The University of Olivet welcomed one of its largest entering classes in the last decade, as more than 400 new students arrived to campus for Move-In Day Aug. 26.
“As this year’s incoming class proves, The University of Olivet is a place where students want to be, live and learn,” said Tim Johnston, vice president for admissions and marketing. “Students and their families value the immersive, relationships-based educational experience The University of Olivet provides, and this new class is a true reflection of the great college we are. We are excited to have them as the newest members of the OC family!”
The University of Olivet is known for educating one of the most diverse student bodies in the state of Michigan, and this year’s entering class is no different in their demographics. Thirty percent are students of color, while 60 percent are males and 40 percent are females; 9 percent come from out-of-state, including California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin; and 2 percent are international students from Canada, Greece and the United Kingdom. Of the college’s 32 majors, biology with a pre-medical concentration, business administration, criminal justice and exercise science have drawn the largest number of incoming students.
True to its historic mission and vision, The University of Olivet provides an opportunity to students from all walks of life to earn a college degree. Every student, regardless of socioeconomic circumstances, receives some form of internal financial aid, with the average award for the fall 2016 entering class totaling $25,924.
The college’s Welcome Week kicked off with Move-In Day for the new class, with faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and students taking the day to move boxes, answer questions and greet families as they arrived to the dormitories. After the physical activity was complete, a welcome ceremony was held in the College Square. “Today in our ceremony of transition, we officially welcome you as members of the The University of Olivet family,” said Maria Davis, Ph.D., provost and dean of the college. “We will rejoice with your families of origin and expand the circle of those who care for you, who will guide you, encourage you, support you and pray for you. You are not leaving your family today, but instead, making it much larger.”
As the celebration continued, second-year students who made the transition to The University of Olivet last year spoke about the one-on-one relationships they receive from their professors and staff. Jalen Ewing, a sophomore from Detroit, remarked on the challenges that come with being a first-year student, and how Olivet helped him overcome those challenges. “It’s tough having a lot thrown at you at one time,” he said. “There was a point when I thought this wasn’t for me. But I kept my positive energy up and talked to some good people. I used my resources – the tutors, I stayed after class and got to know all my professors – I used the help that was given to me and I doubled my GPA.”
Welcome Week continues with Night on the Town, held in conjunction with the Olivet Chamber of Commerce, Monday, Aug. 29. Classes start Tuesday, Aug. 30, and the President’s Opening Convocation and Stand-Up will be held Wednesday, Aug. 31. Check out the complete schedule of events.
To learn more about The University of Olivet, check out the OC website or call 800.456.7189.