The University of Mount Olive Prepares for the New Academic Year
The University of Mount Olive Prepares for the New Academic Year
MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive is busy getting ready for the start of its first fall semester as a University. According to Vice President for Enrollment Dr. Barbara Kornegay, the University is expecting more than 960 traditional students this fall, which is an increase of about 30 students over last year. This number does not include the nearly 3,400 students who will be enrolled at the University’s eight locations in Mount Olive, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Jacksonville, New Bern, Wilmington, Washington, the Research Triangle Park, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College.
“With the onset of university status and the start of the MBA program, our enrollment picture at our eight locations and through our online programs has become very diversified,” Kornegay states. “I am delighted that record numbers of students are enrolling in our educational programs. Importantly, this demonstrates both relevance and affordability.”
Other advantages of the University of Mount Olive are its small campus atmosphere, the personal attention students receive from the University’s faculty and staff, and the availability for students to compete in 20 NCAA Division II athletics teams.
The University is expecting an incoming class of over 350 new traditional students at its campus in Mount Olive, with nearly three-quarters of them being resident students. On campus resident population is expected to reach a record level this fall.
Freshmen move-in is scheduled for Saturday, August 16. Several churches, local businesses and alumni will be on hand to make the transition as smooth as possible.
All incoming students will have the opportunity to participate in “Welcome Week.” “Welcome Week is designed to help new students get acclimated and connected to college life here at the University of Mount Olive,” said Meg Dutnell, director of Campus Life.
There are many special activities and events planned that provide intentional opportunities for new students to have their questions answered, meet their fellow classmates, introduce them to university traditions, and to have lots of fun! Some of the activities that are a part of Welcome Week are small group sessions led by orientation leaders, the class of 2018 picture, Convocation and the Candlelight Ceremony, as well as Trivia, the Annual Foam Party, and more.
“We want our students to feel connected to the University of Mount Olive, so it is a priority that we schedule weekly events to encourage involvement on campus,” said Emily Schneider, director of Student Activities. “These events allow students to not only interact with each other, but with faculty and staff members as well to help them build a sense of community. Students will be spending the majority of the next four years here on campus, and with our wide range of events scheduled; we think it will start to make them feel at home in no time.”
An opening Convocation will take place on Saturday, August 16, at 7:30 PM. It will begin with a brief address by University President Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter and conclude with a candlelight ceremony and singing of the Alma Mater.
Returning students will arrive on Monday, August 18 and classes begin on Tuesday, August 19.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College. For more information, visit old.umo.edu.