YORK, Pa. — Welcome Week, Aug. 22-26, offers a variety of activities for Penn State York students to have a little fun and get to know other students, faculty and staff on campus. The Just Ask Me (JAM) tent, staffed by student volunteers, will be set up outside the Joe and Rosie Ruhl Student Community Center from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting Monday, Aug. 22, through Wednesday, Aug. 24, to offer a place for students to get their questions answered

The weeklong series of events is sponsored by the campus’ University Programming Board (UPB) and the student affairs office. The events are designed to bring students together and connect them with co-curricular experiences that enhance their learning and student life. The UPB is a student organization that plans a variety of events and activities throughout the academic year. The price is right on all of the events — free!

“Students should attend these events because it gives them an opportunity to meet other returning students and new students,” said Sweeta Rasiyan, UPB president and a Penn State York senior majoring in psychology. “Students will also be able to learn about different resources and clubs we have on campus by attending club rush. I personally think the first week of classes is the ideal time to meet and make new friends because almost everyone is excited and more open about meeting new people.”

Welcome Week events, Aug. 22-26:

Monday gets started with Cool Down with UPB from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside the Ruhl Center. Snow cones and other sweet treats are available to students, while supplies last.

Tuesday offers students free smoothies from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the Ruhl Center.

Wednesday is the Welcome Back Picnic from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside the Ruhl Center. This is a time for the entire campus community — students, faculty and staff — to gather and celebrate the start of the fall semester.

Thursday is the fall Club Rush and Involvement Fair from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside the Ruhl Center. This is a time to learn about the more than 20 student clubs and organizations available at Penn State York. Representatives will answer questions and provide information on how to be a part of their group or how to start one. Click here to learn more about the variety of clubs and organizations on campus. Sweet Willows ice cream truck also will visit the campus during the Club Rush. Grab a cone or a dish of ice cream and relax.

Also on Thursday is the Community Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Conference Center of the Main Classroom Building. Penn State York, Fox 43, and the American Red Cross have joined together for the drive, as the need for blood right now is critical. To schedule an appointment to donate blood, visit the American Red Cross website. Registration is preferred but walk-ins are welcome. All donors will receive a $10 e-gift card of choice and a chance to win gas for their vehicle for a year.

Friday features the Student Government Association (SGA) Town Hall from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in Rosie’s in the Ruhl Center. Learn more about the campus and discover how to get involved with the SGA.

Students are asked to bring their Penn State student ID to be swiped but can still take part in events without it. For more information, contact the Penn State York Office of Student Affairs at 717-771-4045.