Collins Living-Learning Center welcomed new and returning Collinsites to campus during Welcome Week with programming centered around Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Students faced their own monsters in a variety of events. These programs provided opportunities for newcomers to learn about the LLC and discover new friends.
Events:
August 18, 2026
Casual Game Night
Our first event of the week, where students met for casual social games in the Formal Lounge.
August 19, 2026
Stitched Together: Visit IU’s Skeleton Collection!
SustainCollins leaders took students to explore IU’s William R. Adams Zooarchaeology Laboratory/collection.
Opening Reception
Faculty, students, and staff kicked-off the Collins LLC 2026-2027 academic year with snacks and the annual ribbon cutting with campus partners!
Late Night Lab Crafts
Students crafted into the night, sans lightening storm, creating creatures and potion bottle decor.
August 20, 2026
Frankenstein Book Discussion Luncheon
This event brought students and faculty together for a great conversation on the themes of Shelley's classic, especially its ongoing influence in media.
Movie Night (with s’mores)
Students gathered to watch Frankenstein (1931). For many in was introduction into early cinema and the iconic beginnings of the horror film genre.
August 21, 2026
It’s ALIVE! Make a Monster
Students got creative, drawing monsters and writing origin stories.
Collins LLC Facilities Tour
Associate Director, Yara Cluver, showed incoming students the cool LLC facilities that they can train to have access to in the coming weeks.
Monstrous Trivia
Trivia is a Collins tradition, so it was only right to initiate new students into the competitive knowledge circuit.
Ghostly Glowstick Walk
Collinsites became the things that go bump in the night, walking campus and sharing ghost stories.
Frank-n-Tea Time Story Hour
There were bedtime stories and cups of tea for weary students in the Dottie Collins Commons.
August 22, 2026
Farmers Market Field Trip
Students woke up early to spend some time downtown at the Farmer's Market.
B-town Pride Meetup
Decked out in finery, flags, and enthusiasm, LGBTQ+ students and allies attended our local pride event.
August 23, 2026
Q instructor meet and greet/mixer
This was a relaxed opportunity for incoming students to meet their Q instructors before the semester began.
Overall, it was a spooktacular week. Much thanks to the Welcome Week team for their planning, organizing, and programming efforts.
Staff Advisors: Leigh Suggs and Heather Holmes
Team Members: Ace Crane, Alyssa Luckritz, Emmy Stoelting, Erin Lock, Gabriella Nahas, Hannah Gladden, Isaiah Hurd, Jack Wareham, Kami Mangrum, Michael Poulter, Quin Jernagen, Rayna Hettinger, and Valentina Gianesi
The College of Arts