Contact: Kimberly Osborne (304) 766-3363 kosborne@wvstateu.edu

INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) is preparing to welcome new and returning students to campus beginning this week and culminating with the third annual State Stride on Thursday, Aug. 21.
Beginning Thursday, Aug. 14, new students may begin moving into their residence halls on campus. On Friday, Aug. 15, beginning at 8 a.m., in the James C. Wilson University Union there will be an orientation session for students.
A variety of welcome activities are planned for new and transfer students, including a “Movie on the Yard” on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 8 p.m. at the Student Plaza outside the Union. Snacks will be provided, and students are encouraged to bring a blanket.
Returning students may begin moving into campus residence halls on Sunday, Aug. 17, in advance of classes for the fall semester, which begin Monday, Aug. 18.
The first week of classes will feature activities designed to teach students the WVSU alma mater, as well as the school’s fight song, and will culminate with the third annual State Stride on Thursday, Aug. 21.
Beginning at 11 a.m. in the D. Stephen and Diane H. Walker Convocation Center, WVSU President Brian O. Hemphill will welcome new and transfer students to campus.
“State Stride serves, not only as a welcome for the newest members of our Yellow Jacket family, but also sets the stage for their academic success at West Virginia State University, as well,” Hemphill said. “By showcasing faculty and staff’s commitment to excellence, accountability and student-centeredness, our incoming freshman and transfer students will know they have chosen an excellent University to pursue their higher education goals. Tremendous momentum is occurring across every level of the campus community as evidenced by such infrastructure enhancements as the D. Stephen and Diane H. Walker Convocation Center and the Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Hall. State Stride echoes this excitement as students’ anticipate the upcoming academic year.”
Following his welcoming remarks, President Hemphill, joined by the Yellow Jacket Band, will lead freshman and transfer students from the Convocation Center to the Student Plaza, as faculty, staff and returning students wearing black and gold cheer and provide a West Virginia State welcome to the newest Yellow Jackets.
Upon arriving at the plaza, all students, faculty and staff will be treated to a campus picnic with free food, music and prize drawings. There will also be an organizational showcase on the plaza with representatives of campus groups present to share information about how students can get involved in a variety of campus activities.
The final day to register for classes for the fall semester is Tuesday, Aug. 26. For more information, contact the WVSU Admissions Office at (304) 204-4345.
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