Brianna Wallen
News Editor
photo | Brianna Wallen
Interim President Dwayne Smith and students assisting with move in.
As the summer wrapped up, it was time for the launch of a new fall semester. On Aug. 24, the class of 2028 spread their wings onto campus.
At “New Owl Convocation”, the university welcomed 1,136 students for the class of 2028, resulting in a 2.48% increase in enrollment from last fall.
594 of the new Owls are first-generation college students and 55% of the incoming class are students of color.
For full-time undergraduate students, there are roughly 5,573 Owls at the university.
The add/drop deadline has been extended to Sep. 9.
According to Alicia Carroll who works for the registrar office, Faculty Senate extended and improved the add/drop in the spring of 2024`.
“This policy change will greatly enhance students’ academic experience at Southern by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and giving them greater flexibility in managing their course schedules,” Carroll said.
By simplifying the process for adding and dropping courses, students can better tailor their academic journey without unnecessary barriers while positively impacting their academic record and overall experience.”
Starting from 9 a.m., the freshman halls, Chase Hall, Farnham Hall, Wilkinson Hall, Hickerson Hall and Neff Hall welcomed the new class.
Many freshmen packed their lives and memories from home with them in storage containers and bags. Volunteers from various fall sports teams loaded their items into bins and wheeled them into their respective halls to make the move-in process easier.
Marketing major Tony Salerno, a freshman who moved into Chase Hall, said his move-in experience went smoothly.
Salerno said. “I met my RAs, and I like it here so far.”
Computer science major Renei Hester, a freshman, said that departing from her parents was a “bittersweet moment.”
“I now have the ability to establish myself on my own,” Hester said.
Although freshmen are away from their families, they are not alone. Interim President Dwayne Smith was making his rounds, visiting each freshman hall. From floor to floor, the president was introducing himself to the new freshmen.
“I want them to know that they have a new welcoming environment,” Smith said.
This has been a longstanding tradition for Smith. The president said that his tours are an expression of what he himself needed during his undergrad years.
“We just showed up and felt disconnected,” Smith said. “Now as an administrator, I think it’s important to establish that connection.”
Nursing major Ngam Le, a freshman, said that she is excited to create unforgettable memories.
“I am excited for the ‘New Owl Welcome Week,’ and I look forward to new experiences and meeting new people,” Le said.
Many other freshmen are also open to sparking new connections and attending events.
“In the little bit of time I’ve been here, there’s already a lot of stuff going on, so I’m looking forward to all the events,” Salerno said. “I’m also excited to meet more people in my hall and on my floor.”
With a new and exciting chapter in front of them, these freshmen have endless opportunities to meet and connect with new people.
“I’m looking forward to the ability to be involved as much as possible,” Hester said.
As the new Owls fully transition to college, the president said he hopes that the class of 2028 takes full advantage of their freshman year and the experiences they will have.
“I want them to be transformed by their experiences,” Smith said.
photo | Carly Russell
Sgt. Peter Mckoy and physical education major Elijah Lewis, a freshman, with his family.
photo | Carly Russell
Move-in team made up of students helps freshmen move into the dorm halls.
VOL. 64- ISSUE 1
