Courtesy photo Shepherd University’s McMurran Hall is shown.

While the rest of Jefferson County may already have a week of classes under their belts, Shepherd University students are now anticipating the first day of college. Many freshman took to campus Thursday to move into their new dormitories for their first taste at university life.

“Many students arrived early – athletes, band members – and we had students arrive Tuesday for the Day of Service,” said Shepherd’s Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Thomas Segar. “We had roughly 250 new students who move(d) in on Thursday. We are excited about our new facilities and hope the students are too.”

As the new students descended upon the campus for the first time, the university itself was busy planning various activities to make the college freshman quickly feel at home.

“There will be a convocation at 9 a.m. (today). We will have remarks from President (Mary) Hendrix – among others. We then end the experience by singing the alma mater. We also host an orientation for the students to meet with various student groups – like our veterans group. We also give them the opportunity to spend some time in their academic departments, getting to know the faculty,” Segar said.

According to Segar, today’s event won’t be all focused on getting to know the campus and academics.

“As part of orientation, we want students to feel connected, so tonight we will have a movie outside on Shaw Hall lawn for a screening of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2’ to help students get connected to and acquainted with, one another.

As this weekend’s events continue to unfold, Segar mentioned another event which should spark the interest of new and returning students alike.

“Close to the dining hall will be the site of our Student Organization Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. The fair will give students an opportunity to walk around and learn about the various student organizations they can take part in here,” Segar said. “Frats and sororities, student government association, along with academic and student activities-based organizations will all be present. There are roughly 50 to 60 groups who will have outside displays and sign up sheets.”

For some students, a return to Shepherd this year means the culmination of a lifetime of learning.

“I’m going to be a commuter this semester. This is my final year at Shepherd and I’m looking forward to finishing the social work program,” said Taylor Bird, a senior. “I’m going to be interning at a women’s shelter and I’m excited for the experience. I’ve also been recently diagnosed with cancer, so finishing my senior year is very significant to me.”

While freshman have already started to make the campus their new home, they won’t be the only ones wandering around for long.

“Returning students move in on Sunday and, of course, classes start on Monday,” he said.