Davis & Elkins College will welcome new and returning students for the fall semester this weekend with a variety of activities following the theme “Expect the Unexpected.” First-year students will check in Friday, Aug. 12 and returning students will arrive Sunday, Aug. 14.
This year an Orientation Crew of upperclassmen has been assembled to help new students get acquainted with the campus and provide guidance.
“We are excited about our inaugural D&E Orientation Crew program,” said D&E Dean of Students Kate Garlick. “This team will be essential in welcoming our new students and families to campus. Many of them have recently been in our new students’ shoes and offer a unique perspective. These leaders will help encourage students to engage with campus life throughout orientation weekend and the academic year to make D&E feel more like home.”
In addition, student-athletes, coaches, faculty and staff will be stationed at freshmen residential halls ready to lend a hand with the move-in process. Orientation events will highlight Friday, Aug. 12 and Saturday, Aug. 13 for first-year students.
The Davis & Elkins College time-honored Matriculation Convocation, in which members of the College Board of Trustees, senior administrators, faculty and staff welcome first-year students to the D&E community, is scheduled for Friday evening. The students will make a processional from Booth Library to Myles Center for the Arts Harper-McNeeley Auditorium, much like the walk they will take for commencement. The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. and includes an address by Missy McCollam, coordinator of the President’s Initiative on Community and Immersive Learning, executive director of The Old Brick Playhouse and executive director of The New School OBP.
Students will later take a tour of the campus residence halls and unique spaces for an evening of fun.
On Saturday, a brunch, outdoor activities and a vendor fair are set for Myles Plaza and Senate Commons. Students will have an opportunity to play games and visit with vendors from the Randolph County area. A scavenger hunt throughout campus will follow. That evening, in Harper-McNeeley Auditorium, students will take part in ThinkFast, an interactive trivia game show.
As returning students arrive on Sunday, new students will attend the Leading the Way First Year Seminar. That evening, all students will be treated to the College’s traditional Last Night of Summer Carnival. Presented by the Office of Student Life, Student Assembly and Senator Entertainment, the evening will feature games, live music, photo dry erase boards and a festive dinner on Myles Plaza.
Classes for the fall 2022 semester begin Monday, Aug. 15. Registration for new and transfer students is still open. For information, call 304-637-1230. A complete schedule of events can be found at www.dewv.edu.
