Fairmont State University Starts the Fall Semester with Welcome Week Activities

Fairmont State University will be hosting a series of Welcome Week events for students as they arrive on campus ahead of the start of the fall 2021 semester. 

“Welcome Week will be the first program that students can experience at Fairmont State,” said Evan Fossen, Assistant Director of Student Life. “It’s a great chance to become familiar with campus and its resources, as well as meet faculty and make new friends.”  

Residence hall move-in kicks things off on Sunday, August 1, and will continue throughout the week to allow students time and flexibility as they get settled in to their new home away from home. According to Fossen, the remainder of the week’s programming not only enables returning students to readjust to campus, but it also provides incoming students the chance to become comfortable in their new environment. 

“Participating in Welcome Week is a great way to ease the transition to college,” said Fossen. 

Welcome Week will be jam-packed with a variety of activities such as trivia nights, a scavenger hunt, a cornhole tournament, a s’mores social, outdoor yoga, paint nights and much more. Students will also be afforded the opportunity to explore the University’s many student clubs and organizations, meet professors and learn more about the support services that will be available at their fingertips throughout the academic year. Faculty and staff will also join President Mirta M. Martin and campus leadership on Monday, August 2 for the Annual Fall Semester  Opening Ceremonies  and Employee Welcome Breakfast. 

“Welcome Week is one of my favorite events of the academic year,” said Fairmont State University President, Mirta M. Martin. “Firstly, it’s a fun, no-stress way for our newest Falcons to get a feel for campus and start to learn more about their new home. But beyond that, Fairmont State really is a family, and Welcome Week is a cherished time to not only see old friends but also to warmly welcome our newest members to the Falcon Family.”

On Thursday, August 5, members of the Falcon Family – including students, faculty, staff and alumni – will dot the stands with maroon and white during Fairmont State Night at Monongalia County Ballpark, where the West Virginia Black Bears will take on the Frederick Keys.  

Friday, August 6 will be highlighted by Convocation at 4 p.m. where members of the class of 2025 will take the academic oath and participate in the traditional candlelight ceremony which signifies the passing of the torch of knowledge from the senior class to the entering freshman class. The evening’s festivities will continue with a campus picnic and the screening of an outdoor movie on Duvall-Rosier Field.  

Welcome Week will conclude on Sunday, August 8 with afternoon community service projects and a Back to School Bash hosted by the Fairmont State Student Government Association. Classes are set to begin Monday, August 9.   

To view the full schedule of Welcome Week events, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/welcomeweek. 

Welcome WeekEvan FossenMirta Martin