Randolph-Macon College is welcoming 468 new Yellow Jackets to campus as a part of the Class of 2026, one of the largest and most diverse classes in the College’s history.

The Class of 2026 is made up of 424 first-year students and 44 transfers, hailing from 19 different states, and traveling from as far away as Australia. The class also includes a student who comes from Ukraine.

The newly-minted Yellow Jackets moved onto campus on Thursday, September 1, the beginning of a Welcome Week filled with programming to acclimate the students to the RMC community. These activities provide students the opportunity to bond with their Captains,  student leaders who serve as year-long sources of support for new students during the transitions. They shared these activities with their “crews,” the small groups of students who share the same Captain.

Between ice cream socials, video game tournaments, foam dance parties, and college success workshops, RMC students have plenty of chances to get active, get involved, and get to know their fellow Yellow Jackets.

Among the many RMC traditions taking place during Welcome Week, one of the longest-standing is the Matriculation Ceremony where the Pledge of Academic Integrity is administered to all entering students. Upon completion of the oaths, new students are officially members of the RMC community and gather on Fountain Plaza for pictures.

Of the 468-person class, 27% are students of color, the highest rate in the school’s history and a manifestation of the College’s continued efforts to expand its academic mission to historically underserved communities. Additionally, 25% of the Class of 2026 are first-generation college students.

The newest Yellow Jackets are strong academically, boasting a 3.71 average weighted GPA, including a 4.04 average for the top 25% of the class. Impressive in and outside of the classroom, 35.6% of the Class of 2026 are student-athletes.

The top intended major for incoming students is Business (80), followed by Nursing (40) and Psychology (34).