The first week of classes is over. The initial excitement or fear of starting new classes no longer lingers in the mind of students, and the Welcome Week freebies are packed away until next year. Classes begin to dive into the syllabus and students start stressing.
The Residence Hall Association has other plans for the second week of classes. Rock the Halls week begins today, with the RHA hosting a different event to promote student activity on campus every day.
The Highlighter Party kicks off Rock the Halls Week from 7-9 p.m. in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center Ballroom. Chris Wilkey will deejay the event. Students are encouraged to wear white shirts that can be marked on with highlighters. Attendees will be given glow glasses when they arrive.
"The highlighter party was a really fun event last year," said Sarah Gremer, assistant director of Housing and Residence Life for student development. "DJ Wilkey will be playing some good dance music for students to enjoy."
Tuesday the RHA will introduce a new event at the Noyer Bowl. They will set up a 30-by-30 feet inflatable tub, filling it with foam and hosting a foam party. Students can soap up and dance starting at 5 p.m.
On Wednesday, students are invited to the Lewellen Aquatic Center for a dive-in movie. Putting a twist on the old fashioned drive-in, students are invited to take swim and enjoy comic book-turned action flick "The Avengers."
"Students can just lay out on some floaties in the pool and catch a good movie," Gremer said.
On Thursday, the RHA wants to encourage students to go to the football game. They are hosting a tailgating event at Scheumann Stadium to support the Cardinals before facing off against the Eagles.
To end the week, the RHA will give out snacks at Scheumann Stadium before the first three-day weekend of the year.
Residence Hall Association President Ryan Cole said RHA tries to appeal to a variety of students.
"Our goal is to have 700 people come to the events," Cole said. "We are trying to provide opportunities for on-campus students to meet students from other halls and around campus."
Rock the Halls week also aims to not only acquaint students with each other, but with the university. Gremer said the first six weeks of the school year are crucial for students to decide whether Ball State is right for them. These events are aimed to increase the retention rate for students to stay at Ball State and to make the students feel welcome to participate in campus activities.