The residence hall move-in process at WVU begins Thursday (Aug. 10) and continues though Saturday (Aug. 12). A full slate of student-centered events is planned for Welcome Week at various locations on the Morgantown Campus. (WVU Photo)
An event-packed Welcome Week at West Virginia University begins Thursday, Aug. 10, and continues into the start of the fall semester, Wednesday, Aug. 16, highlighting the many ways new and returning students can tap into their strengths, find their purpose and make a home on campus.
“Welcome Week is one of our favorite weeks,” Dean of Students Corey Farris said. “All of the events held during this special time reflect the excitement of a new semester beginning at WVU with thousands of new and returning students coming to campus. These young people are the reason why we do everything we do at WVU, and we hope these events are the start of a successful year ahead, full of new experiences and memories they will cherish for the rest of their lives.”
The residence hall move-in process begins with students arriving at scheduled times on Thursday (Aug. 10) and runs through Saturday (Aug. 12). The University, in coordination with the City of Morgantown, will have additional University Police officers and Housing and Residence Life staff available to assist.
A main feature for first-year students, Monday Night Lights, is slated to begin at 7 p.m. Monday (Aug. 14) at Milan Puskar Stadium. Watch the 8 pm. pre-show and 8:30 p.m. main event online. Attendees will receive their class T-shirt, sign the “Class of 2027” flag, hear from University leaders and take their official class photo.
FallFest and FoodFest will be held on the Evansdale Fields from 5:30-9 p.m. Tuesday (Aug. 15). More event details, including FallFest performers, are scheduled to be announced Aug. 11.
WVUp All Night, open to University students and their guests ages 17 and older, returns starting at 10 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 12) with free food and activities at the Mountainlair, including psychic readings, a mechanical shark and bowling.
An expanded Student Organization Fair is scheduled for 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 13) at the Student Rec Center with evening activities planned at both the Rec Center and Mountainlair.
“My biggest piece of advice for incoming students is to get involved and attend events,” said Madison Santmyer, 2023-24 Student Government Association president and a political science and international studies major from Purcellville, Virginia. “Even one organization or meeting can make all the difference in a student’s experience. For me, deciding to join SGA changed my path during college.”
Academic sessions for first-year and transfer students are scheduled for Tuesday (Aug. 14). Students also have opportunities participate in adventure, service and wellness activities throughout Welcome Week.
The Honors College Retreat is set for 1-5 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 12) at the Mountainlair. Also Saturday, all residence hall students and others with meal plans are invited to Welcome Week Cookouts from 6-8 p.m. at the Evansdale Fields and the Mountainlair Green.
International students are encouraged to attend the International Student Welcome Picnic from noon-3 p.m. Monday (Aug. 14) on the Mountainlair Green.
“Welcome Week is a great time for students to leverage their top five CliftonStrengths to meet new people and get connected,” Purpose Center Director Whitney Godwin said. “New and returning students have ongoing access to Strengths assessments and trainings to help them learn about themselves. Understanding what they’re naturally good at can help students in their first weeks at WVU, whether they already know their way around or are settling in for the first time.”
The first day of classes is Wednesday (Aug. 16).
The PRT resumes operations Monday (Aug. 7) with normal weekday hours from 6:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The PRT is normally closed on Sundays.
During Welcome Week, the PRT will operate with extended hours from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. on Saturday (Aug. 12), 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday (Aug. 13), and 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday (Aug. 14 and 15).
See the full 2023 Welcome Week schedule.
-WVU-
hlt/8/3/23
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