Williams College Class of 2017 to Arrive; First Days Begin August 26

Media contact: Noelle Lemoine, communications assistant; tele: (413) 597-4277; email: [email protected]

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass., August 20, 2013—The 272 women and 274 men who make up the Williams College Class of 2017 will arrive on campus on August 26 for First Days, their official orientation to the college.

The tradition of First Days introduces first-year students to the college and its resources. Students have the opportunity to meet their academic advisors, learn about academic departments, get to know the campus, and take placement exams and the mandatory swimming test. In between the scheduled events, students will settle in to their dorms and get to know their classmates.

Over Labor Day weekend, first-year students will participate in EphVentures, a program designed to enhance students’ orientation experience, provide them with opportunities to build lasting friendships, and help them develop an appreciation for the campus and community. Students can choose from various programs that would have them doing community service, investigating cross-cultural interests, experiencing arts and culture, or exploring the natural beauty of the area. Then on Sunday, Sept. 1, students return to campus to participate in Williams Reads, for which each student received a copy of the novel Crescent, by Diana Abu-Jaber, over the summer. Faculty-led conversations about the book provide an introduction to the intellectual life at Williams.

“This is an exciting moment,” says Sarah Bolton, Dean of the College and professor of physics. “Students gather from so many different communities all over the country and all over the world, and they start to create anew the community that is Williams. We expect these students will change this place during their time here, leaving it stronger for the next class. I look forward to starting that work with them right away, as we come together during First Days.”

Six thousand eight hundred and fifty three students applied for the Class of 2017, and by all standard measures of academic talent, including test scores and academic performance, this year’s entering class is extremely impressive. SATs for the cohort averaged 718 on the verbal test and 712 on math. The class is also diverse. Thirty-seven percent of students in the incoming class are U.S. students of color, and nearly 7 percent are international students. The 546 students in this year’s class come from 42 states and represent 48 foreign countries.

The full schedule of First Days is available at http://new-ephs.williams.edu/first-days/first-days-2013/ .

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For building locations on the Williams campus, please consult the map outside the driveway entrance to the Security Office located in Hopkins Hall on Main Street (Rte. 2), next to the Thompson Memorial Chapel, or call the Office of Communications (413) 597-4277. The map can also be found on the web at www.williams.edu/map
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