2024 PACK Welcome Week

Embark on a journey to uncover the transformative realm of Education (ED) at our upcoming session. Dive into the heart of this dynamic major, where passion meets purpose and learning extends far beyond the classroom walls. Join us to explore the diverse pathways and boundless opportunities that await within the ED program. Whether you're intrigued by teaching, educational leadership, or shaping the future of learning, let us inspire your educational journey. Don't miss out on this chance to learn about the ED major and unlock the door to endless possibilities.

• This session is also available at another time(s) this week.

Join us to learn more about the On Track Program. This program is designed to provide historically underrepresented students with academic and personal support that will assist in ensuring academic success, as well as provide opportunities for social development. (NOTE: This session is not for students already accepted into this program. For students already accepted, please attend the On Track Orientation on Thursday)

• This session is also available at another time(s) this week.

This learning experience will introduce the audience to the Blue Zones, which are areas of the world where higher than usual numbers of people live much longer than average. Within these Blue Zones are common elements of lifestyle, diet, and outlook that have allowed residents to achieve longer, better lives. During this learning experience, participants will learn about and engage with the nine powerful but simple lessons that can put us on a path to better health, well-being, and longevity.

Are you the first person in your family to go to college? We understand navigating college can be daunting, especially without having someone you can look up to for guidance. Attend this session to learn more about what it means to be a first generation student, and resources we have on campus to support academic success!

We've all seen how it plays out on tv. The quirky investigator enters the dark room gripping the flashlight only to discover what appears to be a skull partially embedded in soil. Is it really bone? Is it human? Is that hole an effect of projectile trauma? What can we say about the decedent from their skeletal remains and what techniques can we use to help catch the perpetrator? We'll cover all this and more in this hands-on session in forensic anthropology and investigation. Caution: you may never be able to watch forensics on television in the same way again.

National Student Exchange (NSE) is a unique study-away program that allows students to travel and study at another school, while staying on track with graduation (and even paying WOU tuition rates!). Learn more about this low-cost, affordable, and accessible program here at WOU!

So what's your major?" - We've all been asked this question at least once by a well meaning adult (and maybe felt some fear in not having the "right" answer). However, roughly 80% of students change their majors at least once during their college careers. So why do we insist that students decide their major as soon as they step foot on campus? Here's a little secret...you don't have to know! Exploring different subjects before making any decisions about your major, especially if you're not sure what you want to do, is why we have the Exploratory Studies major option. In this session, we will play a round of "What's My Major?" Jeopardy to investigate the different job opportunities that come from a variety of different majors. The major and career pairings might surprise you! After the game, we'll do some "Major Myth-Busting" to shed some light on the Exploratory Studies process and show you why being asked "what's your major?" isn't anything to fear!

In this dynamic and thought-provoking presentation, we will delve into the multifaceted world of Criminal Justice and equip students with the tools they need to navigate its complexities. Unpack the harsh realities of the CJ system and learn how to cultivate traits that allow you to engage in constructive dialogue while empowering you to chart your own course in the world of Criminal Justice with confidence and purpose. Whether you're a budding CJ student or simply curious about the field, this session offers valuable insights into self-reflection and strategies for engaging in difficult conversations and viewpoints.

• This session is also available at another time(s) this week.

Attendees will learn about the Model United Nations club and travel opportunities to conferences, while debating about pizza toppings. Come learn about what the club has to offer to develop your research, public speaking and negotiation skills, and learn about important international issues ... and perhaps even enjoy sampling different pizza toppings.

In these days of Artificial Intelligence, Chat bots, and the digitization of human language there is a real need for collaboration between scholars and students of Computer Science, Information Systems, and Language (Linguistics). In 2022 faculty from these three programs at WOU created a Certificate in Computational Linguistics. This presentation will introduce you to the courses in the certificate and its benefits which are ideal complements to students who are already considering a major or minor in Computer Science, Linguistics, Information Systems, or Interdisciplinary Studies. Whether you are interested in languages and want to add relevant computer skills to your resume, or interested in computers and want the knowledge about human language that will enhance your degree, or if you want to pursue a Master's degree in the highly sought-after field of Computational Linguistics, this Certificate is for you.

Picture this: you just finished high school, and now you're at college. You're excited to explore your major and try new things. Then you meet with an advisor...and they tell you that you have a ton of required classes like math, English, science, and more...what gives? Is this just high school 2.0? While it might seem like "General Education" is just a buzzword, WOU's General Education Program will really help you in your life at WOU and your career afterwards. Come learn about why General Education exists, and how YOU can make the most of your Gen Ed experience.

• This session is also available at another time(s) this week.