Established Wheeling University students help new students move onto campus Friday. (Photo Provided)

WHEELING — Wheeling University welcomed the second-largest class in the past decade, more than 300 new students, to campus on Friday.

The university will begin the academic year with a nearly 10% jump in total enrollment, according to WU. The new students have come to Wheeling from 30 states or U.S. territories, as well as 40 countries around the world.

Jennifer Board, vice president of enrollment, believes working with faculty, coaches, and administration has been the key to the admissions team’s success this year.

“The growth of the university can be directly tied to our energetic president and board of trustees, as well as our dedicated faculty, staff, and coaches,” Board said.

Wheeling University President Dianna Vargo offered her gratitude to the faculty, staff, and administration for their hard work in recruiting our new class.

“We can attribute the growth in enrollment to our dedicated faculty, coaches, staff, and administration who worked with the Office of Enrollment,” Vargo said. “We are excited to welcome our new students on the beautiful campus of Wheeling University.”

During Friday evening’s New Student Convocation, faculty and administration formally accepted the class into the university’s learning community. The convocation marks the start of the Wheeling University academic year.

On Saturday, all new students will participate in the university’s annual Make a Difference Day, where the new students undertake service projects around the campus and throughout the city of Wheeling. The students will be working at the various locations around Wheeling and on Wheeling’s campus.

Students and faculty will notice upgrades including a new state-of-the-art computer lab and other classrooms as well.

Wheeling University begins classes on Monday.