Welcome week will look a little different this fall with fewer opportunities to gather in person. However, EWU administration, faculty and staff worked through the summer to ensure students will still get that “college experience” while also receiving access to a quality education. Below you’ll find a schedule of events to kick-off fall quarter.
Catalyst Building Grand Opening
EWU leadership will start the busy week of back-to-school events by helping to unveil an exciting new chapter in Eastern’s future: The Catalyst building. A virtual grand opening of the new space, located on the South Landing just east of downtown Spokane, is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17. EWU will join partners Avista, McKinstry and Katerra in highlighting the unique features of the building.
EWU will be the primary tenant in the zero energy building, which will position faculty and students to work alongside local business and industry in the state-of-the-art space. The College of STEM is relocating three programs to Catalyst: computer science, electrical engineering and design. Additionally, the College of Business, along with some College of Health Science and Public Health programs, and EWU’s Creative Writing MFA program will relocate from the north side of the University District Bridge to Catalyst.
You are invited to watch the virtual grand opening at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17 on the Catalyst webpage.
Move-In Weekend
Traditionally, students living in EWU residence halls moved in on a single day, amid a frenzy of crowded hallways, heavy boxes, and excited roommate introductions. This year, to ensure the health and safety of the campus community, the annual move-in event was expanded to three days. Students will move in Thursday-Saturday (Sept. 17-19) and must do so during pre-designated move-in time slots. Students can have no more than two guests help them move and face masks are required.
Students can learn more by visiting the 2020 Move-In Guide. Faculty and staff members who are interested in volunteering can sign up online.
Orientation
To welcome new Eagles to the family, the university has prepared a series of interactive Zoom events for both New Student Orientation and Transfer Student Orientation. Welcome remarks will be provided by ASEWU President Lloyd Dees, Faculty Senate President Julia Smith, Vice President for Diversity and Chief Diversity Officer Shari Clarke, EWU Interim President David May, and Head Football Coach Aaron Best. Interactive elements include group activities and prizes in the form of gift cards. Find a complete schedule and Zoom links on the websites listed below:
- Sunday, Sept. 20: New Student Orientation
- Monday, Sept. 21: Transfer Student Orientation
If you have questions about the schedule, please contact Maria Reyna, director of new student transitions and family programming, at mreyna@ewu.com. Orientation is primarily for new and transfer students, but if others are interested in joining a session, organizers ask that you also participate in the breakout sessions and/or activities.
State of the University
David May, EWU’s interim president, will outline his vision for the university in the annual State of the University Address. This year the address will be delivered via a Zoom webinar and livestream at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Use this link to watch the State of the University live. A recording and a summary of the address will be made available on InsideEWU shortly after the event.
Ringing of the School Bell
Interim President David May will continue the annual tradition of ringing the school house bell on the first day of instruction. The ceremony will take place at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23. The university will provide a livestream on Facebook and Instagram.
For a list buildings and services that will be open on modified schedules during fall quarter, please reference the What’s Open on Campus story. For additional resources and a comprehensive FAQ list, please visit the EWU Guide to Fall 2020. And stay up-to-date on campus news and events throughout the year by visiting InsideEWU often.
