MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU’s Welcome Week has purpose far beyond transitioning students into the start of a new school year, according to Dean of Students Corey Farris.
“Students haven’t seen each other, that are returning, all summer long,” he said. “We’re creating some opportunities for students to meet up and have a good time. We’ve heard over and over our president say we want our students to not only work smart, but to play smart.”
It is a good start to the academic year, particularly for brand new freshmen and transfer students — and even some of those returning from the long lay-off.
“They get more engaged with the community,” Farris said. “They keep getting more and more focused and understand how responsible they are for their everyday lives and how they have to take ownership of how they’ve got to get ready for their career.”
Approximately 28,000 students returning to a town where the population is barely larger than that can cause trouble for regional infrastructure and local law enforcement. The tide, however, in the university’s long-running goal of changing the school’s culture is turning, according to Ferris.
“We’ve got higher GPA’s, we’ve got the highest academically-accomplished entering class that’s coming to WVU, and throughout the university — more community service, more funds raised, more engagement of our students,” he said. “And they’re certainly getting great jobs when they leave here. To me, it’s evident — that culture change that has taken place.”
That culture change also includes Greek Life, Ferris said. Following the February moratorium on social activities, the administration and members of Greek life worked together to build new standards for fraternities and sororities this semester.
“The university jumped in to help them, the students have jumped in, and they get it,” Farris said. “They want to be better, and they want to be a great group that the university looks to and is proud of and is not trying to deal with an issue that’s come to light that’s embarrassing for us all.”
Though each semester brings its own fair share of challenges, hardships, and unexpected twists, Farris said he can’t help but be excited.
“For me, it’s always an exciting time of year to welcome our students back,” he said. “Not only the new students, but our returning students — because there is just a great energy and a great feel. Not only on campus, but throughout the city.”
Welcome Week activities conclude with Fall Fest on Tuesday before classes begin Wednesday.