Fort Valley State University

If you strolled Fort Valley State University’s campus this week, you might think school is already in session. Although classes officially start on August 17, the campus is buzzing with more than 1,500 new freshmen rushing to orientation sessions, registering for classes and moving into housing. FVSU’s largest incoming freshmen class in the institution’s history is making their way to campus. The spike in activity in Wildcat Country is an indication of the historic enrollment FVSU administrators anticipate for the start of Monday classes.

July 17, 2009—Today’s new student orientation drew an overflow crowd of students and parents that spilled into the lobby of the C. W. Pettigrew Center after FVSU ambassadors lined the wall with extra chairs for latecomers. Quick witted FVSU admissions director Donovan Coley drew the loudest laughs and applause after constantly repeating a phrase throughout his welcome speech: “Submit your final high school transcripts with a graduation date.” Students return Aug. 8 and 9 to attend a final orientation that includes breakout sessions for males and females before school begins Aug. 17.

High school memories are fading fast for some incoming freshmen at Fort Valley State University. “We’re here to move you from where you are now to greatness,” Dr. Said Sewell told 270 students in the presence of a standing room only crowd of parents, guardians and siblings during the first in a series of 4 orientation sessions held at the C. W. Pettigrew Center Friday, June 19.

Fort Valley State University is working hard and smart to be the number one choice of graduating seniors considering where to attend college this fall. That’s why the Admissions department is planning the largest, most exciting recruitment events of the season, the 2009 Spring Preview Day. On Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the HPE Complex, campus visitors will experience Wildcat pride at its best as current students, faculty and President Larry E. Rivers show off what it means to wear the blue and gold.

This week, Fort Valley State University can boast about playing a significant role in the University System of Georgia’s growth. For the second year in a row, FVSU tops growth charts among accredited, comprehensive four-year institutions in the system. Wildcats, 3,093 in all, packed the campus and increased enrollment by 21 percent. Total USG enrollment grew by 4.8 percent.

High schoolers and their parents are invited to experience life through the eyes of students at one of Georgia’s premiere educational institutions when Fort Valley State University hosts its 2008 Fall Preview Day. The event is Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Health and Physical Education Complex. “This is an opportunity for parents and students to enjoy the best that FVSU has to offer,” said Donavon Coley, the university’s director of admissions. This is a family affair because we are a family-friendly campus.”

Fort Valley State University administrators, faculty and staff are celebrating a milestone in the institution’s history. Newly arrived students have pushed fall 2008 enrollment figures to an all-time high. FVSU ended a second week of registration with more than 3,400 students registered, most already attending classes. The number represents a jump of nearly 35 percent over comparable figures last year.

Fort Valley State University’s Financial Aid department is increasing its budget to help students cover the higher cost of college. Each new budget reflects the increased expenses associated with tuition, fees, housing and transportation to better serve students depending on their financial situations. Eula Solomon, director of financial aid, says that budget categories have been expanded from twelve to sixteen – to increase the aid eligibility amount for students.

By Brandon Mackey, student intern

Fort Valley State University’s Office of Financial Aid and Veteran affairs is using an all-electronic computer system this fall in an effort to prevent long registration lines. Director Eula Solomon expects to see great success with the kiosks. The eleven desktop systems were purchased through Title III funding, for a total of $9,191.00.

It looks like fall classes at Fort Valley State University are in full session to visitors in the W. W. E. Blanchet CTM building. That’s because of a standing room only crowd of parents and students spilling into the lobby from the auditorium there. Today, the newcomers to campus attended a pre-orientation event to learn about academic programs, student life, housing and any information that will help make the transition to college life a smooth one.

Fort Valley State University’s Office of Financial Aid welcomes Charles Kendrick as its newest financial aid counselor. Kendrick enjoys supporting the educational endeavors of young people.

“We’re fortunate to have him aboard,” said Eula Solomon, director of the Office of Financial Aid.

Atlanta high school graduates and non-traditional students ready to take a step toward college will receive expert advice and a tasty meal at Fort Valley State University’s Annual Blue and Gold Social Cookout. The event gives potential metro area students and their families a taste of wildcat hospitality, Saturday, June 14, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Atlanta’s J.C. Birdine Center. The festive barbecue is sponsored by the Metro Atlanta FVSU Alumni Chapter. Qualified students who apply will be admitted to the university on the spot.