Meredith Welcomes Class of 2024

As with many events during 2020, Move-In for Meredith College took on a different look this year. One major difference was that members of the Class of 2024 moved in over three days, August 11-13, rather than on one day.

Still, new students and their families were able to drive into campus through a traditional Meredith balloon arch, and were greeted by the Orientation crew.

Student leaders are looking forward to the new year.

“To the class of 2024, we are so excited for you to be a part of the Meredith community,” said Meredith Student Government Association President Naomi Hill, ’21. “To all of our other students returning, we are looking forward to this semester. I know it may not have been what you imagined but despite its challenges, this year will be a great one.”

This fall, Meredith is offering a mix of face-to-face, online, and hybrid courses. The College has invested in technology to help ensure students receive a well-designed, engaging experience regardless of course format. After a spring semester that ended remotely, College leaders are pleased to welcome all students back for a new academic year, no matter which learning format the students have chosen.

“We are excited about having you at Meredith and we’re glad to welcome you in whatever format you are joining us” said President Jo Allen, ’80. “Even though things look different and feel different for us all, we’re here very much in support of you.”

Resources for Success
New Student Orientation 2020 was held August 14-16 and was virtual this year. Students accessed the virtual Orientation platform through MC Connect and participated in educational and social programming through pre-recorded video, Zoom meetings, and Zoom webinars.

“This year’s theme, “Growing Together” reflects these uncertain times the Meredith College community is navigating together,” said First Year Experience Co-Director Holly Weakland. “Through our challenges, constant adjustment of health and safety practices, changes to our daily work flow, and overall disruption to our “normal” lives, it is our hope we will grow together as a community.”

FYE classes are one of the places where students will encounter StrongPoints, Meredith’s strengths-based advising and personal coaching program. And for all students, StrongPoints staff are available to talk with students (virtually for now) about the ways their strengths can point them towards success.  StrongPoints is now on Handshake, so students may schedule appointments there.

StrongPoints Director Candice Webb encourages students to call on their strengths as the new academic year begins.

“Our strengths are tools to help us achieve success, and they’re always with us,” said Webb. “When students are face to face with an obstacle or a challenge, and they need solutions and strategies to overcome an obstacle or challenge, I encourage them to make an intentional effort to recall their strengths and look for ways to apply their strengths to help them move forward.”

Read a Q&A with Meredith’s Residence Life Director about Living at Meredith this fall

Early Connections with Alumnae
Alumnae Association President Quintala Parham, ‘08, sent greetings on behalf of alumnae to the newest members of the Meredith community.

“I would like to send you this very heartfelt welcome to Meredith College,” Parham said. “I am very excited that you are now a Meredith Angel and I pray that your experiences will be all that you hope and aspire them to be. I wish you all much success and I am so very happy that each of you are now students at Meredith College.”

While the Meredith Alumnae Association was unable to help with Move-In Day in person this year as they usually do, alumnae have found a new way to support the incoming class through an online Adopt a Freshman Program.

“Overwhelmingly, our alumnae have been excited to welcome the Class of 2024 to Meredith. Alumnae ranging from the ’70’s to our newest alumnae from the Class of 2020 are participating in the Adopt a Freshman Program,” said Director of Alumnae Relations Hilary Allen, ’01.  “The Adopt a Freshman Program has allowed so many alumnae to form meaningful connections with members of the Class of 2024 from across the country. This program has shown members of the Class of 2024 our alumnae can continue to offer words of support, welcome, encouragement, advice, even if virtually.”

Allen hopes that the program leads to lasting friendships.

“Aside from these initial connections and opportunities to welcome our new students, I hope we will be able to continue to foster these connections between our alumnae and students throughout the academic year,” Allen said.