University News

President Al Goldfarb, Provost Jack Thomas (front right) and Goldfarb's son Jason (back right) talk with parents during move-in at Thompson Hall.
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Family time...and is my room in that mirror?
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All right! Next for the elevator. President Goldfarb helps families pass the time.
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Mom and Dad have to study, too.
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After move-in, President Goldfarb addresses students and families at the New Student Convocation.
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WIU vocal majors introduce new students to the Alma Mater, "Western Loyalty," at the New Student Convocation.
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We're here to serve! It's Provost Jack Thomas scooping ice cream and President Al Goldfarb adding the toppings and serving at the First Fun Night. Down the line is Vice President for Administrative Services Jackie Thompson and Vice President for Advancement and Public Services Dan Hendricks serving students.
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Who are those caricatures?
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WIU's 2008 Fall Semester in Gear

August 25, 2008

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MACOMB, IL - - More than 3,500 students moved into Western Illinois University's residence halls Aug. 22-23, bringing the total of on-campus residents to more than 4,400 for Fall 2008 semester, which begins today, Monday, Aug. 25.

President Al Goldfarb and senior level administrators were at the halls on Saturday to personally welcome and assist new students and their families with the transition to Western.

The 5:30 p.m. Saturday New Student Convocation for students and families served as a formal welcome and also underscored the academic expectations and challenges students will encounter at Western. Students were also introduced to some traditions, including the Alma Mater ("Western Loyalty") and the Fight Song ("We're Marching On"), while Western Illinois Provost and Academic Vice President Jack Thomas led the brief program that included welcomes from Western's Board of Trustees Chair Steven L. Nelson, WIU-Macomb Student Government Association President Robert Dulski (Niles, IL) and WIU's 2008 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Michael Romano, a professor of biological sciences. President Goldfarb offered remarks to the new students and their families.

An all-campus picnic followed the Convocation; and new students and their families enjoyed the First Night Fun event on Vince Grady Field, which included entertainment, food, rides and games.

Western's student services division continues with new student orientation programming through Friday, Sept. 12. The orientation schedule is available at sdo.wiu.edu/orientation/schedule/page0.asp

In addition, all incoming freshmen are part of Western's noted First Year Experience (FYE) program, which is designed to help students transition from high school to college through individualized attention from faculty and peer mentors in FYE classes; introduction to campus resources and effective study skills; and social group activities. Western's FYE program received a Best Practice Initiative by the Illinois Board of Higher Education in 2006.

Take a look at some of move-in, Convocation, picnic and First Night moments captured by University Visual Productions Center photographers at http://photos.wiu.edu/lightbox. On the "Category" list, click on "Student Life" for view First Night Fun Carnival and Move-In Fall 2008. Click on the "Administration" category and "Student Services" to view New Student Convocation and Picnic (file 08 75 .4848).

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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