“Week of Welcome is designed to help new freshmen on campus feel at home and part of the Marshall family,” said Dr. Sherri Stepp, associate dean of undergraduate studies and director of University College. “This is a collaborative, campus-wide goal that we try to accomplish every year.”
This year, some events that were altered due to COVID-19 concerns in 2020 and 2021 will be back to their original locations. Convocation will once again take place at the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, and students will gather for a freshman photo around the John Marshall statue on campus.
“We are so excited to be back to our full slate of events this year, taking advantage of our beautiful campus and surrounding community,” said Stepp. “We look forward to helping incoming freshmen gain a solid beginning to their college career, as they learn to navigate campus and the resources and services offered to help them succeed. We also know many of them will have a great experience as they take part in fun activities we have planned and form new friendships, which may last a lifetime.”
Freshman students arrive on the Huntington campus for residence hall move-in on Monday and Tuesday, August 15 and 16. WOW events begin with check-in on Tuesday afternoon in the Marshall Rec Center.
Students will begin their first class at Marshall during Week of Welcome. UNI 100, “Freshman First Class,” is an introduction to the academic structures and expectations of college life. Those who successfully complete the course will earn one hour of elective credit. Attendance at the required WOW classes and activities and class sessions during the first seven weeks of the semester will play a large role in the grade earned.
During WOW, students are given the opportunity to learn about the university through large group sessions and a theatrical performance illustrating its history. In smaller classroom sessions, students learn about resources and services available to support student success.
“A Taste of Marshall Athletics,” offered on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at Joan C. Edwards Stadium, will be the setting for the freshman photo on the football field, food trucks and a showing of “We Are Marshall” later in the evening. Students will also have the opportunity to travel to Hoops Family Field for the women’s soccer home opener against the High Point Panthers.
On Friday morning, the Class of 2026 will celebrate the beginning of their Marshall journey with a class photo around the John Marshall statue on campus, followed by Freshman Convocation at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center downtown. A portion of Fourth Avenue in Huntington will be closed between campus and the theatre while students walk united to and from convocation.
Here is a brief look at some of the events scheduled on the Huntington campus during Marshall’s Week of Welcome:
Monday, Aug. 15
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Freshman Move-In, Campus residence halls
Tuesday, Aug. 16
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Freshman Move-In, Campus residence halls
10 a.m. – WOW Check-In, Marshall Recreation Center
Wednesday, Aug. 17
11:30 a.m. – “Traditions: The Rise of Marshall,” Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center
Thursday, Aug. 18
8:30 a.m. – College Sessions: Meet Your Dean, Various locations
6 p.m. – A Taste of Marshall Athletics: Freshman class photo on football field, food trucks, women’s soccer game, showing of “We Are Marshall,” Joan C. Edwards Stadium and Hoops Family Field
Friday, Aug. 19
9:15 a.m. – Freshman Class Photo, John Marshall statue on campus
10 a.m. – Freshman Convocation, Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center
11:30 a.m. – Bison Bash Cookout, MSC Plaza
Saturday, Aug. 20
12 – 3 p.m. – Rec Fest, Marshall Recreation Center
9 p.m. – Outdoor Movie, Harless Field
Sunday, Aug. 21
2:30 p.m. – 3 vs. 3 Soccer, Marshall Recreation Center
4 p.m. – Class Tours / Campus Walk, Old Main
All Week
Community Service Event, Marshall Thrift Store
To view a complete schedule of WOW activities, visit: https://www.marshall.edu/wow/.