Brenau University welcomed its freshman class of 2026 beginning August 24 for the start of their orientation weekend.
Classes begin Monday, August 29.
According to the Dean of Student Life and Leadership, Holly Taylor, the weekend is full of fun activities and traditions to welcome the students onto campus. She said she was most excited about Saturday’s Back to School Bash.
“There will be a waterslide, there will be some yard games, there will be a DJ for dancing, cotton candy, all kinds of fun stuff,” Taylor said.
Wendy Eck, the Admissions Event Coordinator, said that they were excited to have more students coming to live on campus following the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m looking forward to building a community again,” Tosin John, a second-time Resident Assistant for the freshman dorms said.
John said it was hard trying to get people together during the previous school year because people were not used to being out together. Payton Hicks, a junior and peer mentor, said she first moved during the COVID pandemic. For Hicks, it was hard to build a community.
However, the majority of the incoming freshman are ready to start building communities and making their mark.
“I'm excited to have a lot of new friends and being independent on my own and everything,” incoming freshman, Eleanor Lee said.
Taylor, who started working as the Dean of Student Life and Leadership this academic year, was excited to meet all the students.
“I want to learn how I could advocate for them how I can support them how we can share them on in their journey to graduation,” Taylor said.
Taylor said the best part about working in higher education is helping students settle in. She wanted to work on providing opportunities for students to learn how to become more independent.
“I love this time of year,” she said.
