Contact: Erika L. Forsythe (304) 766-3363 eforsythe@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 annual State Stride on Thursday, Aug. 22.
Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 14, new students may begin moving into their residence halls on campus. Following on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 9 a.m. in the P. Ahmed Williams Auditorium in Ferrell Hall there will be an orientation session for new and transfer students.
A variety of welcome activities are planned for new and transfer students including a new student talent show on Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. in the James C. Wilson University Union and a welcome cookout on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 4 p.m. at the Student Plaza outside the Union.
Returning students may begin moving into campus residence halls on Sunday, Aug. 18, in advance of classes for the Fall semester beginning on Monday, Aug. 19.
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 annual State Stride on Thursday, Aug. 22.
Beginning at 11 a.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 helps set the stage for their academic success at West Virginia State University,” Hemphill said. “By showcasing the commitment of faculty and staff as well as returning students, our incoming freshmen and transfer students know that they have come to the right place to pursue their higher education goals.”
Following his welcoming remarks, President Hemphill and Faculty Senate Chair Tim Ruhnke, joined by the Yellow Jacket Band, will lead freshman and transfer students from the Ferrell Hall auditorium to the Student Plaza, as faculty, staff and returning students wearing black and gold will 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 on hand to share information about how students can get involved with different campus activities.