MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU students are settling into new homes and learning the community with Welcome Week. For the first time since the pandemic, events are many and interactions are unrestricted, according to dean of students Corey Farris.
“I would say Welcome Week has returned with a vengeance, unlike it was since probably 2019, Farris said. “And we’ve added programs- we have activities every single day.”
Through August 21 students will have opportunities to explore campus, the outdoors and Morgantown. Pool parties, cookouts, free games and game shows. But, university officials place a high value on community, conservation service projects and the lessons to be learned from giving back.
“It’s important for us to help them connect with their community and know they talents they can give back to support our non-profits,” Farris said.
Students come to Morgantown from all over the country and world bringing diverse background and experiences. Farris said many of the students have never had the opportunity to hike in the mountains, ride a bike on a trail, zipline or wall climb. The Adventure WV activities bring the students together and closer to the community they’ll call home during their educational journey.
“Time after time we hear our international students who have the opportunity to go swimming, kayaking or canoeing at Coopers Rock or Cheat Lake what beauty they didn’t know was just steps away,” Farris said.
This Welcome Week will feature a full “Monday Night Lights.” According to the Welcome Week webpage, it’s “the night when you’ll truly learn what it means to be a Mountaineer.” Students will hear from school leaders and be treated to a performance by the Pride of West Virginia Marching Band. Because of the pandemic pause on activities, second year students will also gather for a class picture on the field with the band.
“We have our students fill in that state of West Virginia and we take a class photo that the students absolutely love,” Farris said. “And quite frankly it’s the only time probably our entire freshman class will be together.”
One very popular activity returning is Up All Night in the Mountainlair and Farris said that will become a regular event.
“Movies, billiards, bowling, crafting, game shows and food from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.” Farris said. “And that will continue every weekend throughout fall semester and spring semester.”