WSSU welcomes the class of 2022
The anticipation is building as Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) prepares to welcome nearly 950 freshmen for Ramdition, a weeklong orientation.
Here’s what to expect.
New residence hall opens
Nearly 300 freshmen will make history on Friday, Aug. 10, becoming the first to move into H. Douglas Covington Hall, the $24 million living/learning community that was completed this summer.
Named for a former chancellor, the residence hall will help to alleviate the demand for on-campus housing. The five-story building features rooms grouped in pods with shared space for study and social interaction, and multiple common areas to encourage student interaction, academic activities, and co-curricular events. This is the first new residence hall since Martin-Schexnider in 2014.
Freshman move-in will continue on Saturday, Aug. 11.
Ramdition – Archway to Discovery
Ramdition gets under way with the Welcome Session on Sunday, Aug. 12. During the week, students will meet members of the university’s administration and be placed in groups, each led by student legacy leaders.
The event features a new theme, “Ramdition – Archway to Discovery.”
“Throughout the week, our new Rams will have an up-close and personal opportunity to interact with our campus leaders,” said Dr. Stephanie Dance-Barnes, interim dean of University College and Lifelong Learning (UCaLL). “During these exchanges, freshmen will be encouraged to find their own voice and feel empowered to control their own academic journeys.”
Dance-Barnes said there are a number of new activities on the 2018 Ramdition schedule, including:
- Archway to Discovery Academic Fair, which will feature representatives from more than two dozen academic departments and programs, on Monday, Aug. 13.
- The Innovation and Civic Engagement Project, where students will be presented with a social justice issue and asked to come up with an innovative approach to addressing it. Group projects will be displayed during an expo on Thursday, Aug. 16.
- Four new sessions facilitated by campus leadership.
Ramdition also will focus on wellness with the second Annual Ramdition 2K Wellness Walk and Glow Party on Wednesday, Aug. 15, and a session on health and social responsibilities.
Ramdition concludes on Saturday, Aug. 18, with Through the Archway. The ceremony, a tradition since 2009, begins with a processional, led by the sophomore class, the Student Government Association and Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson. Students will walk through the university’s historic arches, symbolizing their transition from “lambs to Rams.” Along the processional route, students will be greeted by faculty, staff, administration, alumni and their families.
Through the Archway will be followed by Meet the Rams, an opportunity to meet the student-athletes participating in fall sports. The free community event also will include performances by the Red Sea of Sound marching band and the WSSU Powerhouse of Red and White cheerleaders.
Class of 2022 – At a Glance:
- Number of students: 950
- Percent in-state: 91 percent
- Number of North Carolina counties of residence: 77
- Top three counties of residence: Forsyth, Guilford, and Mecklenburg
- Top five high schools: Mallard Creek High (Charlotte), Phillip O. Berry Academy (Charlotte), North Mecklenburg (Charlotte), James B. Dudley High (Greensboro) and Hillside High (Durham)
The freshman class is expected to be near the same size as the class of 2016, which was the largest class since 2008.
New Rams also include 475 transfer students.
WSSU’s enrollment services also is reporting for fall:
- A 24 percent increase in admits to the RN to BSN program (fall 2018 vs. previous year). The program is for registered nurses who are ready to pursue their baccalaureate degree in nursing.
- An 18 percent increase in graduate and professional program registration (fall 2018 vs. previous year).
Fall classes at WSSU start on Monday, Aug. 20.
About Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem State University fosters the creative thinking, analytical problem-solving, and depth of character needed to transform the world. Rooted in liberal education, WSSU’s curriculum prepares students to be thought leaders who have the skills and knowledge needed to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. Founded in 1892, WSSU is a historically Black constituent institution of the University of North Carolina with a rich tradition of contributing to the social, cultural, intellectual, and economic growth of North Carolina, the region and beyond. Guided by the motto, “Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve,” WSSU develops leaders who advance social justice by serving the world with compassion and commitment.
