Bowling Green, Ky. - More than 1,900 first-year students, the largest group ever, will arrive at Western Kentucky University on Aug. 20 for the annual M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan program.

M.A.S.T.E.R. (Making Academic and Social Transitions Educationally Rewarding) Plan provides informational and educational sessions to help first-year students make the transition to WKU. The program, sponsored by the Department of Housing and Residence Life, began in 1993.

Activities on Aug. 20 include a reception at 3 p.m. and the opening ceremony at 8 p.m. Workshops, special events and social activities will be held Aug. 21-24. Session topics include student rights and responsibilities, campus safety and security, diversity, goal setting, and WKU history and traditions.
Highlights of the week include the following:

*Campus and Community Involvement Fair, 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at the Preston Health and Activities Center. Students can learn about opportunities to be involved on campus and in the community.

*M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan Faculty, Staff and Student Reception, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 23 on the Downing University Center South Lawn. The reception provides an opportunity for students, faculty and staff to build connections before classes begin.

*Big Redz Blitz, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 24 at various Bowling Green agencies. The community service event, coordinated with the ALIVE Center, provides an opportunity for students to begin giving back to WKU and the community. Students will work with Girls Scouts of Kentuckiana, Bowling Green Public Works, Habitat for Humanity, Historic Preservation Board, BRIMS, International Festival, Lost River Cave and Potter Children’s Home.

More information on M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan is available online at http://www.wku.edu/housing/masterplan/ or by calling program coordinator Tara Redmon at (270) 745-5863.

Other events coming up as WKU begins 2006-07 year
M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan is just one of several events signaling the start of another academic year at WKU.

Here’s a list of some other upcoming events:

• Aug. 17: Opening convocation for faculty and staff, 8 a.m. at Van Meter Auditorium, featuring remarks from President Gary Ransdell.
• Aug. 18: Engaging the Spirit Conference and faculty convocation, 8 a.m. at Van Meter Hall. “Best Practices for Student Success” will feature a presentation by Dr. L. Dee Fink as well as numerous breakout sessions.
• Aug. 28: Fall semester classes begin.
• Aug. 29: Freshman Welcome Assembly, 6 p.m. at Guthrie Tower.
• Aug. 30: Welcome Back Western Festival, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Downing University Center South Lawn.
• Sept. 1: Welcome Back Bash, 7 p.m. at Redz on Downing University Center fourth floor.
  
  More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you’d like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.

For information, contact Tara Redmon at (270) 745-5863.

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