The Williams Baptist University campus is coming to life as the fall semester draws near. Classes begin at WBU on August 21, but activity is already picking up as the university prepares for a new school year.

Fall athletic teams and international students are returning to WBU this week in preparation for the fall semester. Residence hall staffers will move in this weekend to begin training and to begin preparation for freshman move-in day and Ascend Orientation, which kicks off Friday, August 17.

Fall athletic teams, which consists of cheerleaders, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s cross country, will get underway in their preseason workouts as well.

“This is the most exciting time of year for us as Williams, as we prepare to welcome all of our new students and to have our returning students back on campus. WBU exists to transform the lives of these students, so it is a blessing to prepare for another great school year,” said Dr. Jeremy Dutschke, vice president for enrollment management and student services.

Returning students will move into residence halls on Sunday, August 19.

Convocation takes place on Wednesday, August 22. The special chapel service, which will officially launch WBU as a university, is scheduled for 11 a.m. in Manley Chapel. Williams has transitioned from a college to a university over the past several months.

For a complete list of Ascend 2018 events, visit www.williamsbaptistuniversity.com.