Lyon College is welcoming new and returning students to the campus this week with its annual "Red Carpet Days" Aug. 21-25.

Red Carpet Days consists of events and activities that prepare students for life at Lyon and is designed to help students settle in, feel welcome and get acquainted with faculty, staff and other students.

Students move in to their residence hall rooms Thursday, Aug. 21. The first day of classes will be Aug. 26.

A number of special activities will greet the students and parents when they arrive.

Representatives of area businesses, churches and service organizations will be set up in Edwards Dining Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to welcome and provide information to the students. "Goodie" bags filled with coupons and other promotional items from businesses and churches, along with maps and useful information, will be given to the students and parents. Door prizes will be given away to students who register at the event.

The matriculation convocation will be at 7:30 p.m. in Brown Chapel followed by a candlelight ceremony in Couch Garden.

Students will receive their Lenovo ThinkPad laptops as part of the Lyon Experience that Friday morning as well as take in an initial orientation. Students also will be introduced to the Lyon Legacy co-curricular transcript program and the Nichols International Studies Program, both also part of the Lyon Experience.

On Saturday, students begin various orientation sessions as well as academic advising. A cookout at 5 p.m. will give new students a chance to socialize.

Sunday has students rising for a morning worship service at Bryan Lake and eating dinner with their mentors. An outdoor concert wraps up the day's events.

Monday is a day of fun for students. Activities scheduled include a hiking trip, raft race, club carnival, picnic and talent show.