Fall Welcome: Community Perspectives

There has been a noticeable increase in the energy and activity in East Lansing over the past few days, as MSU students have begun to move back into town. With their return comes Fall Welcome (formerly “Welcome Week”), a term that brings fond memories to some and less fond memories to others.

Fall Welcome, happening this year from August 30 through September 2, is the time between the official move-in at MSU's dorms and the start of classes. Students take advantage of the lack of responsibility before school's official start, and typically host and attend parties during these four days. MSU promotes alternative activities to occupy students' time and to help freshmen and transfer students meet new people and acclimate to their new home.

A quick look at the school's official Fall Welcome site shows that MSU hosts a variety of events ranging from bowling at the Union to ice skating at Munn Ice Arena. The site’s FAQs includes the question, “Do people really go to fall welcome events?” The answer: “Yes! These events have been designed to help you feel more connected with others and with Michigan State University. Many of the events have become traditions that you don't want to miss! Whether it's the pomp and circumstance of the Fall Convocation or the excitement of Spartan Spectacular, you will be a part of something truly special.”

When I spoke with MSU sophomore Maureen Onchiri, however, she told me that she most closely associates Fall Welcome with the parties, and enjoys the social aspect of this time. “It’s something that I look forward to. Normally I meet a lot of people during Welcome Week, that's why I like it. It's really fun, there's a lot of things to do and everybody's full of energy.”

Although she still likes participating in Fall Welcome activities, it’s not the big deal that it was when she first came to MSU. “I think freshman year I was more excited for it because I heard so much about it and this year I feel like I kind of know what to expect.”

The thrill of the unknown seems to be a factor that leads some students to extremes, and might give Fall Welcome a bad reputation. Maureen explained that she believes the majority of students don't get out of control, and those that do are mostly inexperienced freshmen: “I think some people do get too wild but I feel like most people who have experienced it don't.”

Maureen's older sister and MSU senior Abigael Onchiri also thinks that age and maturity make Fall Welcome less of a draw: “The first time you want to do everything but after that it's just the same thing over and over again. And if you're not into the partying scene, then there's not that much to do.”

Abigael added that the parties are the center of activity during this time, stating, “I don't really know about the sponsored events...the biggest part of Welcome Week is the parties.” Addressing the apparent lack of promotion of MSU-sponsored activities, she had the following words of advice for the University: “If there are actually events out there that aren't just partying, then they should work on making those more obvious.”

Although community members might be expected to dislike Fall Welcome, East Lansing resident Beth Russell, who is also a member of the Community Relations Coalition, has a supportive view of the event and its role in the community. “I think I live in a college town for a reason. I like the energy that it brings.”

Her positive attitude is inspired, in part, by the changes that MSU has made over the years: “I think it's a lot more organized than it used to be. I think the relationship between the University and the city has grown immensely, and I think we have something that a lot of college towns don't have, which is the university and the community working together.”

Polly Kent, a resident of East Lansing’s Bailey Neighborhood, shared a startling past experience with Welcome Week: “When we first moved in here, it was really very bad. We had a naked guy fall asleep on our couch one time.” Asked to elaborate, Kent explained, “It was a Saturday morning. My son was little then and he had a soccer game so my husband got up early because he coached soccer. I heard him talking downstairs to somebody and I was like 'what's going on?' So there was a student who had come drunkenly, I guess he thought it was his house, and we failed to lock the door. He came in, he took off his pants in the bathroom, fell asleep naked on our couch.”

Despite this alarming incident, Kent echoes Russell's sentiments that there have been significant improvements in recent years. “It's much better now than it was when we first moved into this house about sixteen years ago, so whatever the city and the university are doing to make things better has been successful. Whatever they've been doing has helped.”

Kent hopes that students will continue to understand the importance of respectful behavior in the community, “This is much more of a family neighborhood than when we first moved in, so students just need to remember there are families with little children here, so they should behave themselves”

Fall Welcome is also a busy time for the ELPD, and a drive around town after dark will likely yield the sight of multiple flashing headlights from police cars stationed around East Lansing.

Lieutenant Steve Gonzalez explained this increase in police visibility: “For Welcome Week each year, the police department focuses on maintaining a safe atmosphere for everyone either currently living, moving to or simply visiting the City. In an effort to do so, the department will increase on-duty staffing levels throughout the week. The increased staffing levels not only aid in efficiently and effectively managing the increased call load we experience, but also allow us to provide an increased presence to aid in deterring criminal activity.”

In order to help students avoid run-ins with the police, Gonzalez provided the following advice: “We would encourage residents that wish to host a party to review the 'Need to Know' ordinances page on the Police Department's web page. This page explains the Noise and Unlawful Party ordinances, Disorderly Conduct, and Alcohol ordinances as well. Another great resource for this type of information is the Community Relations Coalition web page.”

In addition to the avoidance of possible criminal charges, health and safety considerations are of great importance to students during Fall Welcome. Gonzalez emphasized that, “should an individual find themselves in need of assistance, we would encourage them to contact us without hesitation. We will have plenty of resources available to aid those in need.” Medical amnesty is a part of Michigan law, which means that intoxicated minors are granted legal immunity when they seek help for themselves or another individual who is in need of immediate medical attention.”

With continued cooperation between the community and MSU, residents and students alike should be able to experience a safe and successful Fall Welcome.