It’s a brand new year and campus activities are already abundant! Are you ready to make new friends, find something interesting to do, listen to great music and participate in intellectual discussion? Here are some highlights from this week’s calendar. Learn something!

Org Fest: Check out the Student Organization Festival for one-stop shopping with dozens of student organizations represented. The festival will be 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, in the Rinker Field House. There’s something for everyone!

Punk Politics in Putin’s Russia: The Trial of Pussy Riot – A flash forum by the Russian Studies faculty will be Friday, Aug. 24, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Language Lab, Sampson Hall, first floor. Explore the arrests and sentencing of three members of Pussy Riot, a Russian feminist punk band, and how the incident affects Russian politics and life. Cultural credit is available.

First Friday Fun: Roam Stetson’s campus wearing GREEN on Friday, Aug. 24, for the chance to win awesome prizes! Then take part in the Ghost Tours at either 8 or 9 p.m., leaving from the CUB steps. After you’re back from seeing the haunted areas of campus, come hang out in the Coffee Shop for Karaoke Night from 8 to 11 p.m.! Also, the pool will be open late Friday/early Saturday, from midnight to 2 a.m.

Beautiful music: The School of Music kicks off the new year with the Friends of Music Recital at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, in Lee Chapel inside Elizabeth Hall. Also in music this week is a Faculty Recital featuring Russell Franks, baritone, and Kristie Born, piano, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, in Lee Chapel. Free with Stetson ID. See the 2012-13 Concert Calendar.

Welcome Back Raffle: Sigma Nu’s Welcome Back Raffle will be held in the Commons from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday Aug. 24. Prizes include gift certificates to local businesses, three specialty parking decals and a personalized parking spot. Sweet Spot ice cream and cupcakes will be available. Proceeds will go to DeLand Police Department.

Rock Against Cancer: Join the brothers of Sigma Phi Epsilon from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at the Rinker Field House for their annual Rock Against Cancer benefit concert to raise funds and awareness for their philanthropy, the American Cancer Society. Rock Out to Knock Out Cancer!

Sorority 101: Learn about sorority life and Greek life, in general, and get information on how to sign up for recruitment at Sorority 101, from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, in the Stetson Room of the CUB.

First in the GPS Series: Attend the first GPS: Guide for Proactive Success workshop of the semester from 5:15 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, in Sage Science Center Room 257. The topic: “How to succeed in your FSEM.” Trail mix and prizes will be available every week as you travel toward success!

I Want Your Blood: The Back-to-School Blood Drive will be Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 28 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bloodmobile will be parked in front of the CUB. Incentives this month include a free movie voucher, free chicken Sandwich from Zaxby’s, any free medium coffee from Half Off Books in Orange City and a $20 Family Fun Coupon Book for VolusiaCounty! You will need a photo ID to donate blood.

Let the Games Begin: Come out to watch Hatter Football in a scrimmage game Saturday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. at the new Athletics Training Facility. While many of Stetson’s athletics competitions are on the road this week, Women’s Soccer does have a home game at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, vs. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Also, mark your calendars for the Stetson Clarion Classic for Volleyball on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. Stetson games in the Edmunds Center include a game against Central Arkansas at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31; against Florida Atlantic at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 31; against Wofford at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1; and against Hampton at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 1.

For complete athletics information, including season schedules, visit www.GoHatters.com.

Put Down that Cigarette: Are you thinking about starting a healthier life without tobacco? If so, please join the free Quit Smoking Now Group! This group is open to the entire community, so bring some friends. You will have the opportunity to receive free nicotine replacement therapy, as well as support during your quit process. The group meets Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., beginning Sept. 4. Register now: (904) 482-0189.

Politics 101: Registration is under way for Stetson’s third annual Politics 101 conference to be held Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Politics 101 is a free, one-day crash course on the nuts and bolts of political campaigning. The conference will be held in the Stetson Room of the Carlton Union Building. Visit www2.stetson.edu/politics101 for more info.

See the full University Calendar here, and add your events using this form.

It’s going to be a great year!

The Stetson Today team