Campus Traditions
Act, Speak, Build Week!! – The University of Findlay’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity (student organization), every spring hosts a week of activities that promotes awareness and education regarding poverty, homelessness, and hunger. A popular part of this week of programming is “Box City.” Students, faculty, and staff are provided the opportunity to build a city out of boxes and spend a night in them.
Black History Month – Each February, a variety of activities and programs are sponsored by the Black Student Union and the Office of Intercultural Student Services to educate and inform the University community about African-American culture.
Student Activities Board Believe It or Not Edutainment Series – This is a nationally award-winning series operated by a dedicated group of volunteer student leaders who commit themselves to providing quality diverse edutainment for the University campus community. The series takes place during each academic semester. All full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students are eligible and invited to attend programming.
Fall Leadership Retreat – All enrolled University students are invited to participate in the fall leadership retreat at no charge. The retreat is hosted off-site and provides opportunities for students to network, cultivate leadership skills, and enjoy a break from the regular college routine while building their portfolios and/or résumés. Pre-registration is required through the Office of Student Activities, Commuter Services, and Leadership Development (AMU 8A). Contact information: 419-434-4606 or studentactivities@findlay.edu.
Greek Week – All fraternities and sororities on campus unite to sponsor a week of fun activities with the focus being to promote Greek life on campus.
Homecoming/Fall Family Weekend – Every fall the University hosts “Homecoming/Fall Family Weekend.” This weekend truly embodies a celebration that will bring together the University’s alumni, current students, parents, donors, and friends to remember its past and look to the future and for families to visit for a weekend of fun. For information regarding this annual event, individuals may contact The Wolfe Center for Alumni, Parents, and Friends: 419-434-5687.
International Night – International students display different customs, foods, and entertainment during International Night. The Buford Center for Diversity and Service staff work with the current student population, numerous faculty, staff, and community organizations to produce this special event.
Music Bach’s Concert Series – Faculty, staff, students, and area community members are invited to pack a lunch and take a break from their day while they enjoy listening to local, national, and international musicians over their lunch hour. The concerts are free and open to the public. The series runs throughout the academic year. It is co-sponsored by the Offices of Student Activities, Commuter Services, and Leadership Development and the Student Activities Board. For a schedule of the series or information regarding the featured artists, individuals may call or email: 419-434-4606 or studentactivities@findlay.edu.
T.O.O.L. Development Series – The Office of Student Activities, Commuter Services, and Leadership Development offers current and prospective student leaders the opportunity to build leadership skills through the Teaching Oiler Organizational Leadership (T.O.O.L.) Development Workshop Series. T.O.O.L. offers two leadership workshops per semester to give students opportunities to develop skills that will benefit their on-campus organizations as well as their future careers. The sessions are based on topics that the Office of Student Activities, Commuter Services, and Leadership Development and the Student Government Association have received the most feedback on. Workshops include nationally and internationally recognized award-winning speakers that focus on multiple topics. (Note, topics change annually so students are able to earn numerous certificates during their tenure at the University.) If a student attends all of the available workshop sessions, he or she will receive a certificate at the conclusion of the series for a portfolio/résumé. Additional information call 419-434-4606 or email studentactivities@findlay.edu.
Welcome Week – Activities are coordinated through the Office of Student Activities, Commuter Services, and Leadership Development. Welcome Week takes place during the first week of classes in the fall semester. This programming provides new and returning students, faculty, and staff opportunities to network, socialize, and become familiar with what the University’s campus life has to offer.
Late Night Munchies – The Monday of every final exam week, Student Activities Board coordinates and co-hosts Late Night Munchies. This fun night includes live music, free food (no meal plan required), UF I.D. is required, faculty and staff volunteering to serve the food. Sodexo co-funds and Henderson Dining Hall houses the event
Absolutely Incredible Kid Day – Every March, Campfire USA hosts a national Absolutely Incredible Kid Day Letter Writing Campaign. Student Activities Board (SAB) has adopted this day as one of their annual community service projects. SAB coordinates with the local Campfire Office who generates names of students who may not receive a letter of encouragement from a loved one on the national day. SAB hosts a day on campus providing all the fun supplies and music to write away! The UF community is also encouraged to write letters to the amazing kids in their lives. Campfire’s goal: every child in the USA receives a written letter of encouragement on the same day.
Toys for Tots Annual Toy Drive and Christmas Party – Every December Student Activities Board and Office of Student Activities, Commuter Services, and Leadership Development co-coordinates and co-hosts the campus’s Annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive and Christmas Party. All toys collected go to Hancock County’s U.S. Marine Toys for Tots organization. This group then coordinates toy distribution through Salvation Army and Chopin Hall of Hancock County. On Christmas Party day, everyone is invited to stop by and get a picture taken with Santa and his helper, enjoy refreshments, listen to Christmas music, thank a Marine and see what has been collected! Toys are collected for children ages infant-15 years old.
Comedy Jam – Every January, Student Activities Board hosts the “Funniest Night in Findlay” proclaimed by Findlay’s Mayor! SAB books three headliner comedians to perform in one night. Faculty, staff, and students’ first ticket is FREE! The evening also includes a meet-n-greet and autograph session with the comedians.
Orientation Service Project - In August during Orientation weekend, new students, along with faculty and staff of The University of Findlay, volunteer at many local non-profit agencies, churches, and schools. The Orientation Service Project introduces all first-year students to the community while meeting the local community’s needs at the same time.