Classes begin on Monday at Ohio University Southern and, on Thursday, the new student body got a chance to take in the school.

The fall convocation took place, giving students a small tour of the campus and a chance to hear from leaders in the school faculty.

The keynote speaker for the event was Candace Crawford Morris, who serves as associate vice provost for instructional information at the school.

“Going to college isn’t only about gaining a specific skillset,” she said. “Hopefully, it helps transform you as a person by expanding your breadth of knowledge, while challenging your beliefs and assumptions and encouraging you to think critically.”

Sarah Diamond Burroway, director of external communications for the school, said that there were 140 students who had RSVP’d for the event.

“This includes both new and transfer students,” she said.

Ashlee Blankenship is an education major and serves as a student ambassador, tutor and mentor.

“It’s a really great event,” she said of the convocation. “The students get to mingle with each other and get to know the campus. It’s a good opening to start school.”

Following the speakers, the students were treated to a cookout and a party on the plaza.