The relative quiet of a collegiate summer comes to an end today as new students arrive on campus.  Returning students arrive Monday; classes being Tuesday.  For the past week, the campus has been abuzz with preparations for the start of the new academic year. Among them are physical preparations: being sure residence halls and classrooms are ready, attending to the grounds, checking technology, reconfiguring library resources and more.

One of the greatest indicators of the approaching start of the year is meetings.  Faculty and staff met regarding curriculum development, preparations for an institutional self-study necessary for accreditation, and establishing the process for an EPA environmental impact study.  

Faculty have put the finishing touches on syllabi and other arrangements for classes. Student leaders arrived early to help plan orientation week activities and to arrange a full semester of fun, service, and religious life activities.

Despite solid preparations, there always is a level of anxiety.  New students are anxious about what it will be like to be at college. Faculty wonder how seriously students will address their studies.  Administrators and staff reflect on how effective the support systems such as student activities and fundraising will be.  

Monday will be an important day. While there are no classes, a wonderful learning experience will occur.  All first-year students — and some returning ones — will spend the greater part of the day rafting down the Hiwassee River.  In addition to a time for fun, the river ride is the opportunity for students to get to know one another and to begin learning about the community of friends and scholars of which they will be a part for the coming years of study.

Our mission is clear: Hiwassee College, founded in 1849 and associated with the United Methodist Church, is a liberal arts, residential institution of higher education, providing quality education for all students in an atmosphere that promotes intellectual pursuit, spiritual growth, and social and personal responsibility. 

The expression of that mission takes on new energy each year at this time. We look forward to an academic year that will challenge, inform, and encourage students to grow and discover their intellectual gifts and their vocational call.  This has been Hiwassee’s mission for 159 years; it is our mission today. 

Hiwassee College.  We are here today.  We will be here tomorrow.  We are here to stay.