Program Mixes Fun, Business and Bonding
Wilmington College’s newest students are in the midst of a rigorous four-day orientation program designed get them off on the right foot and make their entire WC experience as meaningful as possible.
Several hundred freshmen and transfer students arrived on campus Thursday (Aug. 20) and engaged in the time-honored ritual of moving into campus housing and saying goodbye to their families.
(LEFT) Surrounded by members of the volunteer student move-in crew is Jayme Mabry (blue shirt), a freshman from Amelia that moved into Pickett Hall Thursday morning.
A mid-September coolness and breezes offered respite from the heat and humidity often endured in mid-August as new students met roommates, organized rooms and took care of the business of being students by activating computer and WHOLElink accounts, learning about campus jobs, vititing the campus bookstore and getting a head start on their career search.
They also learned a little about what the community has to offer as O-Town on the campus mall featured local businesses, services and organizations.
With families on their way home, students split into a number of groups that would be their “family unit” throughout the orientation process.
After dinner, they were introduced to the Student Life staff and gained first-hand knowledge from campus safety and judicial affairs to making smart decisions and learning the Quakers cheer. That evening, they engaged in the entertaining meet-and-greet program known as Playfair.
On Friday, they attended programs that addressed sexual assault before morning breakout sessions with faculty and staff, and a picnic lunch hosted by President Jim and Sue Reynolds. The afternoon consisted of more breakout sessions and meetings with academic advisers. A highlight of the day is the New Student Convocation, which represents the only time the entire class is together with faculty and staff until Commencement.
The Class of 2019 enganed in the ritual of signing their names to the Campus Rock. After dinner and a program about personal values, the new student bonding continued with late-night bowling. Saturday features a morning service program at the Clinton County Fairgrounds.
In the evening, they will attend dinners hosted by alumni, staff and friends of the College throughout the county, followed by the Party-at-the-Mural and Main Street Walk-A-Bout, which offers an up-close and personal look at downtown Wilmington.
Sunday features programs highlighting the student experience, an introduction to Greek life and time management/study strategies, which culminates with the closing session of orientation that offers a time for reflection of the previous four days.
Classes start Monday (Aug.24).
