New Student Orientation and Registration Sessions are held at West Liberty University throughout the summer and offer incoming students, their parents or guardians, a chance to get comfortable with college.
Designated by college major, the daylong event includes everything from campus tours to lunch. But the most important parts of the day are the information sessions that give an overview of life on the Hilltop.
“Our June 25 orientation was our largest summer orientation to date this summer and greeted over 180 students and parents enrolling as College of Education majors. Our admissions and student life staff offer a variety of programs that discuss everything that a student or parent needs to know. It offers a great chance for questions and personal comments too,” explained Jim Compston, area coordinator of Housing and Student Life who coordinates the busy schedule.
Registration began at 8:30 a.m., followed by a formal welcome from the College Dean in College Hall. Then students went one way and parents the other, as a variety of programs instructed groups in topics like financial aid, move-in day, graduation and housing. This was followed by lunch in the University’s cafeteria, known as the Marketplace by Sodexo. After lunch, there was time for tours of the residence halls and time for testing.
Two incoming student athletes had this to say about the orientation.
“I’m a special education major and am looking forward to joining West Liberty. The campus is beautiful and everyone is very helpful,” said Bryce Coleman, Martins Ferry, Ohio. He will be wrestling for the Hilltoppers and is looking forward to a great season with head wrestling coach Mitch Smith, former West Liberty All-American who replaced long-time Hilltopper mat mentor Brian Davis recently.
Dominic Vagnier of Circleville, Ohio, agreed with Coleman and said that he really likes the WLU campus and is excited about embarking on his college career. He plans to be an athletic trainer and feels confident that WLU athletic training program offers a good mix of academic challenge and hands-on experiences that will lead to his successful future.
Overall, WLU welcomes students at nine different orientation sessions held in June, July and August. Remaining Orientation for Summer 2015 include:
· Tuesday, July 7, College of Liberal Arts
· Tuesday, July 14, College of Sciences
· Thursday, July 23, Undeclared Majors
· Tuesdays, July 28 and Aug. 4, Open to all students
“We work hard to make sure our incoming students have all the tools and information necessary to get off on the right foot when classes begin in August. Our students and their parents matter a great deal to us and we want them to know that West Liberty University’s Housing and Student Life offices want to make their college experience everything they want it to be,” said Compston.
West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Five colleges and a School of Professional Studies offer more than 90 majors and 33 programs, 12 of which are accredited by national accrediting bodies. Graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Education, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and the new Master of Professional Studies degrees.
Classes begin on Aug. 24 at WLU’s main campus and on Aug. 22 at the Highlands Center campus. For more information on enrolling at West Liberty University, please contact the admissions department at 304.336.8076 or 1.866.WestLib.
