WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Aug. 8, 2015 — It happens every summer as August sets in — the weeklong, residential Hilltopper Academy. Providing a jumpstart to college, the program is coordinated by the Department of Learning and Student Development, located in WLU’s Main Hall.
Nine ambitious students enrolled for the week of August 2-7, 2015.
From left, Samantha Stewart, Keasa Taylor, James Rice, Sierra Morris, Maria Mazzone, Sarah Pappas, Melody Singer, Rhiannom James and Janeil Hartman.
“Hilltopper Academy has proven very successful at helping incoming freshman students to increase their college readiness. We invite qualifying freshman to participate in the academy but it’s a voluntary program. Participants engage in a week of skill-building activities in math, writing, critical-thinking, study strategies and time management,” explained Bridgette Dawson, director of the Student Success Center.
“There is a small fee for the program but it pays dividends in its ability to build comfort and success for students,” she said.
Sophomore Preston Evick and Developmental Advising Specialist Kateryna Forynna are assisting in the program.
Evick participated last fall as an incoming freshman.
“It helped me out and was a good experience. Probably the best thing about the week is it gets you used to campus,” he said. Evick is an exercise physiology major.
The annual end-of-summer academy is geared to students who may need remedial work or extra assistance to create a strong first year experience.
“It’s like dipping your foot into the pool instead of jumping in headfirst,” said Sierra Morris of Moundsville who is happy to be participating in the academy.
“This week will get us ready for college and I know I’ll be more comfortable with campus life,” said another participant Keasa Taylor of Zanesville, Ohio.
Though the week is built on academic work and classtime, there also are planned evening events offering relaxation and fun. Like a WLU ghost tour of campus and a Wheeling entrepreneurship tour. Other events include bowling and free time.
Students participating in the Hilltopper Academy end the week with an award picnic and family members are invited to attend. Other students attending this year include: Janeil Hartman, Rhiannom James, Maria Mazzone, Sarah Pappas, James Rice, Melody Singer and Samantha Stewart.
West Liberty University begins classes on Monday, Aug. 24 on its main campus and on Saturday, Aug. 22 at its Highlands Center location.
West Liberty University is a forward-looking, four-year public university steeped in a rich heritage as West Virginia’s oldest institution of higher education. Five colleges and a School of Professional Studies offer more than 90 majors and 39 programs that are nationally recognized or accredited. Graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Education, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies and the Master of Professional Studies degrees. For more information, please call 1.866.WESTLIB or visit westliberty.edu.
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