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.

FVSU Director of Admissions Donavon Coley expects to exceed the enrollment goal set by President Larry E. Rivers. The director says that the projected enrollment now stands at 3,800 to 4,000 students, which has doubled since Rivers’ arrival in 2006. Coley attributes the increase to aggressive recruitment strategies, campus improvements and a combined effort by the Wildcat family.

Freshmen began the transition to college over the weekend by attending a series of sessions. “Creating a New Culture in the Valley” is the theme of the workshops geared to young women, and “Creating a New Culture: Men Moving Toward Greatness” for young men. Event coordinator, Dr. Said Sewell, director of the Academic Success Center, believes the weeklong series prepares students to successfully matriculate college. “We want students to have a greater bond with each another,” Sewell said. “One that they will carry throughout the next four years.”

A parting ceremony was held on Sunday to symbolize the start of a new life for students away from home. This week’s upcoming events include: Spirit Night at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12. The band will perform and students will learn school chants in the George N. Woodward Gymnasium. Officials will hold a Monster.com workshop at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 13 in the Pettigrew Center auditorium. Students will learn about early career planning and interviewing skills. At 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, a Brothers/Sisters Ceremony will help students learn how to create respectful relationships with members of the opposite sex, which will be immediately followed by Jazz on the Lawn at 7:15 p.m. on the Quad.

See highlights of orientation and other events on Fort Valley State University’s photo gallery, www.fvsu.edu/about/photos.