by Anne Porter
staff associate

When the costume shops open in the malls and grocery stores have two entire aisles dedicated to paper and pencils and Halloween candy, school children and college students know that summer is unofficially over. The official end of summer at UM-St. Louis then becomes Welcome Week.

On Monday, Aug. 23 Welcome Week begins with the new student convention when new students will be formally introduced to the administration and the department chairs. For entertainment purposes, 105.7 FM "The Point" will broadcast on the University Center Patio. At the same time, the business school hosts Student Welcome Days. Invitations are sent to all freshmen, transfer students, and returning business students for Welcome Days.

Tuesday, Aug. 24 the Psychic Phenomenon Day takes place at the University Center Patio from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and also at the Quadrangle, located between Thomas Jefferson Library and the S.S.B. Tower.

Evening College students may attend the 5 to 7 p.m. version of the Psychic Phenomenon, just outside the third floor of Lucas Hall.

Orinthia Montague is the Acting Student Services Coordinator.

"There will be psychic readings, palm readers, tarot card readers, as well as crystal ball readers," Montague said. "Everything is free . . . [for] the students to come out and enjoy everything."

Wednesday, Aug. 25 brings the return of the Wednesday Noon Live Contemporary Music Concert Series featuring Fat Cactus at the University Center Patio. Students and faculty may remember last spring when Fat Cactus performed as the opening act for The Urge at Mirthday. This year marks the 25th anniversary for the Wednesday Noon series.

Jodie Grass is the University Program Board/Campus Community Co-Chair.

"This year we are trying to make Wednesday Noon Live more diverse," Grass said.

On that same day, the College of Nursing picnic also takes place.

On Thursday, Aug. 26, the School of Education opens their doors to all UM-St. Louis students with an Open House kicks at the Marillac Lobby on South Campus.

Thursdays are Fun Days, which makes its debut on the patio at the University Center and features physical activities and contests, such as a homerun derby, a hole in one challenge, a hockey puck shooting, and a basketball shooting contest.

Larry Coffin is the manager of Intramural/ Recreation.

"In conjunction with Student Activities, it basically provides students with a little of variation. It's something to do during lunch," Coffin said.

On Friday, Aug. 27 Friday Frolics begins at the University Center Patio with caricaturists, face painting, and the popular henna tattoos.

Monday, Aug. 30 features the Record-A-Hit Music Videos where participants may make a video complete with their own take-home edition.

Tuesday, Aug. 31 offers shows, skits, and musical entertainment on the Main Stage at the University Center Patio.

The finale of Welcome Week occurs on Wednesday, Sept. 1 with the EXPO and Chancellor's Picnic.

The Chancellor's Picnic begins at 11 a.m. and lasts until 1:30 p.m. Both the Underground and the Summit close during this event to encourage attendance. Evening College students may attend the 4 to 6 p.m. version of the Chancellor's Picnic. The menu includes barbecued chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, and veggie burgers. Cookies, chips, and beverages, such as Coke, Sprite, and Diet Coke, are provided.

India Grimes is the developmental officer of Donor Relations/Special Events.

"It's a nice event to get students and faculty to mingle and socialize," Grimes said.

The EXPO takes place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

"The EXPO is to get new students [and] all students familiar with student organizations and with faculty and staff," Grass said.

Grass coordinated the EXPO this year.

"It has been a nice experience. The faculty has been very, very supportive," Grass said.

About 40 participating organizations are representing everything on the UM-St. Louis campus from the Engineering Club to Horizon Peer Educators to the Athletic Club.

Grass said that she attended EXPO last year and enjoyed everything it had to offer the students.

"I won a sweatshirt. It's a lot of fun and free food," Grass said.

This year features the much-talked- about Ice Cream Giveaway, where the staff and faculty of UM-St. Louis, will help to dispense the legendary St. Louis favoriteÑTed Drewes frozen custard.

With food, fun, frolics and even Ted Drewes, Welcome Week and EXPO have something for everyone.