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 fourth annual State Stride on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Beginning Friday, Aug. 14, new students may begin moving into their residence halls on campus. Returning students may begin moving into campus residence halls on Saturday, Aug. 15, in advance of the start of classes for the fall semester, which begin Monday, Aug. 17.
On Saturday, Aug. 15, beginning at 9 a.m., in the James C. Wilson University Union there will be an orientation session for new and transfer students, and on Sunday, Aug. 16, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the University Union there will be a Student Success Series of workshops covering issues such as money matters and study habits. The workshops will be followed at 3 p.m. by a Playfair being hosted at the Walker Convocation Center.
During the first week of classes a variety of welcoming activities will be hosted on campus, including the annual State Stride on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the P. Ahmed Williams Auditorium in Ferrell Hall 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. “They see from the time of their arrival on our campus that they are in a supporting environment surrounded by a dedicated faculty and staff who truly care about their academic pursuits and are here to help them find their passion and achieve their goals.”
Following his welcoming remarks, President Hemphill, joined by the Yellow Jacket Band, will lead freshman and transfer students from Ferrell Hall to the Student Plaza outside the University Union, 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 barbecue 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 without incurring a late registration fee is Friday, Aug. 14. Late registration is available through Tuesday, Aug. 18. For more information, contact the WVSU Admissions Office at (304) 204-4345.
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