Cultural studies
First-years jump-started their College lives during mid-September's New Student Orientation with artsy, exotic, and just plain fun events.

A taste of the Bohemian
After breakfast and a tour of the Smart Museum of Art, first-years sneaked a peek at the studios of Chicago artists Stephanie Brooks and Roger Brown, ate lunch by one of the Loop's famous outdoor sculptures, and viewed installation art by Karen Reimer, MFA'89, and Connie Bacon, MFA'97, at the Hyde Park Art Center.

Wowed by the Powwow
Students gathered with Native American dancers, singers, and craftspeople at the annual Eschikagou Powwow and Indian Traders Rendezvous, which featured over a thousand performers, cultural demonstrations, and native food.

Cruising through history
First-years cruised down the Chicago River on a boat tour that covered the architectural history of more than 90 buildings. The half-day excursion also included a brief lecture on the history of Chicago architecture.

"Schwing!"
Students attended a showing of High Fidelity and Wayne's World, two films set in the Windy City and presented by Doc Films in Mandel Hall.

Students' night out
After a performance by the improvisational comedy troupe Off-Off Campus, first-years grooved to the sounds of College DJs at the Reynolds Club Party. Food was provided by Hyde Park restaurants and entertainment by a hypnotist and a "battle of the bands" sponsored by radio station WHPK.