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Campus and Community

WOW That Looks Fun! See Photos From This Year's Week of Welcome
The WOW group leaders of 282 walk with their new students during the WOW grouping.
Written By Gabby Ferreira | Photos by Joe Johnston and Dylan Head

A week before the start of fall quarter, thousands of new Mustangs gathered on campus to kick off a time-honored orientation tradition: the Week of Welcome.

The award-winning campus program, which stretches back more than 60 years, brings new students together with more experienced student mentors who introduce them to campus life and critical resources for a successful college career.

This year, more than 5,700 students and 540 WOW leaders participated in WOW, according to Dale Stoker, Interim Director of New Student & Transition Programs. Activities included beach bonfires, a silent disco, a roller rink and a concert.

Second-year computer engineering student and first-time WOW leader Elias Romero said some of his favorite moments with his group included watching the sunset on Terrace Hill, getting tacos at Taqueria San Miguel and playing paintball.

“Overall, this week has been so fun and rewarding,” Romero said. “I’ve really enjoyed showing the WOWies around Cal Poly and the San Luis Obispo area and helping them learn to love our community as much as I do.”

Take a look at photos from some of this year’s big WOW moments.

Beach bonfires are a staple of WOW events. Here, some students play ball during their bonfire at Pismo State Beach.
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Beach bonfires are a staple of WOW events. Here, some students play ball during their bonfire at Pismo State Beach.
Fireworks burst overhead during the Big Fall Welcome at Spanos Stadium, held on the first night of WOW.
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Fireworks burst overhead during the Big Fall Welcome at Spanos Stadium, held on the first night of WOW.
Many WOW groups hiked the Cal Poly P and took in stunning views of campus and San Luis Obispo.
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Many WOW groups hiked the Cal Poly P and took in stunning views of campus and San Luis Obispo.
WOW groups kayak at Avila Beach the Wednesday before school starts.
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WOW groups kayak at Avila Beach the Wednesday before school starts.
Students have fun during the Inflate-A-Fest carnival near the end of the week.
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Students have fun during the Inflate-A-Fest carnival near the end of the week.
New students smile during the WOW grouping on Friday, Sept. 15.
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New students smile during the WOW grouping on Friday, Sept. 15.
A student throws up their arms to cheer during the Big Fall Welcome on the first night of WOW.
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A student throws up their arms to cheer during the Big Fall Welcome on the first night of WOW.
Students gathered in the UU to dance and listen to music during the silent disco.
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Students gathered in the UU to dance and listen to music during the silent disco.
WOW groups gathered to play beach volleyball Sunday, Sept. 17.
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WOW groups gathered to play beach volleyball Sunday, Sept. 17.

WOW groups went stand up paddleboarding in Avila Beach throughout the week.
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WOW groups went stand up paddleboarding in Avila Beach throughout the week.
Students play Frisbee during a bonfire at Pismo State Beach.
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Students play Frisbee during a bonfire at Pismo State Beach.
WOW groups hiked the Cal Poly P throughout the week.
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WOW groups hiked the Cal Poly P throughout the week.
WOW groups gathered for a movie night on the yakʔitʸutʸu lawn.
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WOW groups gathered for a movie night on the yakʔitʸutʸu lawn.

WOW student leaders from groups 244 and 245 pose with their signs, ready to welcome students on the first day of Week of Welcome.
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WOW student leaders from groups 244 and 245 pose with their signs, ready to welcome students on the first day of Week of Welcome.
Musty poses with fireworks during the Big Fall Welcome at Spanos Stadium.
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Musty poses with fireworks during the Big Fall Welcome at Spanos Stadium.

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