WHEELING, WV, Aug. 31, 2009 -- Wheeling Jesuit University opened its 2009-2010 Academic Year with classes for both day and evening students Monday, Aug. 31. Over 300 first year students are on campus and join returning students to comprise a population of learners that numbers around 1,200.

The freshmen that make up the Cardinal class of 2013 includes students from 17 different states and five foreign countries, with the biggest number coming from Ohio (95), followed by West Virginia (93), Pennsylvania (34) and Maryland (18).

The average GPA for non-international students is 3.5.

The student body is led by Student Government president, senior Emma Schmidt, a pre-dental student, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry.

New students were welcomed formally with a New Student Convocation last Friday and Schmidt addressed her peers. A Pittsburgh resident, Schmidt told the new students to get involved in campus life and go outside their comfort zone.

“There is a lot to be learned about yourselves and about life in general and a lot of that learning will take place in this upcoming week and will progress through your four years here,” she said. “You will learn how to be a good friend, a diligent student, and a responsible member of the community.” (Left-to-right, professor Mary Railing is shown with student government president Emma Schmidt.)

Dr. Debra Hull also welcomed the new students and shared her thoughts on the college experience. Representing the faculty, the psychology professor encouraged the new students to help each other and to accept the helping hands of the many campus employees, students and faculty that will be there to assist them.

“So welcome to Wheeling Jesuit from the faculty. We are with you today as you take your first steps. We will be there for you along the way, extending our hands, pushing you when you need it, and cheering you on. And we will be there when you take those final steps down off the stage, diploma in hand,” Hull said.

New students may continue to register through the end of the drop/add period on Friday, Sept. 4. The university's academic year extends from Aug. 31 through Commencement, Saturday, May 15, 2010.

The campus employs 314 full or part time employees in both its university and sponsored programs and of that 83 are faculty.