By Kendra Kneisl | Staff Writer
Welcome back to the Bluff! The start of a new academic year means another semester filled with time-tested favorite events as well as some new ones. So, what’s on the program from now until finals week? We’re here to help you get in the know and add some events to your calendar this term.
There are many regularly-scheduled events that occur throughout the semester, promising students something to attend every week. The Duquesne Program Council (DPC) shows movies every week on Friday and Saturday evenings, with the movies ranging from classics to more newly-released films. Catch the first of the DPC Film Series on Sept. 5, 6 and 7 in 105 College Hall, Assumption Commons and the NiteSpot, respectively.
Every Friday, students can attend DPC’s “DUNites,” located at the NiteSpot for plenty of entertainment and free food. DUNites include Tie Dye Night, Paint Monkey Night, Milkshake Night, Lava Lamp Night and more. DPC also hosts Trivia Nights throughout the semester, so be on the lookout for those events to test your knowledge for the chance to win some major prizes. Trivia lovers can also attend Orientation’s Late Trivia on Aug. 23 at 11 p.m., and later in the semester is Homecoming’s Super Trivia, which occurs on Friday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Red Ring Bar & Grille.
There are always a bunch of events offered at the beginning of the semester to welcome back students and celebrate the new school year. On Wednesday, Aug. 28, Bingo is in the NiteSpot. Come join at 9 p.m. in the quest to win gift cards and other prizes. To see what student organizations you could become a part of, stop by the Duquesne Expo on Sept. 4 on Academic Walk. Every semester, DPC hosts one of the most popular events on campus, Epic Bingo, which will occur on Sept. 20 at 9 p.m. in the Union Ballroom. There are some huge prizes at stake, so it can get pretty competitive.
Also, PSA. Time to pull out your fuzzy socks and sweaters already. Starbucks is releasing their Pumpkin Spice Latte at their earliest ever date: Aug. 27.
On an academic note, the 18th Annual Forensic Science and Law Symposium is presenting “Hunting the Hunters: An Interdisciplinary Investigation into Serial Killing,” from Sept. 11 to 13 in Fisher Hall; you can register online. Following, from Sept. 24 to 25 is the Integrity of Creation Conference: Towards a Healthy Planet, located in the Power Center Ballroom. Speakers from a variety of backgrounds will come to engage in meaningful discussion over the course of a couple days.
The Fall Career Expo takes place Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Union Ballroom. On Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. is the 18th Annual Katie Westbrook 5k and Dog Walk. All proceeds benefit the Public Interest Law Association Scholarship Fund.
And be sure to check out “DUQ N’ Roll,” the university’s very own Battle of the Bands on Sat., Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Union Ballroom. First place winners receive $1,000! Tickets are free and can be picked up at the Union information desk with your student ID.
Enjoy these early semester events, because Homecoming Weekend will be here before you know it. Homecoming is full of festivities, including the annual AutumnFest on Academic Walk on Sat., Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Autumnfest is a great way to learn more about and potentially get involved with the multitude of organizations on campus, especially if you missed the Expo on Sept. 4. Not to mention the carnival games, prizes and free food along the route. If all that doesn’t entice you, at least drop by for a free Homecoming 2019 T-shirt handed out by DPC on Academic Walk, or cheer on the Dukes at Rooney Field for the football game at 1 p.m., where Duquesne faces Wagner.
Dining Services also hosts events during the semester, including cookie dough pop-ups, a Chopped competition, and even themed meals in Hogan Dining Center.
To stay up to date on all the happenings on campus, be sure to check your emails during the semester (even the junk folder); download the FoodU app to see campus menus, hours and Dining Services events; and download the CORQ app, which lists most of the events, service opportunities and student offers occurring on and around campus.
