Freshmen begin walk "Through the Archway"
More than 800 new freshmen at WSSU know what it means to be a Ram, thanks to a new orientation program, RAMDITION. The class of 2013 was the first to be introduced to the new initiative inspired by University College (UC) Aug. 15-22.
The name of the program is derived from the word tradition. The aim is to instill Ram pride and tradition into the new arrivals. Did it ever.
UC did its homework in coming up with the new concept. “A review of student surveys from previous years indicated a need for review of the orientation and Prep Week events,” says Michelle Releford, dean of UC. “In October of 2008, we convened a group of staff from across the University who identified their mission as the creation of a premier first days experience that would empower, inspire, engage, and motivate our new students. Additionally, it was decided that there was a need to cultivate an appreciation for WSSU’s great traditions; thus, the term RAMDITION was coined.”
Under the theme, “RAMDITION: Connecting to Our Legacy, Discovering Your Future,” students began their experience on Sunday, August 16 with the Chancellor’s Opening Assembly. They were introduced to members of his administrative staff and received their charge from Chancellor Reaves. At the end of the program students exited K.R. Williams Auditorium with their assigned Legacy Leaders-students who were especially trained to serve as their guides over the coming week.
Freshmen take the Ram oath.
During the initial three days of the program, students attended any one of 12 courses and two assessments. These courses included everything from “How to Make a Dollar Holla” to “Citizenship in the Ram Nation.” Students also attended evening activities such as tours of the city, visits to the mall, movies, and skating at a local rink. Campus activities included Zumba, Ramcade, Beach Ball Swim, and a host of other activities.
On Thursday, August 20, students participated in “Through the Archway: A Rite of Passage.” The morning began with a student processional through stone arches erected on the campus in the 1930s in honor of WSSU’s founder’s wife, Oleona Pegram Atkins. Ladies received lockets engraved with the university’s initials and men received red ties. These gifts were made possible through a financial gift from the WSSU Board of Visitors. The ladies received one long-stem red rose as well. Members
Dreambuilders, Inc. CEO, Kenston Griffin, makes a point during Ramdition keynote address.
from the local Links, Inc. and the Kappa Alpha Psi, graduate chapter also provided ceremonial assistance to ready students for the processional. The speaker for the day’s ceremony was Kenston Griffin, CEO of Dreambuilders, Inc.
Later that evening, the first Star Time Review, a freshmen talent show, rocked a near capacity crowd in Williams Auditorium.
Friday, students picked up test books, identified where their classes were scheduled, secured their tickets and T-shirts for Saturday’s RamGras, a Mardi Gras-styled festival event, and prepared for the Ram Jam, sponsored by student activities, on Friday night. Saturday morning, the RamGras festivities began as funnel cake, cotton candy, and ice cream trucks pulled onto campus. Thanks to Aramark Dining Services, the Mardi Gras-styled event was complete with shrimp po-boy and fried chicken wraps.
Freshmen having big fun during RamGras.
Over the course of the week, UC gave away five computers thanks to Donna Oldham of Dell, Inc., who contributed four computers and Damon Scott, director of dining services with Aramark, who also contributed a computer.
“We wanted to create a premier first-days experience,” said Releford. “I think we succeeded.”
