Over 4,500 West Virginia University freshmen and transfer students will have the opportunity to meet their classmates and University leaders at New Student Convocation Sunday, Aug. 21.

Four sessions (11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) are planned at the WVU Creative Arts Center to provide a personal introduction to student life.

WVU ’s newest Mountaineers will be greeted by President David C. Hardesty Jr. at their first traditional ceremony at the University, and they will have a chance to hear from current students via a multimedia presentation.

“I am pleased to welcome all new students into our WVU family, and I encourage them to take advantage of WVU ’s many unique opportunities,”Hardesty said.”New Student Convocation is just one way to begin a lifelong relationship with WVU . It’s a chance to meet new friends, to learn more about the academic and student-life experiences, and to become part of the WVU tradition.”

Student Government leaders will also be on hand to welcome everyone, and new students will receive gold WVU T -shirts to wear to show their unity and pride as a class.

“New Student Convocation is where students from all backgrounds come together to officially become Mountaineers,”said Jason Gross, Student Government Association vice chairman.”It informs freshmen that they have taken the first step in the journey of realizing their full potential, and encourages them to embrace the great opportunities that WVU has to offer.”

New Student Convocation is a requirement for University 101, an orientation course all freshmen and transfer students take during the fall semester.

Buses will provide transportation to and from the residence halls and Creative Arts Center.

Students are assigned to sessions based on their hall. The schedule is as follows:

Session

Residence Halls

11 a.m.

Bennett Tower , Boreman Hall and Lyon Tower

12:30 p.m.

Commuters and Summit Hall

2 p.m.

Braxton Tower , Brooke Tower , Dadisman Hall and Stalnaker Hall

3:30 p.m.

Arnold Hall, Fieldcrest Hall, Pierpont Apartments and Sterling Ridge Apartments