University Student Union introduced the different services offered at a circus-themed Matafest on Aug. 29.

The event was held in the USU on the OST Lawn and in the Plaza Del Sol.

Matafest was set up like an open house within USU to welcoming all incoming freshmen and returning Matadors.

“We have nine different departments in the plaza that will be talking to students about the different resources we offer,” said Victor Molina, event assistant for special events. “It’s meant for all students but usually the main focus is for incoming freshmen because it’s an open house so we want to introduce ourselves to students.”

Molina explained that every department within the USU is like an attraction because it has something different to offer. This is why the circus theme was chosen. Along with the colorful tents that housed the different departments, street performers on stilts could also be seen walking amongst the students.

“The circus is very lively, very energetic, very happy and that’s what we want to show the students,” Molina said. “We want to show them that the university is a great place for them to come, to enjoy themselves, to have fun, and just to relax,” said Molina.

During the event, students were able to start at one booth where they picked up a passport card and received their first hole punch. From there, they would travel from booth to booth receiving information or playing games in order to receive another hole punch on their passport.

When three holes had been punched, the students had the opportunity to receive a free Matador Burger, chips, and drink. At five hole punches, they could receive different prizes depending on the station being visited. If they managed to fill up their card, they could turn it in along with their contact information to be entered into a raffle to win a Matador Bookstore gift card worth $300, a semester parking pass or Matamoney cards.

“It’s pretty great. It does show what the school offers and job opportunities that are available to students,” Simon Lao, a 19-year-old sophomore.

There were many booths available for students that provided information from SRC, Computer Lab, Games Room, Marketing, Red Rally, Veterans Resource Center, Pride Center, Jobs, Board of Directors, Reservation and Events Services.

“I think it’s a good way to get the students involved,” Jasmine Rodriguez, a 19-year-old Sophomore, said, “Last year, when I was a freshman, they had events like this and I found it a good way to find out about the resources on campus.”