CAPE GIRARDEAU – Southeast Missouri State University will welcome students for the start of the 2011-2012 academic year with a weekend of activities Aug. 18-20.

“I am so excited about the events we have planned for all of our students during Opening Week 2011,” said Theresa Haug-Belvin, director of Student Transitions. “I am confident they will assist our new students with their transition to our campus community.”

First-year students who want to unpack early can do so on Aug. 18 during the Early-Bird Move-In. Early-Bird check-in is scheduled for 6-8 a.m. in the Student Recreation Center-North. Regularly scheduled first-year check-in is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., also in the Student-Recreation Center-North.

Events on Aug. 19 begin with a Welcome Convocation at 10 a.m. in the Show Me Center. New students will be welcomed by Kenneth W. Dobbins, president of Southeast Missouri State University, Harry Rediger, mayor of Cape Girardeau, and Patrick Vining, Student Government president, and will receive information about Opening Week activities.

New students can connect with members of the Southeast faculty, staff and experienced student leaders during Southeast 101 sessions at 10:45 a.m. at various campus locations. Interactive activities are planned that will provide further information about the campus, and lunch will be served.

College meetings are scheduled for 2-4 p.m. at various locations that will give students the opportunity to hear from the deans of their colleges and interact with faculty members from their departments. Shuttles will be available to take students back to the Show Me Center parking lot at the conclusion of the meetings.

Honors students and students interested in learning more about the Jane Stephens Honors Program are invited to meet their colleagues in the honors community from 3-6 p.m. at the Honors House, located at 603 N. Henderson. Snacks and refreshments will be available.

The annual Great Ice Cream Pig Out is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Student Recreation Center-North. This all-you-can-eat University tradition features ice cream served by Southeast students and administrators followed by a juggling performance.

On Aug. 20, activities begin with a First STEP enrollment program from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the University Center. The activity is for first-year students who have not yet attended an orientation session and enrolled in their fall semester courses.

Opening Week leaders will give campus tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. by the fountain in front of Kent Library. It is recommended that students bring their class schedules, so they can learn where their classes are located.

The Academic Support Center will host an academic and student support session at 3:30 p.m. in the University Center Program Lounge that will provide information to Academic Enhancement Program students and first-generation college students.

A second Honors Open House is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. The Honors House has desktop and laptop computers, Wi-Fi access, television, stereo and a full kitchen for the use of honors students as they study or relax.

The Student Activities Council welcomes new and returning students to campus with a free viewing of “Soul Surfer” and free popcorn at 7 p.m. in Rose Theatre.

Students are encouraged to indulge in relaxation while attending the annual Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Welcome Back Picnic from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Show Me Center. Activities, giveaways and food will be available, and the Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band will perform live at the event. The picnic is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Chartwells Educational Dining Services. Entertainment at the picnic is sponsored by the Student Activities Council.