For first-generation college student Cam’Ron Allen, finding an institution that understood his needs while lending an open ear and a helping hand was imperative to selecting the school where he would call home for the next four years.
“Being a first-generation college student, it was hard to figure out the whole labyrinth of all this college stuff I’m supposed to do and all this paperwork I’m supposed to fill out,” said Allen, now a senior criminal justice student at Fairmont State University. “But Fairmont State had its doors right open for me; they offered me Promise Beyond and several other scholarships, giving me opportunities that nobody else could.”
To help other prospective students and their families better understand the college-decision process while acquainting them with the University’s offerings, Fairmont State will host Maroon and White Week, a virtual open house event, from April 11 – 17.
“The goal of Maroon and White Week is to provide a springboard for students, parents and others to learn more about their future here at Fairmont State, and to have a whole host of information sessions available at their fingertips,” said Chris Sharps, Senior Director of Recruitment. “One of the biggest reasons we hear from students and parents alike as to why they chose Fairmont State is small class sizes and direct contact with their teacher-mentors. Our classes aren’t filled with hundreds of students – the professors know their students by name.”
The event kicks off at 6 p.m. this Sunday, April 11, with an introductory session to the week’s programming. Each day, representatives of Fairmont State’s faculty, staff and student body will provide informational sessions and panels on topics such as admissions, financial aid, housing, student services and more. Attendees will also have the option to attend academic presentations representing more than 80 programs of study, learn more details surrounding campus safety and institutional COVID-19 response measures and participate in a virtual campus tour. Each of the University’s individual colleges and schools will be featured throughout the week, including the School of Education, Health and Human Performance, College of Liberal Arts, School of Business and Aviation, College of Science and Technology and the School of Nursing.
“Many families don’t fully understand the value of a college degree,” said Mirta M. Martin, Fairmont State University President. “Maroon and White Week explains that, and answers other questions prospective students and their families might have, like how to pay for school and what to major in. They’ll get the inside information firsthand from the people who know best – the faculty, staff and students who make this place so very special.”
Maroon and White Week offers high school, transfer and international students, as well as adult learners, the ability to customize their individual schedules and choose sessions based on their unique interests. To register or view the event schedule, including a full list of informational sessions and panels, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/MWVisitation.
Fairmont State University’s cozy, tree-filled hilltop campus is located in Fairmont, along the state’s growing high technology corridor. Fairmont State is a comprehensive, student-centered, state-supported institution offering 41 degree programs and over 90 programs of study in the arts and sciences, engineering and technology, teacher education, nursing and business administration. The institution is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
