Fairmont State University Unveils New Fall Welcome & First-Year Student Experience

From August 12-15, Fairmont State University will launch two new campus initiatives: Fall Welcome and First Flight. Fall Welcome, formerly known as Welcome Week, has been reimagined to place a greater emphasis on student success through programming that supports students' academic, personal, and social development while fostering meaningful connections with peers, faculty, and staff.

Throughout the week, students can participate in a variety of events, including games, movie nights, yoga sessions, a concert, and other activities designed to build community before the start of the academic year.

Fairmont State also created First Flight, a comprehensive orientation experience designed specifically for first-year students. The program combines informational sessions, campus tours, educational programming, student success workshops, and social activities to help new students become familiar with university resources, build relationships, and gain confidence as they begin their academic journey. First Flight participants will take part in Fall Welcome activities while also attending programs tailored to their transition to college life.

A key component of First Flight is its peer leadership model, which connects incoming students with experienced upperclassmen who serve as mentors and guides throughout the weekend. Working in small groups, First Flight leaders help new students navigate campus, make connections, and feel supported as they begin their Falcon experience.

"This group of leaders will be working with small groups of incoming students to help guide them through the program and facilitate their transition to Fairmont State," said Marion Holmes, Senior Director for First-Year Experience and Connections. "The leaders have excelled in training and are so excited to welcome our newest Falcons!"

Throughout Fall Welcome and First Flight, students and leaders will use Engage Fairmont State, the University's official campus involvement platform, to access schedules, event information, group assignments, and campus resources. Designed to streamline engagement and strengthen campus connections, the platform serves as a central hub for student involvement and university resources.

"Engage Fairmont State helps students become active members of the Fairmont State community," said Dr. Justin Rader, Director of Student Life & Assessment. "Through campus events, student organizations, and university resources, Engage Fairmont State creates opportunities for students to connect, get involved, and build meaningful relationships that support their success and sense of belonging. Introducing this resource early prepares students for success and campus connections."

Together, Fall Welcome and First Flight provide students with opportunities to connect with classmates, faculty, and staff, explore university resources, and become engaged members of the Fairmont State community before classes begin. Building these relationships from the start helps create the supportive, connected campus environment that makes Fairmont State University a Great Place to Learn, to Work, and to Call Home.

Learn more about Fall Welcome by visiting www.fairmontstate.edu/student-life/welcome/default.aspx.

To find more information about First Flight, visit https://www.fairmontstate.edu/student-life/first-flight/default.aspx.