IU campuses across the state are gearing up to welcome new and returning students, faculty and staff. Many of the campuses have special events planned. The following is a sampling of events to consider as you plan your return-to-the-classroom routine:

IU Bloomington

Aug. 26: A climbing wall, games, giveaways and demonstrations are the focus for RecFest, sponsored by the Division of Recreational Sports. Time: 1-3 p.m. Location: HPER Wildermuth.

Aug. 26: The Taste of the Union welcome event offers food, bowling, billiards and crafts. Comedy Caravan will be performing. The movie, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, will be shown in Dunn Meadow. At 10:30 p.m., rides to Wal-Mart will be provided for the "Midnight Madness" trip. Time: 5:30-10:30 p.m. Location: Indiana Memorial Union.

Sept. 9: The second Friday of every month, the Division of Recreational Sports Outreach Program sponsors a free Family Night. Activities include the toddler discovery room, open basketball, volleyball, table tennis and family swimming. Family Nights are held at the Time: 6:30-9 p.m. Location: SRSC (except in July).

Sept. 10: IU Faculty/Staff Day. Discounted tickets available for the IU/Nicholls State football game. Time: 4 p.m. Location: Memorial Stadium. Tickets must be purchased by 5 p.m. Sept. 9. Postcards have been distributed to eligible faculty and staff and must be taken to the ticket office at Assembly Hall, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sept. 22-25: The Lotus World Music & Arts Festival provides four days full of music and arts, featuring performing artists from around the world. The fest isn't an official IU event; however, it attracts a large following from the IU community. Location: Various sites in downtown Bloomington. For ticket and scheduling information, visit http://www.lotusfest.org

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IU East

Aug. 30: Greet the fall semester with a Mardi Gras party. The lunch fest includes beads, masks and music. Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Whitewater Hall lobby/patio

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IUPUI (Indianapolis)

Aug. 22: IUPUI's campus convocation and kick-off helps welcome new students to campus life. Events following the convocation include a live DJ, ice cream and a resource fair. Time: 3-5 p.m. Location: Main Gymnasium. For more information on IUPUI's welcome events, visit http://wow.iupui.edu/index.asp

Sept.15: Latino Family Night is an annual celebration of the Hispanic and Latino communities on the campus of IUPUI. Family night is a time for students, faculty and staff to meet and mingle while discussing upcoming and important events concerning Latino issues and culture. Time: 6-7:30 p.m. Location: University College 132.

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IU Kokomo

Aug. 25: A campus barbeque welcomes IU Kokomo students, faculty, staff and alumni. The event serves as a kick-off to Kokomo's 60th anniversary celebration. IU President Adam Herbert and Chancellor Ruth Person Music will preside. Food, music and a sky-diving simulator are featured activities. Time: 5-7 p.m. Location: Campus Quad and Alumni Hall.

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IPFW (Fort Wayne)

Aug. 22: The fall convocation and information fair is the setting for IPFW's welcome event. Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Walb Student Union ballroom.

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IU South Bend

Aug. 27: While not an official welcome event, the South Bend Reggae Festival (co-sponsored by the Political Science Club) will provide Caribbean food and crafts to help ease the burden of the new semester. Tickets: $10/advance, $12/at the gate. Purchase them 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Student Government Office in the Student Activity Center, Room 202. Location: Corporate Wings Field, north of the South Bend Regional Airport on Lathrop Drive.

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IU Northwest

Aug. 29 - Sept. 2: Fall 2005 diversity landmarks will be displayed around campus during the first week of classes.

(Read Ken Coopwood's "Viewpoint" column about the landmarks at this archival Web site: http://www.homepages.indiana.edu/021105/text/viewpoint.shtml. Coopwood is director of diversity and equity at the Gary campus.

Sept. 22: South Asia Day showcases the cuisine, costumes and culture of India Pakistan and other south Asian countries. Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Location: Student Center Lobby.

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IU Southeast (New Albany)

Aug. 26: The Chancellor's Campus Picnic provides employees of IU Southeast a time to enjoy food, music and prizes. Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Near the IUS Lake.