A week after an event-filled Welcome Weekend, familiar green and pink ‘I (heart) UND’ shirts continued to supervise activities for the student body over Labor Day break.

Many students left campus for the long weekend, but for those who didn’t, the Association of Residence Halls and the Hall Orientation Team gave students opportunities to enjoy the brief break.

“The main reason we do this for students is to get them to mingle together, to socialize, and meet new people,” said Jacob Nelson, HOT co-chair. “It’s their first time away from home, so we have these events so they can get out.”

The beginning of the weekend events started Friday night at Wilkerson Dining Center with an outdoor showing of the new movie “Now You See Me.” About 100 students made smores over the gazebo bonfire and enjoyed freshly popped popcorn while watching the movie.

At the end of the film, 15 students won raffle prizes ranging from gift cards to a flat screen television.

The activities continued Saturday at 1 p.m. with the first ever WilkeFest on Wilkerson’s Lawn. The area was transformed into a carnival, complete with games, face painting, a magician, caricatures, music and prizes.

Despite the clouds looming in the distance and the occasional drizzle, volunteers served cotton candy while students slid down the inflatable slide and played in the bouncy house. There was also bazooka ball, volleyball and basketball at the Wellness Center until midnight.

The last event, which took place on Monday, was a movie marathon that allowed students to wind down with four more films shown in the Wilkerson Webb Cafe.

According to HOT volunteers, school sponsored events help underclassmen experience college in a friendlier and more inviting light; many students come with expectations and fears that may prevent them from experiencing all aspects of higher learning. They say WilkeFest allows students to relax and get involved, even if only for a weekend.

Sophomore volunteer Dani Fox described the ease of partaking in these events.

“You can go with people you just met in your dorm,” she said.  “It’s an informal way of hanging out and getting to know each other.”

Nelson says that events like the ones hosted over Labor Day weekend can help students form friendships.

“I’ve met a lot of friends through these events my first year that I’ve had my whole college career,” he said.

In response to the overall review of the weekend, HOT co-chair Miranda Hall noted, “We had a really good turnout at the movie on the lawn. We’re hoping to continue. We’re expecting pretty positive feedback!”

“It’s fun,” HOT volunteer Maddie Bahmer said. “I think if I have extra time, it’s good for me to give my time to people that need it. We could use more people!”

Recruitment for HOT begins in January. Students must be willing and available to work two shifts and two events during Welcome Weekend and the following week. You will be given a free t-shirt, meals, and the ability to take part in early arrival.

Paula Kaledzi is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. She can be reached at paula.kaledzi@my.und.edu