WELCOME WEEKEND ACTIVITIES PLANNED THROUGH SUNDAY
Welcome Weekend, today through Sunday, Aug. 23, is a program designed by the Office of Student Affairs to provide incoming freshmen with their ticket to success at Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College. Click here to view the complete schedule of events. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 24.
Sophomore, junior and senior students have been selected as Freshmen Counselors and have had training to serve as mentors to guide freshmen through the first few weeks of school. From 4:30 to 7 p.m. today, freshmen will be moving into the residence halls. Freshmen Counselors will assist students and their families by helping to get them moved in and answering any questions they have. For the first few weeks of school, the counselors will help groups of freshmen with the transition to college life. The Freshmen Counselors program has been in existence for more than 30 years. Students who participate in the program as counselors form life-long friendships and learn leadership skills that prepare them for future careers.
"The Freshmen Counselors program helps connect new students to the campus community. Research has shown that feeling connected to a college or university environment makes a positive impact on students' college success," said Michael Belmear, Vice President for Student Affairs.
A new element for this year's Welcome Weekend is a Wellness Kickoff, planned for Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Students will be able to find out about healthy foods offered by Aladdin Food Services, fitness classes offered at the Falcon Center and pick up a wellness journal at the Student Health Services information table. Because wellness also includes making personal connections, a club day will allow student organization members to meet new students and participate in games and other activities.
"We wanted to include a wellness component to this year's program because physical and emotional health also play a role in students' academic success," Belmear said.
Friday features academic sessions with strategies for success in the classroom. Students will receive directions on how to navigate the FSU and Pierpont web sites, apply for campus jobs, how to register and add and drop classes, as well as tips for where to find tutoring, career counseling or personal counseling. In the afternoon, the academic departments will host an open house to allow students to ask questions about classes or expectations and make last-minute schedule changes. A picnic will provide another opportunity for students and faculty to meet.
Activities planned for Saturday include a Community Expo with information booths highlighting the businesses, services and recreation opportunities available to students in Marion County. Students will attend meetings to learn tips about how to have a successful college career.
On Sunday, an International Student Orientation is scheduled. Students will be able to tour the Ruth Ann Musick Library and have a chance to win a free iPod Touch and a free semester of textbooks.
