NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will kick off the Fall semester with Demon Days, a series of events that being with Move-In Day, Saturday, Aug. 14.  Demon Days is a series of fun and free events designed to welcome new and returning students with opportunities to explore Northwestern State, connect with other students and get involved with service, social and academic initiatives.

Health and safety will remain a top priority. Last week Northwestern announced that the school will comply with state mandates requiring individuals on all campuses to wear facial coverings while inside buildings, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not.

“As students return for the fall, we are optimistic about the return of face-to-face classes, Demon Days and other activities that are an exciting part of kicking off a new academic year,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Greg Handel.  “Classes will roll out reflective of Fall 2019 before the pandemic. The situation is fluid and could shift, but we hope it doesn’t. We will all be wearing face masks but that won’t diminish the excitement of starting a new year.”

In conjunction with Move-In Days Aug. 12-14, NSU will host First Night Fest on the Green from 7-9 p.m. Saturday with entertainment by The Phunky Monkeys, free food and drinks, games and more.

New Student Convocation will be at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15 in Turpin Stadium. Convocation is an important milestone for first year students and marks the beginning of each student’s academic journey which ends at commencement.  The event will include a class photo for the Class of 2025 and the President’s Picnic.  Afterwards, students can head to Varnado Hall and University Columns for a BCM Meet and Greet.

With classes beginning Monday, Aug. 16, student volunteers will be available at a help tent to offer assistance to those with questions about campus.  New students can also visit Information Station in the NSU Ballroom from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and meet SGA senators and representatives from Greek Life on the Kyser Brickway from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.  Color Chaos, one of the most fun and memorable events for students, will take place at 6 p.m. at Org Row, followed by a BCM Meet and Greet at University Place 1.  ­­

The rest of Week 1 will be filled with opportunities to get involved in many different aspects of college life with Student Day of Golf at the Rec Complex, Sophomore Breakfast Club for second year students, more BCM Meet and Greet and worship events, Greek informationals, IFC Fish Fry, Glow in the Dark Zumba, Miss Lady of the Bracelet informational, welcome reception for international students, late night gaming in the Esports Lounge, the annual 1 of 7 service kick-off event and a weekend fiesta at Collins Pavilion.

NSU will offer free COVID-19 vaccinations at several locations on campus Aug. 12-Sept. 1.  Students can sign up for a vaccine appointment at nsu.la/GetVaxxed and be entered for a grand prize drawing if first shot is received by Aug. 20.

Throughout the coming weeks, students will be encouraged to get involved with service and volunteer projects, Greek life and registered student organizations. Demon Days events will stretch through the rest of the semester with pep rallies, wellness workshops, athletic events, intramurals, Homecoming and more.

“We are emphasizing safe practices with all of our student activities, but we also know that students who get involved on campus get more out of their college experience,” said Reatha Cox, vice president for the Student Experience. “The past year and a half prohibited a lot of interaction and we are hoping to make up for lost time.  There is a full slate of activities for students whether they are new freshmen or rising seniors. We encourage students to participate, make new friends and find their place within the NSU family.”

Information on NSU activities and events that are open to the public can be accessed at www.nsula.edu.

Click here for the full Demon Days schedule:  DemonDaysSchedule-2021