WALNUT RIDGE – The Williams Baptist University campus is springing to life in anticipation of the new school year. Fall sport athletes have already moved to campus to begin their preseason routine, and incoming WBU freshmen move into the residence halls on Friday, Aug. 16. Fall semester classes are slated to begin on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
“This is the most exciting time of the year for us,” said Dr. Stan Norman, WBU’s president. “This is the time of year when we greet our incoming freshmen and help them launch their journey toward a transformative, Christ-centered educational experience, as well as welcoming all of our returning students back to our beautiful campus.”
Well over 200 freshmen and new transfer students are expected to arrive Friday to move into campus housing and begin four days of new student orientation. The orientation sessions are a combination of training for the transition to college life and activities to help new students get to know their classmates and faculty.
Students who serve as resident assistants and orientation leaders have already moved to campus in preparation for the upcoming year, as have other student leaders.
Athletes who compete in the fall are also hard at work. Women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s cross country teams for the WBU Eagles, as well as the Williams cheerleaders, began their preseason conditioning and practices last week.
WBU’s opening convocation ceremony will serve as the official start to the new school year on Wednesday, Aug. 21. President Norman will bring the convocation address at the ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m. in Manley Chapel.