Class of 2018 One of Largest in Meredith History

When the Class of 2018 arrived for Move-In Day, the 470 students made their mark on Meredith before classes even began. The Class of 2018 is one of the largest in Meredith’s 123 year history. And, the new class is the first to experience StrongPoints™, an innovative advising and personal coaching model that will be a defining element of the Meredith educational experience.

Through this comprehensive initiative, students will identify their strengths, and examine over the course of their four years at Meredith how those strengths can help them shape their academic options, experiential involvement outside the classroom, financial goals and the means for achieving those goals, and career options.

The Class of 2018’s StrongPoints experience began during Orientation, when they completed an assessment to identify their strengths and started learning how to apply them. StrongPoints is being infused in First Year Experience classes, workshops, and other enrichment activities throughout the fall semester and beyond.

“Through StrongPoints, students will make the most of their Meredith experience,” said StrongPoints Director Candice Webb. “It’s intended to help students identify and apply their strengths in order to be engaged in meeting their goals.”

Campus Community Provides Warm Welcome

In long-standing Meredith tradition, the campus community provided a warm welcome.

Move-In Day is special “because it is the day you meet your roommate, new friends, faculty, and staff, and feel an overwhelming welcome,” said Resident Assistant Gabrielle Hoover, ’16.

New students and their families were met with cheers as they drove along Main Campus Drive.

“When students arrive at Meredith, they are greeted by students jumping with joy, celebrating the arrival of each individual in the freshman class,” said Rebekah Gardner, ’10, residence director of Vann and Stringfield Residence Halls.

Residence Life staff, students on orientation crew, and alumnae were among those present on Move-In Day.

“Every member of the campus community is excited to welcome each new student to the Meredith family,” said Assistant Director of Alumnae Relations Halie Sue Clifton, ’11.

About the Class of 2018

Members of the Class of 2018 come from 18 states and 17 countries, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, South Korea, Liberia, Mexico, Russia, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

The Class of 2018 includes 38 Honors scholars and 28 Meredith College Teaching Fellows. Meredith welcomed more than 190 students in the IMPACT Raleigh program, which includes students from Wake County and out-of-state students who provide service and work each semester in their new home of Raleigh.

Video: Welcome to Meredith 2018:     https://youtu.be/VCPSO_lrbjs