It is officially that time of the year again. Recent high school graduates are making their way to colleges and universities across the country. Three months ago, 142 seniors received degrees from Warren Wilson College. This week, 175 new students begin their academic careers in the same place. First-year students arrive Wednesday.

“It’s my pleasure to welcome the class of 2021 to campus,” said Janelle Holmboe, Warren Wilson College’s vice president for enrollment and marketing. “It’s an impressive class with students who have already started nonprofit organizations and small businesses. Some have served as club presidents, worked with organizations like Habitat for Humanity or recently completed a gap year where they hiked the Appalachian Trail.”

After settling in at their residence halls, students spend the next few days in orientation, which includes meeting with advisors and learning more about the College. The annual convocation brings the new class into the academic realm while the applied learning division connects students with their work assignments. The Center for Community Engagement takes over Thursday with the 27th annual Service Day – introducing new students to the Warren Wilson College community engagement curriculum through projects with nonprofit partners.

The class of 2021 and incoming transfer students hail from 32 states. Roughly 26 percent of the undergraduates are from North Carolina. With an average GPA of 3.6, and some as high as 4.6, the new crop of first-year and transfer students fit the definition of model Warren Wilson College students.

Warren Wilson College’s first day of class is Monday, Aug. 28.

Complete orientation schedules, a packing checklist and answers to frequently asked questions, among many other resources, are available on the new student welcome page. Visit http://warren-wilson.edu/student/welcome-new-students.