Liz Richter and Brigette Dawson
West Liberty University will introduce its Hilltopper Academy to the sights and sounds of Wheeling during its July 31 – Aug. 5 program.
“We want to make the transition into campus life easier so we offer the Hilltopper Academy as a way to introduce freshmen to campus life. We encourage all incoming students to take a look at the Hilltopper Academy since it’s open to everyone,” said Bridgette Dawson, director of the WLU Learning and Student Development Center.
Dawson has worked with Liz Richter to plan and coordinate the academy which is designed for up to 40 incoming freshmen.
“Students will have a chance to meet teachers, experience dorm life and familiarize themselves with the Hilltop. Plus this year we’ve added some first time trips to area attractions, like Wheeling’s waterfront, that will make it even more enjoyable and interesting to our students,” Richter added.
Some of these off-campus features highlight unique educational programs and services offered at West Liberty University. Specifically, students will experience:
- Oglebay Good Zoo animal encounter to learn about the WLU’s new Zoo Science major
- Entrepreneurship Tour of Wheeling, visiting local businesses who have won or participated in the Gary E. West College of Business Pitch Contest (Wheeling Brewing Company, Mmm…Popcorn, Clutch Gaming LLC.)
- Grand Vue Park team building
- Waterfront Wednesday entertainment
“We are grateful to the WVHEPC for partially funding our Hilltopper Academy with a grant. It has been very successful,” Dawson said. The program began in 2007 as a bridge program to assist students wanting to get a headstart on college, and it includes math and writing sessions to reinforce these skills.
The cost of the four-night, five-day program is $50 and meals are included. Participants also earn an elective hour of college credit for successfully completing the program.
Please visit westliberty.edu/lsdc/hilltopper-academy for more information. WLU’s Learning and Student Development Center is committed to motivating students to be successful and includes career services, personal counseling, academic advising, tutoring services, testing, accessibility support and first year programs. For more information, please contact Dawson at 304-336-8018.
