GREENVILLE, Pa. – Thiel College begins its 140th academic year next week when members of the class of 2010 arrive on campus for orientation activities.

Approximately 440 new students will join the student body this year when classes resume on Aug. 28, said Thiel College President and CEO Dr. Lance A. Masters. 

“The number is somewhat uncertain due to the large number of pending visas for an expected record number of new international students,” Masters said.  The college has planned for a similar total enrollment to last year’s near-record count of about 1,250. 

About 360 new freshmen will be welcomed at the annual matriculation ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24 in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center.  Masters is to host the ceremony and join faculty and staff in welcoming the new students, parents and friends. 

Dr. W. Jeffrey Welsh, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, and Roseanne Gill-Jacobson, vice president for student engagement and success and dean of students, will also address the students. 

During the opening convocation ceremony students will sign the academic honor code, a statement of intent that students will abide by the academic requirements and regulations at the college.

A gala for new students and their families will follow the ceremony on the Howard Miller Student Center terrace and lawn.