September, 2001.
Volume 44, No. 05

Home
Stories this Week
Contact / Masthead
Archives
Links

The Carillon brings you the weekly news from the University of Regina.

Contact:
The Editor
Newsline:
(306)-586-8867
Fax:
(306)-586-7422
Room 227
Riddell Centre
University of Regina

The date is set for U of R students to show their green and gold spirit in a celebration of the new academic year.

On September 21 at 1:00 pm, festivities begin with the Academic Kick-Off. U of R president Dr. David Barnard will address the students and a speech will be made by a faculty member and a student.

They will focus on the upcoming academic year and the importance of academics and extra-curricular activities in the university.

Following the formal ceremonies, students will have the chance to meet the U of R Rams, who were Vanier Cup finalists last season. This Pep Rally on the Academic Green will prepare our football team for their big game against the UBC Thunderbirds at 7:00 pm.

As well, our universityıs cheerleading squad will debut in an attempt to boost school spirit.

A barbeque will be held at 2:00 pm which will feature local entertainment and various activities up until game time.

Dr. Hilary Horan, Associate Vice-President at the U of R is involved in the planning of the Homecoming Events. He says that this will give students a chance to mingle with their fellow classmates, as well as Faculty, Staff, and Alumni.

³We are gathering professors, students, and staff to remind them to concentrate on the fact that we are about teaching, research, and building community.

³[Homecoming] is a concept that goes on at other Universities,² says Horan. ³It helps our university community focus on our purpose and mandate.²

Frank McCrystal, head coach of the Rams, agrees with Horan that every other University team has a homecoming game.

³It is something to jump start the year,² says McCrystal. ³It is a central activity for the university and it gives everyone a chance to rally together.²

Both Horan and McCrystal say it is necessary to build on that sense of community at our university.

³It is difficult to gain spirit because, when you start the year, there isnıt that big event to bring everyone together,² says McCrystal.

³We are trying to create more campus life,² comments Horan.

An attempt to kick-off a new year was made in 1994, but it was not a success due to lack of interest. Horan is optimistic that this yearıs event will be a greater success.

Derek Burt, Vice-President Projects and Development at the Studentıs Union is also involved in organizing the big day.

³Students need to know that the Rams exist,² says Burt. ³What better way than to have a day full of activities?²

Burt also sees the importance of gathering as a university community, not only for the athletics, but for the academic aspect as well. ³It is important to remember [that] the reason weıre here is for school and learning.²

Tickets for the big event are $12 and include food and drink at the barbeque, the bus ride and ticket to the game, as well as a ticket to the cabaret in the Multipurpose Room following the game.

For $25, you can include a ticket to the Rider game the following afternoon.

The U of R hopes to came this Homecoming Game and annual event that will run during Welcome Week.