The first two weeks of classes at Lafayette have a plethora of programs to help freshmen acclimate to the Lafayette community. The series of events, called “Welcome Weeks,” was established this year as a means to help freshmen get a feel for their new home and find a place for themselves at the college on the hill.

The week of Aug.29 has already held several events for the benefit of the class of 2020, including advice panels with professors and upperclassmen, information sessions and open houses. There remain, however, many more to come.

A prime example of a Welcome Week panel is one that is taking place from 12-1 p.m. today in Kirby 104. “Academic Success 101” features a panel of professors answering questions about the transition from high school to college, how to adjust to the workload, time management and other similar topics.

Aside from panels to provide guidance, direction and advice, the Welcome Weeks website lists a range of events from more athletic and outdoorsy activities, such as the Commons Olympics on March Field at 4:30 p.m. this evening, to the more entertainment-focused, such as the Live at Riverside Concert in downtown Easton featuring the local band Uncle Rocco on Sept. 9. On the same day, there will also be a “street scene” performance called “Dark Matter” in which artist Jefferson Pinder expresses social conflicts through break dance.

In particular, the traditional “Block pARTy”, founded in 2002 to showcase the arts on campus, will provide a wide variety of entertainment for new students. The Block pARTy takes place on Sept. 10.

Community building events, such as Monday’s 300 Mile Club, which seeks to allow students who are coming from 300 or more miles away from Lafayette to interact with each other and learn about useful resources, and the first general International Student Association meeting on Sept. 11, which seeks to connect international freshmen and those interested in international matters, will also be held throughout the weeks.