Fairfield University is providing students with an opportunity to show a sibling what it’s like to be a Stag during Siblings Weekend. The popular event will take place from Feb. 28 to March 2. Despite being called “Siblings Weekend,” students are also more than welcome to invite a friend, cousin or other family member.
This event has been one that Stags look forward to throughout the year. Junior Marina Chiaro brought her younger brother to last year’s Siblings Weekend. “It was a lot of fun watching my little brother experience Fairfield for the first time and getting to spend a weekend through his eyes,” she shares.
Sophomore McKaylan Connolly agrees, explaining “Siblings Weekend is one of my favorite weekends because it feels like having the best of both worlds- my friends and sisters all in one place. It was so much fun showing them around campus and letting them experience my life here.”
There are a variety of events offered for students to partake in with their siblings or friends. There will be custom sign-making and bingo, as well as a series of pre-basketball game events to build spirit and excitement. All of these events are free of charge.
However, there are also some experiences that require paid tickets. Painting will cost $5 per person, and “Build-a-Bestie” will cost $12 per person. Tickets for the basketball games will vary in price depending on which game students choose to attend. Students are encouraged to preorder tickets to any of these paid events, as capacity is limited. It is important to note that current Fairfield students also need their own tickets to attend Siblings Weekend events.
Chiaro expresses her positive experience at the events last year. “We went to the Fairfield at Night bingo and the basketball game.” She notes that her brother “loved the basketball game and seeing all of the student camaraderie.”
Connolly shares that “last year’s events were fantastic.” She said that both of her sisters “loved Build-a-Bestie,” and she “felt like there was always something to do.”
This year, meal vouchers are not available for purchase online. The Tully will manage all sales during meal times, and siblings can purchase a meal voucher at the top of the stairs. When reflecting on her experience last year, Connolly said,“The only downside was the cost of the meal vouchers… the fees added up quickly.” The Stag snack bar, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and The Levee will also be open and available for students and their siblings to dine at.
There are also certain rules to be aware of, especially regarding siblings staying on campus overnight. While siblings of any age are allowed to attend, no one under the age of 15 is permitted to stay on campus overnight. If siblings are spending the night on campus, it must be with their current Fairfield sibling in their residence hall, apartment or townhouse.
If siblings are being dropped off, they are expected to be dropped off with their Fairfield sibling. Fairfield students are expected to accompany their siblings throughout the day, both on and off campus.
Chiaro said that she thinks Siblings Weekend went smoothly last year, and her younger brother “had a great time.” Although she is currently studying abroad and cannot participate this year, she says that if on campus she would bring her brother again.
“This year, I’m excited for my sisters to meet more of my friends and their siblings,” Connolly shares in regard to this weekend’s event. “I’m looking forward to making more memories.”Siblings Weekend allows students to give their loved ones the opportunity to experience what life is like at Fairfield. The Fairfield Mirror reached out to Vice President for Marketing and Communications Jennifer Anderson for more specific information regarding Siblings Weekend multiple times, but she did not respond in time for publication.
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