Dealing with the stresses of college can be hard for any student, but even more so for those unfamiliar with their environment.

To help ensure that all students have the skills and resources they need, West Virginia University is holding the RISE Conference on Saturday, March 5.

The conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mountainlair.

The event is aimed at students with diverse backgrounds, specifically racial/ethnic minority and international students.

“We aim to contribute to West Virginia University’s efforts to create an inclusive and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds,” said Shelley Savage, multicultural specialist and staff psychologist for WELL WVU. “The RISE conference is designed to provide racial/ethnic minority and international students with an opportunity to talk about their experiences in the community and on campus and to learn new skills and strategies to enhance their academic success.”

Speakers, panel discussions and 20 workshops will provide participants with educational content related to stress management and awareness, utilization of campus and community resources and integration into WVU’s campus community.

Workshop topics include study skills, coping, exercise, finances, mentorship, cultural adjustment, family, wellness, advising, food, resources, decision-making, life balance and work, among other things.

WVU’s Deputy General Chief Counsel David M. Fryson will serve as the conference’s keynote speaker.

Born and raised in West Virginia, Fryson was the first African-American city attorney in two of the state’s municipalities. He has also served as a staff attorney for Judge Randolph Baxter, chief bankruptcy judge for the Northern District of Ohio in Cleveland and has worked as a private attorney.

In addition to his work as an attorney, Fryson is an ordained pastor and recently served as the Chief Ministry Officer for the House of the Lord, a diverse congregation of more than 6,000 in Akron, Ohio.

The RISE Conference is sponsored by a grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and WVU’s Center for Black Culture and Research.

For more information about the conference, contact Shelley Savage at Shelley.Savage@mail.wvu.edu .

-WVU-

CONTACT: Shelley Savage, WELL WVU
304-293-4431, Shelley.Savage@mail.wvu.edu