Fairmont State University will host a series of events as part of the University’s Welcome Weekend, taking place Thursday, August 4 – Sunday, August 7. The aim of Welcome Weekend programming is to allow new students to become acclimated on campus prior to the first week of classes, beginning Monday, August 8.

Several events will take place over the weekend, coinciding with the University’s residence hall move in. The Welcome Weekend activities have been organized by the Office of Residential and Student Life to ease the transition into life on campus for new students. Not only are the events meant to help students relax and make friends, but there are activities designed to provide student support.

“Moving from home to college is a huge transition for students,” said Assistant Director of Student Life, Justin Rader. “Welcome Week is designed to not only introduce students to campus and allow them to meet new friends, but it is designed to provide them with resources that help them get acclimated to life as a student, so they feel confident going into their first week of classes.”

Welcome Week events will begin on Thursday, August 4 with activities taking place during the day, including a Back to School Bash and a Movie Night on the Falcon Center Quad.

Friday, August 5 will be highlighted by Convocation where members of the class of 2026 will take the academic oath. Welcome Week activities will continue throughout the evening with live music from WVAQ, a Campus Picnic and Community Resource Fair, a Foam Party with local artist DJ Costa, among several others.

On Saturday, August 6, students will have the opportunity to explore communities surrounding the University with trolley rides through Fairmont. The campus community will also come together for a Hog Roast on the Falcon Center Quad, with other activities to follow in the evening.   

Welcome Week programming will conclude on Sunday, August 8 with the University partnering with the Tygart Valley United Way to host the second annual Fairmont State Day of Action, benefitting several local United Way agencies. Students will have opportunities in the evening to unwind prior to the first day of classes on Monday with activities from Mountain Creative and lawn games during Falcon Field Day.

“We are thrilled to welcome our new and returning Falcons back to campus, along with local businesses and community partners,” said Fairmont State University Assistant Vice President of Enrollment and Student Life, Alicia Kalka. “Welcome Week provides the opportunity to acclimate our students to life on campus, but also introduce them to resources available to them throughout our local communities. Our goal through Welcome Week programming is to ensure students are prepared to succeed at their new home away from home.”

To view the full Welcome Week schedule, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/welcomeweek. For more information, contact reslife@fairmontstate.edu.