After freshman engineering and computer science majors end their first classes this week, they will get an introduction to other parts of campus life this weekend. The Engineering Student Council will sponsor its “Frosh Frenzy” event Saturday to help them feel more at ease.

“The goal of Frosh Frenzy is to make the freshmen more comfortable with their peers and the school,” said Erin Lewis, Fort Scott senior. Lewis, a chemical engineering major, created the event in 2006 along with her peers on the Engineering Student Council. “The Frosh Frenzy was created as a way to introduce freshman engineering students to each other, upperclassmen and the campus.”

Although there are numerous tours given on campus to help students find their way, Frosh Frenzy is designed more as a game than just another tour. The event was based on the popular CBS reality series, “The Amazing Race.”

“The freshmen are divided into teams where they then race around campus stopping at different stations, where a task must be completed before their next station’s location is revealed,” said Kelsy Jones, Laramie, WY, junior. Jones, a chemical engineering student, headed the event this year.

Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each station, as well as to the overall winning team. In addition, every participant will receive a free t-shirt for their efforts and be invited for a cookout outside the School of Engineering. Lewis said the event was worth the time for freshmen.

“My favorite part of Frosh Frenzy is seeing the freshmen change in just three short hours,” she said. “In some cases, they have made friends for life with people they may not have met anywhere else other than in the classroom.”

Along with new friends, Smith said the event helped introduce freshmen to the University and its traditions.

“My favorite part is watching the freshmen get involved in all the activities and begin to build their school spirit,” Smith said.

Water will be provided at various stations throughout the race to keep students hydrated in the heat. Frosh Frenzy is at 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m this Saturday in front of Eaton Hall.

­—Edited by Jeff Briscoe