Freshman Family Weekend kicks off today

Today is the beginning of IU's annual Freshman Family Weekend, a three-day event in which many academic and athletic facilities across campus will open their doors to the families of IU freshmen. \nSponsored by the IU-Bloomington Parents Association and the Athletic Department, the weekend allows new students to see their families for the first time since moving away from home.\n"They haven't seen each other in three or four weeks," said Suzanne Phillips, assistant dean of students and director of the Parents Association. "Some students miss their parents, and parents are eager to see their sons and daughters."\nIn addition to visiting their children, families will be allowed to attend Saturday's IU vs. University of Kentucky football game at a discount price. For those not interested in football, the volleyball team is in action Friday and Saturday, while the soccer team hosts Michigan State University on Sunday. \nParents will also have the opportunity to tour many buildings across campus, including the Student Recreational Sports Center, the Kelley School of Business and the Main Library.\nOn Saturday, there will be various cultural activities across campus before the game. The IU Art Museum will hold an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. and a cultural tour from 1 to 3:30 p.m.\n"You don't have to sign up for anything," Phillips said, "just choose from a smorgasbord of activities all across campus."\nThis weekend is especially important for out-of-state students, who most likely won't get many chances to see their families this year.\nBrian Allen, a freshman from Greenwood, said the weekend is a good idea, though his parents aren't coming to visit.\n"I think this is good for out-of-state kids," Allen said. "My parents are only 45 minutes away, so I can see them any time."\nSome students, even if they aren't homesick, are having their parents visit to see what college life is like.\n"It gives my parents a chance to come see what I'm doing down here," said freshman Katie Clark, whose parents are visiting from Iowa. "I can get a nice dinner out of it, too."\nAlthough there is a Parents' Weekend in November and many greek houses have their own events for parents, this weekend gives freshmen students an early chance to see their families.\n"This weekend includes everyone," Phillips said. "I like to think we've done something special for the students."\nParents of IU freshmen can purchase tickets for the 4 p.m. football game for $20 each if ordered in advance, but the price will be $35 on game day. Youth tickets are $10. Tickets for the volleyball and soccer games are $5 for adults and $3 for youth.\n-- Contact staff writer Jacob Surface at lsurface@indiana.edu.