Established in 2018, Slightly Underwhelming is a podcast that provides a satirical take on events happening at Illinois Wesleyan University. It is co-hosted by writers from the staff of The Argus. Tributaries, begun in 1957 as the Blackbook, is the campus literary magazine and creative arts journal. Published each semester, it welcomes all University students to submit their poetry, prose, artwork, original music, and spoken word recordings for the print journal and its online companion, available at www.iwu.edu/english/publications.
Special Events One weekend is set aside in the Fall for Family Weekend. This is a collaboration between the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership programs, Student Senate, and several other campus partners across IWU. Typical programs provide nationally touring acts, student performances, and interactive entertainment for families along with several athletic contests. There are also opportunities to connect with IWU Staff and Faculty throughout the weekend. Traditional Homecoming festivities include the annual Pizza Taste, a dance contest, a pep rally, Homecoming court, and a nationally touring act for entertainment along with a dance or karaoke. There are also several opportunities to connect with alumni, the Football game, and other athletic contests. Fraternity/sorority, residence hall association, student activities, and other registered student organizations plan a number of social and philanthropic activities. Typical activities include dances, social opportunities, banquets, and picnics. Some of the major traditions also include Titan Carnival, RSO Fair, the Color Run, Walk, and Roll, Quad day, Diwali Night, The big Senate Fall Show, The Drag Ball, Dance Concerts, Undercover, Stand Up Against Cancer, All In for Wesleyan, Lunar New Year, Dance Marathon, BSU Banquet, Barrio Fiesta, El Baile, and the Unity Gala. Throughout the year there are also three annual AllUniversity convocations, special lectures, nationally touring bands, comedians, and opportunities for newly discovered talent that rounds out the year.
Theatre Due to the influence of the School of Theatre Arts, the quality and quantity of theatrical activities on the campus are exceptional. All students of sophomore standing and above may audition for roles or work behind the scenes in Main Stage and Lab Theatre Productions. All students, regardless of class, are encouraged to participate in the student-run Phoenix Theatre season. In addition to the opportunities for actual participation in theatre, students have the chance to view more than a dozen productions each year.
WESN Radio The Illinois Wesleyan Radio Station, WESN, with studios in the basement of Kemp Hall and a transmitter located atop Ferguson Hall, began broadcasting to the Bloomington-Normal area in May of 1972. Besides providing the campus and the community with enjoyable stereo FM listening, the station offers opportunities for students and faculty to gain technical knowledge and experience in station operation. Live web streaming began full
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Campus Life