As students start to unwind from their first week of classes they can stop by the Quad for some free food, drinks and possibly a prize.
Ball State University's Reserve Officers' Training Corps is hosting ROTC Day in the Quad on Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a part of Welcome Week.
Students are welcome to help themselves to hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks. ROTC is also planning on having a rock wall and an inflatable bungee run. Students can also challenge their friends to a push-up contest.
Although ROTC is hosting the event, Cadet Andrew Skaros said everyone is welcome.
"We offer anyone who wants to come and have fun and enjoy," he said. "If anyone wants to talk about joining, they can. We're not trying to force anyone to join."
Skaros said that it's partially a recruiting event, but it's mostly to put ROTC on the map because a lot of people are unaware that Ball State has an ROTC program. Skaros said he wants people to see what the 65 Ball State students in ROTC do.
Members of ROTC and the National Guard will be at the event to share information and answer questions if people are interested in joining. The program prepares students to earn commissions in the United States Army. Students who join may also enjoy benefits including financial assistance during college.
Skaros said being a member of ROTC helps students in all aspects of life, including communication, decision making and people skills.
"We teach kids how to be better and be more confident, not cocky or stubborn, but confident," he said. "If you're timid when you join, you won't be when you leave."
He said some employers even prefer hiring people who have past military experience because they are trained leaders and have the skills to work with others as a team.
Skaros said the requirements to join ROTC aren't strict, but they aren't easy. Any student who wants to join must have at least sophomore status and pass an Army physical test. Cadets must also maintain a 2.0 GPA.
ROTC also gives back to the community through community service when possible. On Sept. 2 and 3, the ROTC is cosponsoring a blood drive with Angels for Life.
"We try to give back what the community gives us," Skaros said. "The community pays us with taxes, so we give back anyway we can."
Skaros said he hopes people show up and that they even recruit some people, but admits that if they don't get any new recruits it's not the end of the world.
"We'll be there to answer questions and hopefully help kids who didn't have a chance," he said.
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