Start the year out right! Towson University begins each new academic year with September Celebration, a month-long series of events and activities for the entire campus community. The celebration includes free concerts, comedians, athletic events, lectures, community service opportunities, ways to get involved on campus, and plenty of activities to welcome you to Towson!

Mindfulness Meditation
11 a.m.–Noon, University Union 306
Mindfulness is an ancient meditative practice that helps people manage unpleasant emotions and stress.  Mindfulness teaches us how we can receive and use the power of so called “negative” emotions to strengthen our self-awareness and enrich our lives. The Mindfulness Meditation Workshop Series will cover mindful eating, pleasant event recall, breathing space, responding versus reacting and barriers to mindfulness practice.
Sponsor: The Counseling Center

 Interfraternity Council Fall Recruitment 2007
7–10 p.m., University Union, Potomac Lounge
Interested in joining a fraternity on campus? Interfraternity Council (IFC) Recruitment kicks off with Information Night on September 17 at 7 p.m. in the University Union Potomac Lounge. Interested men are strongly encouraged to attend this and all other events hosted during the week. Open Recruitment Nights will be September 19–21.  For more information, contact the Greek Life Office at 410-704-4430, or stop by University Union 217. 
Sponsor: Greek Life

New York “Times Talk” Lunch
12:30–1:30 p.m., University Union 305
Participate in the first monthly Times Talk Lunch of the term! Come discuss a recent New York Times article with other students, faculty and staff over FREE PIZZA, drinks and giveaways. Look for information about the article topic a week beforehand.
Sponsor: Office of Student Affairs, the American Democracy Project and The New York Times.

Same-Sex Relationships
3–4 p.m., University Union 308
Starting and maintaining (or potentially ending) romantic relationships are challenges for everyone. The Counseling Center is offering a discussion-oriented Same-Sex Relationships workshop which explores common relationship difficulties faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. The workshop will focus on dispelling common myths, challenging students to explore what they really want in a relationship, and suggesting ways to reach relationship goals. For more information, contact the Counseling Center at 410-704-2512.

Conversation with the College Deans or Representatives
4 p.m., University Union 314-316
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet with your academic college leadership. It’s your turn to ask the questions and learn everything you’ve always wanted to know about your college and major.  This event is open to the public. For more information, e-mail rwoodus@towson.edu.
Sponsor: Students Achieving Goals through Education

Do You Want to be a Secondary School Teacher?
7:30 p.m., University Union 305
This is a general information meeting for students who may want to enroll in the secondary
education major to become a middle or high school teacher.
Sponsor: Department of Secondary Education

SushiFest
Noon–2 p.m., University Union Potomac Lounge
Prepare to be wowed as our own Towson University chefs prepare delicious sushi dishes right before your eyes. All sushi prepared at the Fest is free for students.
Sponsor: Campus Activities Board

 A Town Hall Debate on National Security
4–5 p.m., University Union Susquehanna Terrace
Members of the Towson University Speech and Debate Program take part in a debate on the issues surrounding the efficacy of measures to make the United States secure. This debate will focus on issues of terrorism related to the U.S.-Middle East relations. Come make your voices heard!
Sponsors: Towson University Speech and Debate Program and the Department of Mass Communication and Communication Studies 

 Time Management
4–5 p.m., University Union 306
Managing the demands and freedom of college can be challenging. The Counseling Center is offering a time management workshop to teach students how to juggle classes, homework, employment, dating and other aspects of their lives efficiently. For more information, call
410-704-2512.
Sponsor: Counseling Center  

Climbing Technique Clinic
4–5:30 p.m., Outdoor Trip Center, Burdick Hall 122
This new, FREE clinic covers basic climbing skills and techniques and is a must for every new climber or experienced climbers looking to step it up a level. Please bring your TU OneCard and a pair of socks. Pre-register today in Peregrine’s Nest Climbing Gym with a staff member. For more information, visit www.towson.edu/adventure.
Sponsor: Adventure Pursuits

 DonkeyFest 2007
5 p.m., University Union Chesapeake II
Get to know fellow progressive Democratic activists on campus and enjoy FREE FOOD, music, and good conversation. 
Sponsor: Towson University College Democrats

Xbox 360/PS3 Domination
11 a.m.–5 p.m., University Union Potomac Lounge
Get those beginning-of-school frustrations out, or just take a break in the middle of your day by beating your fellow Tigers at various Xbox and Playstation 3 games! This event is free for students.
Sponsor: Campus Activities Board

Kickoff Event for Let My People Know
3:30 p.m., Jewish Activities Center, Newell Hall
Do you like to read? This is an ongoing event of learning about Judaism with a partner. You and your partner will be assigned to read a book at your convenience. The book will discuss the different sects of Judaism and will help explain their background and beliefs. R.S.V.P. to dcohn1@towson.edu. 
Sponsoring Organization: Towson Hillel

The Amazing Event 
6 p.m., University Union Chesapeake Rooms
Meet Amazing Race contestants and TU alumnae Charla Faddoul ’99 and Mirna Hindoyan Buchinski ’97 and hear about their experience as reality TV stars!  After competing in the Amazing Race 5 and Amazing Race All Stars, they come home to Towson to share their stories and photos of their international experience!  This is a free event for students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members.
Sponsor: Towson University Alumni Association

General Meeting and Laser Tag
6 p.m., University Union 317
Come join the National Society of Collegiate Scholars in our first general meeting of the term. All Towson students are welcome. After the meeting, NSCS will go laser tagging at the UltraZone at Eastpoint Mall.  All NSCS members go for free and Towson students pay just $5.  Transportation is included, but space is limited. Come to the general meeting to secure your spot and learn why the National Society of Collegiate Scholars is not just your “average” honor society. 
Sponsor: National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Department of Health Science Professional Networking Event for Students
Noon–2 p.m., University Union Chesapeake Room III
This event is designed to introduce students to representatives from health-related professional associations and organizations that provide opportunities for advocacy, career building, networking, leadership and continuing education. Representatives will be on hand to answer your questions and help you find your niche. R.S.V.P. to Pinky Kelbaugh at kelbaugh@towson.edu.
Real World Lecture: Alex and Colie
8–10 p.m., University Union Chesapeake Rooms
Alex and Colie from MTV’s Real World Denver will be speaking about their experiences on the show, answering questions and meeting fans.
Sponsor: Campus  Activities Board

Outdoor Trips: Intermediate Kayaking on the Potomac River ($25)
Apply your intermediate kayaking skills on the raging Potomac River. The classic Sandy Beach to Angler’s Inn run provides the ultimate day-kayaking experience. You are required to attend at least two Kayaking Clinics prior to the trip.  Reserve your spot today by pre-registering in the Outdoor Trip Center (Burdick Hall 122).  For more information, visit www.towson.edu/adventure.
Sponsor: Adventure Pursuits

 Men’s Soccer vs. Stoney Brook
1 p.m., Towson Center Soccer Complex
It’s the team’s first home game in nearly three weeks!  Help cheer your Tigers to victory as they look to defeat Stoney Brook in this match-up.

 Football vs. Delaware
7 p.m., Johnny Unitas^® Stadium
Help pack the stadium as the Tigers look to defeat rival Delaware for the third straight year. This game will also play host to the Second Annual Pigskin Pass and the first Battle of the Greeks contest for the year.  You’ll also not want to miss the Annual Towson University Band Day with a special halftime performance featuring over 10 high school marching bands and 1,000 participants. Help punt the Blue Hens right back out of town!

 Black Student Union Welcome Back Social
10 p.m., University Union Potomac Lounge
The Black Student Union invites the TU community to its welcome back social. Celebrate the new school year and dance the night away. For more information, e-mail rwoodus@towson.edu.
Sponsor: SAGE/AACC and the Black Student Union (BSU)

Maryland Renaissance Festival Trip
9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. (end time tentative)
Join the Student Honors Advisory Committee as we kick off the fall term and our “Got Culture?” theme at the Maryland Renaissance Festival! Transportation is free, but students must reserve a spot with a $5 deposit to be refunded on the day of the trip. The group will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the University Union loading docks on the day of the fair. Bring money for the fair’s $18 general admission and for food/personal spending. Reserve your spot at the Union Box Office starting the week of September 10. Rain date for the trip: Sunday, October 7. For more information, contact SHAC@towson.edu.
Sponsor: Student Honors Advisory Committee

Tennis vs. LaSalle
Noon, Towson Center Tennis Complex
Check out your Tigers as they look to serve LaSalle a loss.

Mindful Eating
2-3:25p.m., University Union 306
Learn how to end mindless eating and enjoy a balanced relationship with food.  Mindful eating is the application of mindfulness principles to greeting and eating what's on your plate.  Mindfulness can help you break from routine eating habits by examining the thoughts, feelings and internal pressures that affect how and why you eat (or don't eat).  It also advocates self and body acceptance, and offers a non-judgmental and compassionate approach to eating.  For more information, call 410-794-2512/
Sponsor: The Counseling Center 

10 Ways to Achieve Academic Success
12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Cook Library Room 513
September 26, 5:30 -6:30 p.m., Cook Library Room 513
This workshop offers strategies on enhancing listening, note-taking, outlining and textbook skills. You will learn tips that you can apply immediately!
Sponsor: Academic Achievement Center

SGA Open House
3–5 p.m., University Union Potomac Lounge
Having trouble parking on campus? Don’t like the food variety in the dining halls? The 2007–2008 Student Government Association is ready to take your ideas and put them into action. Senators will be available to discuss issues or ideas with their student groups.  If you are interested in becoming active on campus and letting your voice be heard, this is a great event to attend.

 Why Pray?
3:30 p.m., Jewish Activities Center, Newell Hall
We will have a speaker come to Hillel to explain the reason for praying and its importance in everyday life. R.S.V.P. to dcohn1@towson.edu.
Sponsor: Towson Hillel

 Mock Interview Social
5–7 p.m., The Career Center, 7800 York Road, Suite 206
Be prepared for your next interview!  Join us for an informative yet fun evening of activities as we help prepare you to conquer even the toughest interview. Participants will have the chance to answer some commonly asked questions and meet with local employers. This event is open to all students.
Sponsor: The Career Center

The Truth about Suicide: Real Stories of Depression in College
12:30 p.m., University Union 314
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. The Towson University Counseling Center will present a 27-minute film, The Truth about Suicide: Real Stories of Depression in College, to help Towson University students, faculty and staff understand that depression is a common, yet treatable, illness that is experienced by college students. The film will also cover the warning signs of depression and “other problems associated with suicide, as they are commonly experienced by college students and other young adults.”  For more information, call 410-704-2512.  

The Big Read: Fahrenheit 451 - Privacy, Freedom, Censorship & Government
2:30 p.m. Aerial Photo, 3:30 p.m. Program Start, Stephens Hall Lawn & Theatre
Join us at Stephens Hall Auditorium as we kick off our month of Baltimore County programming for The Big Read! Featured speakers include President Caret, County Executive Jim Smith, Towson Distinguished Professor Richard Vatz, and Towson Professor Michael Downs. A group photograph of student attendees and book giveaway will precede the event; light refreshments will follow. Admission is free. For more information, call (410) 704-2686 or visit www.neabigread.org .

This event is part of The Big Read, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.

Center for Student Diversity/African American Cultural Center Annual “Meet and Greet” Open House
6 p.m., University Union 317
You are cordially invited to the “new and improved” Center for Student Diversity.  Meet new staff, greet new students, and say hello to old friends while you munch on tasty food in the comfort of the AACC. Be there or be square!  For more information, e-mail ssantos@towson.edu.
Sponsor: Center for Student Diversity and the AACC

Lead Climbing Clinic
3:30–6:30 p.m., Peregrine’s Nest Climbing Gym
This FREE clinic is for competent 5.9 climbers who want to learn how to lead climb and lead belay. Those interested should pre-register in the climbing gym with a staff member. For more information, visit www.towson.edu/adventure.
Sponsor: Adventure Pursuits

Women’s Soccer vs. Hofstra
4 p.m., Towson Center Soccer Complex
Come show your Tiger spirit as your Tigers open up their ’07 home conference play when they host the Pride of Hofstra.

 Field Hockey vs. Old Dominion
4 p.m., VJC Field, Villa Julie College
Don’t let your Tigers down.  Help them send the Monarchs of Old Dominion back home.

 Interfaith Shabbat in the Sukkah
Optional Reform and Conservative Services:
6 p.m.; Dinner: 7 p.m., Jewish Activities Center, Newell Hall
Come celebrate Shabbat in the Sukkah with an interfaith twist. R.S.V.P. at 401-704-4671 by September 24.
Sponsor: Towson Hillel

TU Night at Camden Yards
7:05 p.m., Camden Yards
Cheer on the Baltimore Orioles as they take on the New York Yankees at Camden Yards! Tickets will be free to the first 250 Towson students. Get your tickets at the University Union Ticket Office. You can also sign up to take the free shuttle to and from the game. For more information, call 410-704-2332.
Sponsor: Campus Life

Outdoor Trips – Rock Climbing at Carderock ($25)
Spend a day at one of the area’s most popular climbing destinations: Carderock. Besides the view of the Potomac River, these cliffs have something to offer for everyone. Don’t have a harness? No worry, climbing gear and instruction are provided. Reserve your spot today by pre-registering in the Outdoor Trip Center (Burdick Hall 122).  For more information, visit www.towson.edu/adventure.
Sponsor: Adventure Pursuits

 Swimming and Diving Alumni Meet
2:30 p.m., Burdick Hall Pool
Alumni of TU’s swimming and diving teams will be competing against the current Tiger swimmers and divers.

Ronald McDonald House and Towson University Student Council on Family Relations Volunteer Event
4:30 p.m., Meet at the circle between Psychology Building and Linthicum Hall
TUSCFR is volunteering to make and serve dinner at Ronald McDonald House. RSVP to towson.tuscfr@gmail.com  by Wednesday, September 26.
Sponsor: Towson University Student Council on Family Relations

Towson University Softball Tournament
Time TBD, Towson Center Softball Complex
Don’t miss your Tigers face the various teams in their annual TU Softball Tournament.
 

Women’s Soccer vs. Northeastern
1 p.m., Towson Center Soccer Complex
Help cheer your Tigers to victory when they face conference foe Northeastern.

 Field Hockey vs. William and Mary
1 p.m., VJC Field: Villa Julie College
Don’t let your Tigers down; help them send the Tribe of William and Mary back home.

Test-Taking Anxiety
12:30–1:30 p.m., University Union 306
Taking tests can be extremely stressful for some students, and the anxiety they experience while taking tests affects their performance. The Counseling Center is offering a free test-taking anxiety workshop to aid students in understanding the impact of anxiety on test performance. Students will also learn about simple techniques and strategies that they can use to combat test-taking anxiety and improve their comfort and performance on exams. For more information, call 410-704-2512.

Outdoor Trips: Bike the C&O Canal, ($55, three-day trip)
It’s time to dust off your ten-speed and hit the C&O Canal Trail. Enjoy pedaling a section of the 184-mile-long towpath on this three-day trip. Participants are required to bring their own bike, but tents, carts, and a few meals will be included. Reserve your spot today by pre-registering in the Outdoor Trip Center (Burdick Hall 122). For more information, visit www.towson.edu/adventure.
Sponsor: Adventure Pursuits

 Break Dancing Competition
8–10 p.m., University Union Paws
Towson’s own student break-dancing groups will show off their skills in this Friday Night Live competition. Come see some amazing dancing, and pick up a few moves for yourself!
Sponsor: Campus Activities Board

Campus Life
University Union, Room 232

Phone: 410-704-2332
Fax: 410-704-4810