By Amber Mann
UNCP Courtyard students were welcomed back to campus life with a pool party at the complex pool on August 28 as part of the welcome week activities.
Students of all majors and classifications gathered to cool off and relax as the school year kicked into gear. The first two weeks of school were underway, and the Courtyard Resident Advisors created a fun relaxing event.
“We didn’t want to give students an event that would be stressful with classes starting,” Resident Advisor Justin Taylor said.
The advisors also wanted to meet the students they would be helping throughout the semester and show them the activities Courtyard offers. The community building where students first walked into to get access to the pool also houses a gym, recreation room, computer lab and community lounge.
The party started off slow with only a handful of students showing up. However, once classes were over the party started to pick up. Some students enjoyed the sun and snacks that were provided while others took advantage of the pool floats and relaxed in the cool water. There were conversations flowing among friends and new acquaintance allowing the students to make new friends in a comfortable environment.
“I did have fun! I got to spend quality time with my roommate and friend,” UNCP courtyard resident Hannah Schmid said. “We also met a new student to campus. Overall, I enjoyed the experience. The free ice cream was the cherry on top!”
According to Courtyard Resident Advisor Jessica Fleming, the goal of the pool party was to meet other students in a relaxing setting. Students were able to play together in the pool and talk to each other over ice cream sandwiches. Music was playing over the speakers, and students were allowed to pick the radio station that was playing to encourage them to interact more with the resident advisors.
As you walked into the meeting area to get to the pool, students were greeted with warm smiles along with chips on the front table. Once they signed in with their name and banner ID number they were then told where the ice cream and drinks could be found. Food is always a good way to get students attention. Courtyard resident advisors took turns sitting in the community lounge talking to students as they came in and spending time by the pool engaging with students.
The first few weeks on campus, clubs and community leaders, hosted events to get more people to join their groups or welcome students back to campus. These events showcased the groups and what they have to offer while also helping students connect with others who may have the same interest. This pool party was created with the same goal.