As the fall semester steadily approaches, the long hot days of summer seem numbered. For some, the change of pace may even seem daunting.

This is where the Campus Activities Council steps in to help rally the student body through the transition.

CAC welcomes new and returning students with themed activities to help students get into the swing of campus life, said Valerie Hall, CAC chairwoman.

With the theme “Man, I Love College,” this year’s “Howdy Week” runs from Aug. 23-27 and is open to all OU students.

Hall said “Howdy Week” is important because it’s the first impression of campus that many new Sooners will experience.

The event provides students with the opportunity to meet friendly faces and participate in free activities while getting used to college life, she said.

“The Involvement Fair is a great way for students to find what they are interested in whether it is their first day or their fifth year,” Hall said. “‘Howdy Week’ is a resource for all students on campus to get plugged in or have some fun during the first week of the fall semester.”

To welcome students back from the long summer break, the CAC “Howdy Week” committee members and volunteers will be on the South Oval every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“‘Howdy Week’ this year has focused on being bigger and better than ever,” said Ashley Zumwalt, CAC “Howdy Week” chairwoman. “Students don’t have to go out of their way to attend our events, for the most part, they are on their way to class! So just stop by, grab a bite to eat, make some new friends and enjoy ‘Howdy Week 2010.’”

Students can work on building their social networks through “Howdy Week” or other CAC events, said Quy Nguyen, CAC adviser. OU and student volunteers see Howdy Week as a way to help other students connect, he said.

“Because if you don’t connect, it can make college life more difficult and a lot more lonely,” Nguyen said. “But if you can take that first step in meeting some friends, it can make your college experience a lot easier.”

Sometimes new or returning students might be nervous to become involved in the activities OU has to offer, but Zumwalt said it was worth the risk in her opinion. She said getting involved on campus is how she met some of her best friends and people that she can turn to in any situation.”

“College is one the most amazing times of your life,” Zumalt said. “Become involved in things that you are passionate about, step out of your comfort zone, and meet people that are different from yourself so that you can learn what you want out of life. Of course, remember to study hard, too.”