Population Growth in Mount Olive Starts Next Week 
As University of Mount Olive Welcomes Incoming Freshmen

MOUNT OLIVE – University of Mount Olive will welcome freshmen to campus on move-in day set for Saturday, August 11.  Several churches, local businesses, alumni, faculty and staff will be on hand to make the transition as smooth as possible.  Returning students will arrive on Monday, August 13.

“As of today, we have 250 new freshmen and over 100 new transfers for the fall 2012 term,” said Tim Woodard, director of Admissions at University of Mount Olive.

“Our incoming freshman class looks to be one of our largest ever and also one of the strongest academically we have ever enrolled at University of Mount Olive.”

Woodard went on to note that the new incoming students will include 60 out-of-state students, 49 international students representing 34 different countries, and 240 North Carolina students of which 20 will be from Wayne County.

The total number of traditional students is expected to be around 900.  Of that number over half will be resident students.

As part of the “Welcome Week” there will be something planned for every day to make students feel welcome, get them acclimated to college life and connect them with their fellow classmates.  Activities and events will include: Trivia Night, a foam dance party, a magician, a cookout and a softball tournament with students competing against faculty and staff, to name a few.

“It’s a priority to have events that encourage students to truly enjoy their time spent at University of Mount Olive,” said Justin Roe, assistant director of Campus Life-Coordinator of Programs.  “We want students to feel like University of Mount Olive is their home for the next four years of their lives.  Having events on campus allows students to interact with other students, faculty, and staff.  Getting involved and coming to campus events are great ways to make them feel more at home.”

An opening Convocation will take place on Saturday, August 11 at 7:30 PM in Southern Bank Auditorium.  It will begin with a brief address by President Philip P. Kerstetter and conclude with a candlelight ceremony and singing of the University of Mount Olive Alma Mater at the Alumni Crosswalk.

On Monday there will be an Academic Majors reception where students can meet with faculty and ask questions about their areas of study.  Classes are set to begin on Tuesday, August 14.

University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville.  For more information, visit www.moc.edu.