WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., July 7, 2017 — It might be summer break for most college students, but for the Student Life staff at West Liberty University, there is still work to be done.
“Our summer staff is busy with orientation and welcoming guests throughout the summer months. We have a total of nine Freshman Orientation and Registration Days during June, July and August that keep us busy. The staff also helps with visiting camps that take place throughout the summer,” said Marcella Snyder, executive director of Housing and Student Life.
Jay Billiter, Beth Dalton, Zahir Hicks, Olivia Kilbane, Katlynn Talkington, Charley Troggio, Kayla Waialae, Lauren Welsh and Noah Woods are the names of the energetic students working this summer on the Hilltop and providing assistance to all the visitors.
The next orientation day is coming up on July 11 when the College of Sciences holds its second orientation and registration day for incoming students this summer. Planned by college major, the daylong programs welcome students and parents to campus for tours and information sessions as they learn all the ins and outs of life on the Hilltop.
“I love this summer job because I get to bond more with the regular staff in a way I can’t during the school year because I have to go to class. I’ve learned so much from our central staff (fulltime employees of housing),” said Welsh, a pre-med major from Clarksburg, who is planning on attending the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine after she graduates in 2019.
“I think this is good career preparation for just about anyone but especially for me because it teaches me to work with the public and get out of my comfort zone. I’ve had to address a variety of questions that required me to learn more about my campus this summer. It’s been very rewarding,” she said. Welsh began her Student Life work last spring and in the fall will become one of the Resident Assistants in Hughes Hall.
Orientation dates still open for new students this summer include two August dates, Aug. 1 and 3, open to all incoming students.
Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by a formal welcome from President Stephen Greiner, held in Kelly Theatre. Then students go one way, and parents the other, to attend a variety of programs on topics like financial aid, move-in day, graduation and housing.
Students also have a chance to talk with faculty from the college of their major. This is followed by lunch in the Marketplace followed by more programs and tours of residence halls. The day concludes at 3 p.m.
“We know the Orientation Day is an important first step for our new students and we want them to be excited to start their journey at West Liberty University. We are all here to help,” said Snyder.
Classes begin on Aug. 19 at WLU’s Highlands Center campus and online and on Aug. 21 at the main campus.
The Office of Housing & Student Life facilitates campus events, works closely with clubs and organizations, including Greek Life, and coordinates with other departments on campus, including intramurals and Student Government Association, to provide a rich Student Life program for all students The main office is located in Rogers Hall. For more information on WLU, please call 1.866.WESTLIB or visit westliberty.edu.