NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 9 -- Old Dominion University issued the following news release:
Most first-year students meet their new classmates in a residence hall or classroom. Forsevennew Monarchs, introductions happened around a campfire, on hiking trails and while navigating whitewater rapids.
Before the semester began, the incoming Old Dominion University students spent four days together during First Ascent, an annual experience hosted by the University's Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP).
On the surface, the trip to Pocahontas State Park near Richmondwas about camping, hiking, rockclimbing and whitewater rafting. But First Ascent is designed to accomplish something more: help ease the transition to college by giving new students a chance to a...