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Welcome, New Students!
Nearly 500 new students get acclimated to campus during the Marlin Days orientation session
News Release | August 25, 2016
Photo Gallery: Marlin Days
“Take a deep breath,” Vice President for Student Affairs Keith Moore told the Class of 2020 on August 24. “This is a wonderful time in your life. This is a wonderful place to be. You’re starting on a journey unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before and unlike anything you’ll ever experience again.”
Virginia Wesleyan welcomes nearly 500 incoming freshmen, transfers and non-traditional students to campus this week for Marlin Days, an orientation session that acclimates new students to campus and marks the beginning of their lives as Marlins. The Wednesday afternoon welcome assembly took place in the Convocation Center inside the Jane P. Batten Student Center, where freshmen were also greeted by VWC President Scott D. Miller.
“From the very start we encourage you to balance your time so that you’ll be successful both academically and socially,” Dr. Miller told students. “Some of your most precious and meaningful memories for the rest of your life will be shaped right here.”
Students will spend time during orientation discussing the College’s 2016 summer read, How to Tell Toledo from the Night Sky, a love story that explores the conflicts of fate and determinism and asks how much of life is under our control and what is pre-ordained in the stars. Students were required to read the book as part of “First Year Experience (FYE 101),” a one-credit course designed to engage new students in activities and exercises that explore the nature of liberal arts while connecting them to the campus community.
“We chose How to Tell Toledo from the Night Sky because it is an engaging novel that many freshmen would find interesting due to the way in which the author integrates humor with logic,” says Director of First Year Experience Denise Wilkinson. “Also, it could be discussed through the perspective of many disciplines, which is important in helping students to better understand the liberal arts.”
Discussion of the summer read is just one of the many activities that will take place during the five-day orientation. Also on the agenda is the Freshman Festival, a campus-wide scavenger hunt, Casino Night, athletic events, and a Glow Party. The week will close with a formal class picture and the introduction of a new campus tradition, the Wesleyan Wishing Well.
“Immerse yourself in this new learning experience,” Dr. Miller urged students. “Get connected, get involved and discover your new community. All of us are rooting for your success at Virginia Wesleyan College.”
The Virginia Wesleyan community is excited to welcome the Class of 2020 to campus this fall. For additional information, please visit our Freshman FAQs page or call 757.455.3208 or 800.737.8684.