West Virginia ””:http://www.wvu.edu University s incoming freshmen class will get their first dose of Mountaineer spirit Sunday (Aug. 23) at the annual University Welcome.

An estimated 4,500 freshmen will be formally greeted by WVU President James P. Clements , Student Body President Jason Zuccari, Mountaineer mascot Rebecca Durst, Mountaineer Maniacs Executive Director Cassie Werner and several WVU faculty members, students and student athletes. The welcome will begin at 2 p.m. at the WVU Coliseum.

This is a good opportunity for students to hear from a variety of voices and get some advice on how to succeed at the University. Its also very powerful to see the whole class as one,said Stephanie Ballard Conrad, interim director of University Events.

The welcome will start off with a video to introduce students to some of the people they might encounter on campus and give them a glimpse of some notable campus landmarks.

I am looking forward to welcoming the next class of Mountaineers. There could not be a better time to be a student at WVU with so much change and growth happening on campus. The University is truly creating so many new leaders in every field,said Zuccari.

All incoming freshmen and transfer students with less than 29 credit hours are required to attend the University Welcome as part of their orientation classUniversity 101. Students will get a proof of attendance ticket upon leaving the event.

Before and after the event, students will have a chance to learn more about the different offices at WVU . Students can speak to representatives from Dining Services, University Police, various student organizations and many others at the information fair.

All students in attendance will receive a gold WVU T -shirt, a key chain of the class ring and the opportunity to receive giveaways at various information fair booths.