Wildcat Welcome is a celebration of YOUR new membership in the campus community. Mark your calendars and prepare to kick off your Chico experience with a variety of activities to suit your tastes. Scroll down to see all your events and connection opportunities! Need accommodation for any of our events or receptions due to a disability? Contact the Accessibility Resource Center at (530) 898-5959. Want to download a PDF of the full schedule? Coming here soon!
Get your official CSU, Chico campus identification card – the Wildcat Card! Please bring an official form of photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or Military ID) with you. The Wildcat Card office is open Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm.
Thursday August 17th
Residence Halls Move In!
Move-in is scheduled by the community and floor/building you are assigned. Please consult your housing assignment packet or your University Housing student portal for specific move-in dates and times. There are a lot of great events planned to keep you entertained before school starts! For more information talk to your Resident Advisor (RA).
Wildcat Welcome Parent Reception
7am-1pm at Sutter Courtyard
Meet members of the Parent Advisory Council and Chico State alumni for refreshments during move-in! Take a break and join us to ask questions and get advice from experienced parents. Learn how you can make the most of your Chico experience for both you and your student.
Thursday Market
Downtown Chico, Open 6-9pm
Say hello to your new downtown! The Thursday Market is a Chico staple that runs thru the end of September and then picks up again in April. Downtown Shops stay open late and on-street features include food trucks, local artisans, locally grown fruit, veggies and flowers, along with entertaining musical acts. Ranked one of the top markets in California, this is something that should appear on your regular schedule while you live in Chico!
Fire and Ice
7-9pm, Sutter Courtyard or UV
Welcome Wildcats! On August 17th we are welcoming everyone to our first event of the year, Fire & Ice starting at 7pm! There will be s'mores and snow cones, come out and socialize with new friends! Can't wait to see you there!
Friday August 18th
Big "C" Welcome Ceremony
9:30am at Field 6 & 7 behind University Stadium
Walk in as a new student, but walk out as a Wildcat! Join President Gayle Hutchinson and Associated Students President Dylan Gray for your official welcome to campus. Meet other new students in your major as you gather to prepare to march to the mandatory department meetings. Kick things off by posing for the incoming Class of 2017 commemorative photo and get the official Wildcat Welcome drawstring backpack FREE! Faculty, staff and students are welcome and all participants get a free Chico State Alum pennant, courtesy of Chico State Alumni Association!
Mandatory Department Meetings
10:30-11:30am at various locations
Meeting with your department faculty is critical. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet faculty and fellow students and learn about programs, resources, requirements, student organizations, career possibilities, graduate studies, and expectations associated with your intended major. For more information and room assignment, coming soon you can click here! Questions? Contact Erin Wilson atewilson2@csuchico.edu.
Wildcat TransferMation
11:30am-1:30pm BMU Auditorium
At the Wildcat TransferMation, we celebrate Transfers the Wildcat Way! This casual and fun, open-house provides an opportunity to meet other incoming transfer students, current Chico State students, and University staff. Prize drawings will be held every half-hour... including $100 Wildcat Store gift cards. We'll provide snacks, music and optional activities for your enjoyment. We hope to see all new transfer students at the Wildcat Transfer-mation - the perfect beginning to an amazing, two-year, Chico experience!
Wild for Business Reception
11:30am-1pm at Glenn Hall lawn
For incoming students majoring in business or considering majoring in business, join us for an opportunity to meet the College of Business department chairs, advisors, and current business students participating in our student organizations. Head on over to Glenn Hall Lawn (right by the rose garden) for this open house style exploration of all things Business.
Student Services Open House
11:30am-2pm at the Student Services Center
The Student Services Center houses some great programs built to serve new and continuing students. Drop by for some snacks and a scavenger hunt style tour through the SSC to meet and greet with different departments. The first 500 students to fill out their passport get a $5 gift certificate to Urban Roots, the natural foods eatery in the BMU!
Student Health Center Open House
1-3pm at Student Health Services across from Whitney Hall
Please join us at the Student Health Center (SHC) on Friday August 18th from 1-3pm for an open house! The SHC provides all your basic health care needs and is staffed with highly skilled medical assistants, registered nurses, family nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, and board certified doctors. Our services and facility include women's health, immunizations, travel medicine, radiology, discount medications, laboratory, psychiatry, pharmacy and health screening all on site! At the open house, tour the facility, meet the staff and ask questions to help you find out all the services available for you as part of your student fees. Spin the wheel for a chance to win fun prizes! See you soon, Wildcats!
Rock the Block
5pm-12midnight at Sutter Courtyard & Shasta/Lassen Lawn
The Sutter Courtyard and Shasta Lassen Lawn will come alive with interactive inflatables, great food and live music! The music kicks off at 5pm along with a tabling fair from some of our 240+ different organizations/clubs. When the sun goes down - glow sticks will light up the night! Come Rock the Block with us starting at 5pm!
Saturday August 19th
LeadCat
9am-5pm in BMU Auditorium
Are you looking to make your (first) BEST decisions as a Chico State student? Sign up now for LeadCat – this incredible program provides you the opportunity to meet other new students while connecting to all the amazing opportunities on campus. This is a full day of leadership activities where you will meet student leaders from Fraternities and Sororities, Student Government, Sustainability, Social Justice, Community Service and more.
Maybe you were active in leadership in high school, maybe you are looking to recreate yourself in college – this is the place you want to be. It’s too soon to have regrets – apply today – see what can happen when you take that first step! Coming soon---Click HERE for online application!
WREC'n Wild
3-5pm at Wildcat Recreation Center
Hit up the WREC Saturday night for food, a pool party, DJ, prizes, inflatables, free stuff and much more - If it’s at the WREC, you know it’s going to be good! Get there early for the free nacho bar! No lines and no waiting---you DO NOT need to be registered at the WREC to enter this event!
Women's Soccer First Home Game!
7pm at University Soccer Stadium
Come cheer on the Wildcats as they take on Southern Oregon for their first home match of the season. Free admission with your student ID and FREE Woodstock's pizza for every student, plus drawing prizes and a half-time contest!
Moonlight Movie I
8:30pm at Glenn Lawn
Guardians of the Galaxy 2! Come to the Glenn Hall lawn for a late-night movie showing. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair. We’ll bring the popcorn and candy.
Sunday August 20th
Trip 'N Dip
12:30-3:30pm, Departs from Sutter Courtyard
Adventure Outings invites you to an Upper Bidwell adventure! We’ll transport three vans to Upper Park for a short hike and a dip at a one of the many beautiful swimming holes. Look for the Adventure Outings table in Sutter courtyard starting at 11:30 a.m. For more info, call 530-898-4011. The trip leaves at 12:45pm sharp and is FREE to students!
Game Night at Meriam Library
2-5pm at the Meriam Library
Students, come get your game on! Join us at the first ever Game Night at Meriam Library for free pizza, board games, video games, and a library-wide adventure to win board games. There will also be prizes at the door (first come first served!), and a gigantic game of interstellar travel to welcome students to Chico State. And did we mention free pizza? See you there!
Sunday Sundae Social
4:30-6pm at the UHub (located across from Sutter Dining/Whitney Hall)
Are you living in a University Housing Community? Are you looking for ways to meet people and get involved? Stop by the Sunday Sundae Social for free ice cream and info about COCO, RHA and PTP.
Monday August 21st
Chico del Sol
9am-11am Glenn Hall Lawn
This is the first solar eclipse in the U.S. in 38 years and Chico will have 85% totality! Come out to Glenn Lawn for access to viewing glasses, eclipse cards and information about this rare and amazing solar event! Best viewing is around 10:15am, so drop by between classes and check it out!
Meet the Cause
10am-2pm in Trinity Commons
Do you believe in giving back to your community? Want to meet like-minded individuals working with local non-profits? Meet the Cause is for you! Our largest student program, Community Action Volunteers in Education (CAVE) is partnering with local service agencies to connect you with your cause! Join us on the Trinity Lawn on Monday August 21st from 10am-2pm. Meet and connect with agencies serving a variety of causes including the environment, people who are homeless, older adults, and many more!
Tuesday August 22nd
Meet the WREC/Rec Sports
4-6pm in Sutter Courtyard
Want more info about all the great activities you can do in the WREC? Interested in putting together or playing anything from soccer to volleyball, flag football to bean bag toss? Come "Meet the WREC/Rec Sports" and find out about all the recreational opportunities waiting just for you!
Wednesday August 23rd
Meet the Faiths and Cultures
4-6pm in Sutter Courtyard
Want to learn more about opportunities to connect with faith or culture based clubs on campus? Come by Sutter Courtyard to see all the great opportunities we have at Chico State to connect!
Thursday August 24th
Meet the Greeks
4-6pm in Sutter Courtyard
Wondering what it might be like to be a part of Greek Life? Want to get the real scoop on what it’s like to be a member of our Greek family? Join us for ice cream and conversations with our social Greek fraternity and sorority members!
Thursday Market
Open 6-9pm
Another chance to visit your new downtown! The Thursday Market is a Chico staple that runs thru the end of September and then picks up again in April. Downtown Shops stay open late and on-street features include food trucks, local artisans, locally grown fruit, veggies and flowers, along with entertaining musical acts. Ranked one of the top markets in California, this is something that should appear on your regular schedule while you live in Chico!
Men's Soccer First Home Game!
7pm at University Soccer Stadium
Come cheer on the Wildcats as they take on Academy of Art for their first home match of the season. Free admission with your student ID and FREE Woodstock's pizza for every student, plus drawing prizes and a half-time contest!
Friday August 25th
CLUBTACULAR - Student Involvement Fair
11am-2pm on Trinity and Glenn lawns
You are now a Chico State student and Chico State students are known for their involvement! Come to CLUBTACULAR to meet and greet over 100 clubs and programs spanning from academic, greek, sports, activism, cultural, spiritual, honors and special interest. Everything from general membership opportunities to events to, in some cases, internships available. If you plan to do more than just study...CLUBTACULAR is your ticket doing more than just getting a degree. Free BBQ from the Bear with student I.D.!!
Women's Soccer Game!
7pm at University Soccer Stadium
The 'Cats are back in action against Holy Names University. As always, admission is FREE with your student ID! Go 'Cats, go!
Up Late at the Hub - Beach Night Dance Party
10pm-1am at the University Housing Utility Building (UHUB)
Hey all you Wildcats! For this year's first UP LATE AT THE HUB, we will be having a BEACH NIGHT DANCE PARTY! That's right! We're bringing the beach to y'all, PTP style, with FREE FOOD and a ROCKIN' RAD DJ. So come on out to The Hub dressed up in your best beach outfit to meet some new peeps, have snowcones, and dance the summer night away. See y'all there!
Saturday August 26th
Men's Soccer Game!
7pm at University Soccer Stadium
The 'Cats take on outer state rival Oregon Tech University. As always, admission is FREE with your student ID. Go 'Cats, go!
Bingo Night
10pm University Village and the UHUB
Come on out for Wildcat Welcome Bingo! We are giving away some amazing prizes! And most importantly this is a FREE EVENT! Whether you are out at UV or The Hub, this night will be one you won't want to miss!
Wednesday August 30th
Local Job Fair
3-6pm BMU Auditorium
Meet local employers, both on and off campus, and find out about part-time jobs available now!
Thursday August 31st
Wildcats Can!
12 noon in the BMU Atrium
Who can put a dent into hunger? Wildcats Can! This is the culminating activity after two weeks of a canned food drive focused on FILLING THE PANTRY for the Hungry Wildcats Program. This program focuses on distribution of supplemental food to Chico State students in need, and will conclude with a giant Wildcat Logo built from donated food displayed in the BMU Atrium on campus. Are you a Chico State Alum? You can help too! Drop off any donations to the Chico State Alumni Association office at Sapp Hall 238 Normal Avenue to contribute to this cause. Who can take care of themselves and their brothers and sisters? Wildcats Can!
Thursday Market
6-9pm Downtown Chico
By now this should be part of your regular routine! The Thursday Market is a Chico staple that runs thru the end of September and then picks up again in April. Downtown Shops stay open late and on-street features include food trucks, local artisans, locally grown fruit, veggies and flowers, along with entertaining musical acts. Ranked one of the top markets in California, this is something that should appear on your regular schedule while you live in Chico!
The Wildcat Vibe
7-12 midnight on Kendall Lawn
Start the Day with culture, food and music. Come out and celebrate with Chico State's cultural and multi-cultural organizations as they showcase their art, their beauty and their culture! Co-sponored with Madison Bear Garden, Wildcat Vibe starts with orgs, games, and food.Then bring in the night with the vibes of today’s Hip Hop and R and B featuring Chico’s local nightclub DJ’s. This is a chance to experience Chico through the vibes of different cultures that have infused Hip Hop, Pop, and R and B into their music. Wildcat Vibe is about bringing together students for a great night of music, dancing, and culture. Connect to culture and join us for the low down on late night—The Wildcat Vibe!
Friday September 1st
ShipWREC'ed
7-9pm at the Wildcat Recreation Center
Cool off at the WREC with a slip ’n slide, floaties and stand up paddle boards. Bring a buddy and your ‘A’ game for kayak races and a belly flop contest. DJ, BBQ and lots of free stuff- the first 30 people through the doors get a tank top!
Get Cheesy in the Courtyard
10pm-1am in Sutter Courtyard
Feeling kinda cheesy? Drop by the Sutter Courtyard to feed your midnight munchies with fresh made grilled cheese sandwiches, straight off the griddle! Free to all new students!
Saturday September 2nd
KCSC's Tacos and Tye Dye
3-7pm in the BMU Auditorium
AS Radio Station KCSC is turning 65 years old and YOU get all the presents! Join us for live bands, a free taco bar, and a chance to make your own wearable tie-dye creation. The first 100 students get a free KCSC logo t-shirt that’s tie-dye ready, or bring your own bright-white clothing item to join the fun.
Moonlight Movie II
8:30pm at Glenn Lawn
Baywatch the Movie! Come to the Glenn Hall lawn for a late-night movie showing. Bring your own blanket or lawn chair. We’ll bring the popcorn and candy
Sunday September 3rd
Bidwell Bash featuring the Greek Carnival
1-4pm at the WREC
Featuring Greek Carnival! Spend your Sunday afternoon basking in the A/C at the WREC and taking the occasional dip in the pool! Your AS officers provide the Bear BBQ and Chico State Greek organizations will put on the fun and games with a carnival! Shuttles leave from UV for the ride over!
Monday September 4th
Cirque d'UV
1-4pm at University Village 1325 Nord Ave.
Come join Prime Time Productions and experience Cirque d’UV on Monday September 4th from 1PM to 4PM at University Village! Enjoy FREE food, face painting, cotton candy, Boba Tea, Henna and a Climbing Wall!
If you require an accommodation for any of our events or receptions due to a disability, please contact the Accessibility Resource Center at (530) 898-5959
Announcements
Campus Volunteers Needed!
Help us welcome the incoming class as we roll out the red carpet and teach the Wildcat Way to all our new students! We need volunteers from the faculty, staff and community to make it happen, and there are lots of different days, times and activities to choose from. Click here to sign up as a Wildcat Welcome volunteer and get your official Wildcat Welcome t-shirt!
Check out our Facebook Page!
Want to keep up with all the events happening during Wildcat Welcome? Like our Facebook page and watch out for updates on the events throughout Wildcat Welcome!
