Mars Hill University Welcomes Largest Freshman Class Since 2017

August 22, 2024

Nearly 500 new students are enrolled at Mars Hill University for the fall 2024 semester, including the university’s largest class of first-year students since 2017. Those students began arriving today for Roar New Student Orientation, getting student identification cards made, completing medical and financial aid forms, and accomplishing other check-in needs before moving into their residence halls.

On First-Year Hill, the section of campus with residence halls housing primarily first-year students, there was a steady flow of traffic as students arrived at staggered intervals throughout the morning and early afternoon. They unloaded cars, trucks, and trailers full of the students’ belongings, which family members and student, staff, and faculty volunteers helped carry into the rooms.

The university drum line and spirit team helped build excitement during Roar’s opening session in Moore Auditorium, before Mars Hill President Tony Floyd led the first-year class on the traditional March Through the Arch. The students, gathered around the flags of their orientation weekend groups, accompanied Floyd on the walk under the historic arch which spans College Street.

Following a tearful scene as families said goodbye to their students and departed campus, the first-year students moved on to the rest of orientation weekend, which culminates Monday evening with the university’s Opening Convocation at 6:30 p.m. in Moore Auditorium. Continuing students will return to campus on Sunday, with fall semester classes beginning at 8 a.m. Tuesday, August 27.