Brief bursts of rain did not stop Howdy Week from kicking off Sunday with New Sooner Orientation.

Although several clubs packed up and went home, most of the booths continued to recruit new Sooners. The two hour event on the Walker-Adams Mall provided hundreds of new students with a chance to become acquainted with various OU clubs.

Howdy Week’s main purpose it to welcome students to campus and give students an opportunity to be a part of something, instead of staying cooped up in their dorm rooms, said Blake Edgmon, campus pastor of Chi Alpha.

Business management junior Cory Euhus said Howdy Week is crucial for incoming freshmen.

“They need to get out of the dorms, -even if they’re scared - and come downstairs to meet people,” he said.

With the booths set up Sunday and activities available throughout the week, there are plenty of opportunities for students to interact with one another.

The Young Democrats booth focused especially on new student activity, said Grant McLoughlin, President of Young Democrats.

McLoughlin, political science sophomore, said the club’s goal is to support students and help them become politically involved.

The members of Chi Alpha Ministries also came out to greet incoming students and stepped up as unofficial campus guides. They gave rides and tours around campus in a fleet of golf carts.

“New students are grateful because they have no idea where to go. It’s a big campus,” Edgmon said.

Chi Alpha has been driving students to their classes during the first week for ten years, Edgmon said. Two years ago, the group became a part of Howdy Week, and now even upperclassmen are happy to see carts rolling in their direction.

Chi Alpha offers free rides throughout the week, and the volunteers enjoy helping out, Edgmon said.

Euhus said he took advantage of the golf carts as much as possible his freshmen year and recommends them to all new students.

Courtnie Russell, a meteorology junior, transferred to OU this year and said she does not know much about campus.

Russell said she would possibly get involved outside of class if she knew what was available.

Howdy Week can provide students with the information needed to get involved, as well as networking skills, Euhus said.

Howdy Week is a beneficial, practical way for students to get connected early and make new friends, Edgmon said.

Howdy Week makes getting involved easier for freshmen by hosting events all throughout the week, starting Monday night with the food and entertainment of “Groovy Gala,” and ending on Friday with Big Red Rally.

In addition to the specific events, Housing & Food Services will hand out free food on the South Oval, and the Oklahoma Blood Institute is holding a daily campus-wide blood drive.

For a full list of events visit CAC.OU.edu.