By: Alex Spindler ~Arts & Entertainment Editor~

The Xavier University Student Activities Council (SAC) and Office for Student Involvement (OSI) partner every year to promote the Week of Welcome (WOW) – an entire week’s worth of activities, movies and events to help ease the transition back for both veteran and new students. Many of these are centered in the field of arts and entertainment, and the Newswire has its recommendations for the best ones to see.

1.) Open Movie Nights – “Divergent” sponsored by OSI

Per Xavier tradition, free movie screenings are broadcasted once a month to unite students with recently-released movies. As a special treat, WOW will show “Divergent” starring
Shailene Woodley. “Divergent” will be shown at 11 p.m. on Aug. 28 to Aug. 30 in the Gallagher Student Center Theater. The event is completely free for students, so check it out in an exclusive screening.

2.) SAC – Taste of Cincinnati feat. Branches Outdoor Concert

Looking for free food and awesome music? SAC will host a Taste of Cincinnati, featuring Cincinnati restaurant staples such as Skyline Chili, Brugger’s Bagels and Graeter’s Ice Cream, along with an up-and-coming band, Branches. This event will start at 6 p.m. on Aug. 28 on the Husman Stage and is free for students.

3.) Dance Marathon Water Balloon Fight – sponsored by XU Dance Marathon

The Xavier University Dance Marathon organization, a club dedicated to raising funds for new medical research, will sponsor a massive water balloon fight at 2 p.m., Aug. 31 on the Xavier Yard North. The club hopes to not only raise awareness for its cause but to instigate the largest water balloon fight that has ever taken place on Xavier’s main campus.

For any further information about times, events or the clubs that sponsor them, look for the WOW yellow colored posters around campus and in the classrooms. WOW ends on Sept. 2nd.