Students descended on the Randolph-Macon College campus during Welcome Week, which took place September 1-4, 2016. The campus buzzed with activity as the newest hive of Yellow Jackets—more than 400 new freshmen—settled into their new home on September 1. President Robert R. Lindgren greeted new students, shaking their hands as they arrived at the Brock Sports & Recreation Center to check in.

Welcome Week included a host of activities and special events for all students. More than 1,440 Yellow Jackets (including 40 transfer students) began classes on Monday, September 5. This is the second consecutive year that enrollment has exceeded 1,400 at Randolph-Macon College.

Photos: Welcome Week

A Host of Activities
Students met with their academic advisors, attended a session on the Academic Integrity Code, were introduced to services offered by The Edge Career Center and had breakfast with Orientation Leaders. They also attended a cookout and a library orientation, and they met with resident assistants. In addition, students participated in Play Fair, an interactive presentation filled with fun teambuilding exercises, and Olympics, field games led by Orientation Leaders.

Getting The Edge
A Randolph-Macon education begins with students’ futures in mind. Yellow Jackets learned about The Edge, a comprehensive, four-year program that focuses on personal and academic development and provides graduates with a competitive advantage when competing for jobs and top graduate schools. The Edge also offers students the opportunity to connect with business leaders and the college’s alumni network and provides a wealth of internships throughout the year.

“We held a hands-on workshop in which students were introduced to The Edge, learned about our assessment tool—called Focus 2—and took their first assessment,” says Cindy Szadokierski ’81, executive director of The Edge. “They also learned how to navigate The Edge Career Connector, which is another tool to help students write résumés, make appointments with us, and find jobs and internships.”Staff from The Edge met with all freshmen on September 2 in Blackwell Auditorium, RMC Center for the Performing Arts.  

Legacy Students
Seven percent of the new students are Legacy Freshmen—Yellow Jackets with family members who are either current students at RMC or who are alumni of the college. The Alumni Office, which supports the Legacy Program, welcomed the Legacy Freshmen with special “goodie bags” when they arrived on campus. Included in each bag was an invitation to attend a Legacy Tailgate Luncheon, which will be held October 8 during Family Weekend.

Macon Movers
Macon Movers—a team of current students, plus faculty and staff—helped new students move in by toting boxes, setting up rooms, and extending a warm Randolph-Macon welcome. Clad in hot pink T-shirts, Macon Movers helped make the move-in process seamless.

“Macon Movers are a terrific resource,” says Pat Reape, director of RMC’s Residence Life. Volunteers greeted families, hauled boxes, and helped students get acquainted with their new surroundings. “Adjusting to college life can be a little daunting, but with the help of Macon Movers, our newest Yellow Jackets quickly realized that they’re part of a tight-knit, welcoming community,” says Reape.

Technology Support
Also on hand were Get Connected teams—tech-savvy RMC students who helped Yellow Jackets connect their devices to the college network.

“Get Connected members are our student techs,” says Christine Pimblett, service desk lead in the ITS Department. “They are trained by ITS staff to assist students with their technology needs—from getting their computers on the network to installing software.”  The team is comprised of 11 students, from various majors, who applied for a position on the team.

This year’s team leaders are Dorie Parry ’19, Helen McKinley ’18, Brennan Retzer ’18 and Ebony Holmes ’17. “The team members have an interest in technology and in helping their classmates,” says Pimblett. “They are a dedicated group that spent many, many hours ensuring that their classmates got connected and stayed connected.”

International Students
RMC has a vibrant international-student community, and on September 1, 13 new international students were welcomed at a reception in the Trustees Room. The students—who hail from all over the globe, including Ghana, Indonesia, and Armenia—were welcomed by current students, and by staff, faculty, and President Lindgren.

A Randolph-Macon Tradition
On September 4, new students attended the Matriculation Ceremony, one of the longest-standing traditions at RMC. The ceremony began with the processional of the platform party, which included President Lindgren, Provost William T. Franz and Faculty Marshals. The purpose of the ceremony is to administer the Pledge of Academic Integrity to all entering students. Upon completion of the oaths, new students officially became members of the Randolph-Macon College campus and community.

Bardwell Leadership Summit
Prior to Welcome Week, more than 120 RMC student leaders attended the Bardwell Leadership Summit. Held on September 29 in Brock Commons, the Summit is named in honor of Rodney Bardwell, former director of Residence Life and Housing.

Leadership development is a vital part of the Randolph-Macon College experience. The Student Leadership Conference, the Leadership Fellows program, Leadership Week, and numerous other programs help prepare students to be the leaders of tomorrow. James McGhee Jr., assistant dean of students, says the Summit provided training to student leaders who play important roles in the life of the college.

“Participants actively and thoughtfully engaged with a number of topics that will make them better student leaders and/or paraprofessional staff,” says McGhee. Student-leaders attended 10 presentations, including Academic Concerns and How to Intervene (presented by Lauren Bell, dean of academic affairs and political science professor; and Susan Parker, associate dean and psychology professor).