was responsible for recruiting and training NI Guides. Each new student at NIU is designated an NI Guide to help smooth their transition into NIU.

This year, more than 300 NI Guides will be around campus helping students move in, answer questions and give campus tours. New Student Welcome Days will occur Aug. 19-22. Porterfield said students in his committee worked extra hard to put together the following events so “students feel at home and comfortable (at NIU)”:

^‘Thursday, Aug. 19,

9 a.m. University residence halls open with NI guides available to help move in. Please observe the traffic plan between 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Douglas Hall and Grant North: “Kisses Goodbye and Plant Sale” p.m.

Play Mixed-Up Volleyball! It’s a single-elimination coed volleyball tournament at the Student Recreation Center, 1-5 p.m., Saturday, August 21. Only individual entries accepted. Players will be placed on teams. Sign-up at the Office of Campus Recreation by 3 p.m., Friday, August 20.

4:30-6:30 p.m. OCR Outdoors Exposition, a demonstration of the Office of Campus Recreation’s outdoor activities equipment at the West Lagoon. Outdoor volleyball equipment also will be available for use.

5 p.m.-Dusk. Come out to Lorusso (West) Lagoon for fun, food, and Playfair. An outdoor barbecue from 5-6:30 p.m. with food served by administrators (tickets purchased on site for $4 or $3 during the summer orientation program).

8 p.m. After Playfair ends, stay at the East Lagoon for a Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity bonfire and music.

9 p.m. Enjoy outdoor movie The Tune created by MTV’s Bill Plympton at 9 p.m. in front of Stevenson Towers North. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board.

^’Friday, August 20

3 p.m. Registration for Mixed-Up Volleyball ends. All entries must be completed by this time.

4:30 p.m. Mixed-Up Volleyball game time and team assignments available at the Student Recreation Center.

5:30 p.m. Picnic at Judson Baptist Ministries, 449 Normal Road.

6 p.m.-close. Moonlight Bowl at the Huskie Den, Holmes Student Center. Win free games.

9 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Enjoy the excitement of Hot Mix Entertainment Chicago’s Number 1 Dance Party at the Evans Field House. Free to all NIU students. Student ID a must!

^‘Saturday, August 21-5 p.m. Play begins for Mixed-Up Volleyball tournament at the Student Recreation Center. Please show up at least 10 minutes before your scheduled contest to meet the members of your team.

2-5 p.m. Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Picnic at the West Lagoon.

8 p.m. Don’t miss the Hilarious Hypnotist, Don La Rosa. About 20 NIU students will participate in the show. Carl Sandburg Auditorium.

^’Sunday, August 22

8 p.m. Comedian Tommy Blaze, Carl Sandburg Auditorium, Holmes Student Center.