Congratulations on being named a finalist for the prestigious Society of Yeager Scholars. On behalf of Marshall University, the Honors College, and the Yeager Board of Directors, we welcome you to campus Feb. 24-26, 2023 for Finalist Weekend. Everything you need to know is below. If you have additional questions, contact Assistant Dean Cara Bailey, director of the Yeager program, at 304-696-2474 or bailey160@marshall.edu.
Yeager Finalist Weekend 2023
February 24 – 26, 2022
Marshall University’s Huntington Campus
Arrival and Departure Information
Please arrive between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., Friday, February 24. Students will be dismissed at 11 a.m., Sunday, February 26. You will stay in Twin Towers East (campus map available here). You can park in the parking lot across the street and enter the lobby on 5th Avenue. The RA assigned to you will meet you and escort you to your room. After you are settled in your room, parents may leave. There is no parent meeting during Finalist Weekend. If you plan to drive yourself, you must notify Cara prior to your arrival in order to receive a parking pass.
Schedule Overview (subject to change)
A personalized schedule will be distributed when you arrive Friday, Feb. 24
Friday, Feb. 24
4-5 p.m.: Check-in at Twin Towers East
6:00-8:30 p.m.: Dinner and presentation in Shawkey Dining Room, Memorial Student Center
Saturday, Feb. 25 – Interview Day
7:30 a.m.: Breakfast in the Memorial Student Center
8-12 noon: Interviews *
12-1: Lunch
1-6 p.m.: Interviews *
6-7 p.m.: Dinner
7-9 p.m.: TEDx Marshall University
* – Students will also have a mock seminar and a group tour. Check your personal schedule to see your seminar and tour times.
Sunday, Feb. 26
8:30 a.m.: Breakfast and Final Q&A in the Memorial Student Center
11 a.m.: Dismissal from Twin Towers East
FAQs
What is Finalist Weekend?
Yeager Finalist Weekend allows Yeager finalists the opportunity to be Marshall students for the weekend. While you are here at Marshall, you will meet current Yeager Scholars and learn a little more about this exceptional scholarship program. Twenty-four students will participate in this year’s Finalist Weekend.
Your Finalist Weekend marks the 37th Yeager Finalist Weekend. While this is a competitive weekend, take the opportunity to build relationships with these students. These are your peers — fellow students who will be in your network, classes, residence halls, and clubs. You might already know some of these folks. Be supportive, inclusive, and understanding of everyone attending, as you’re all experiencing the same pressures and stressors of the weekend.
A campus map is available to view here. Please familiarize yourself with the map, as it will be referred to throughout these instructions.
Can you tell me more about the interviews and activities?
Each student will interview four times Saturday. The interview teams are compiled of Marshall faculty and staff, Yeager alumni, prominent community members, and current students. Each interview is about 20 minutes long and spaced out over the course of the day.
And the activities?
Between interviews, you will be assigned a mock seminar and a group tour. The seminar allows you to see first-hand some of the expectations we have for our current scholars. Upon your arrival on campus, you’ll be given a short reading that will be the basis for your seminar discussion.
How will I know where I need to be?
Upon checking in Friday, you’ll be given a packet with everything you need for the weekend, including a detailed itinerary of your schedule. Each itinerary is different, so it is imperative you maintain your own schedule.
Where do I stay?
All students will stay in Twin Towers East, 1854 5th Avenue, on Friday and Saturday evenings. You will be assigned a roommate before arriving. Current Yeager Scholars will serve as Resident Advisors for the finalists, ensuring the group stays on task and on schedule.
What will I eat?
All meals from dinner Friday to breakfast Sunday are provided, including snacks. We can accommodate dietary restrictions, so please inform Cara if you require a special diet.
What should I wear?
Friday, Saturday evening, and Sunday are casual. Wear what you feel is appropriate. Saturday during the day is different. All students will be provided with a Marshall t-shirt upon arriving on Friday. You are required to wear this t-shirt during your interviews. The rest of your attire is up to you, but please be aware of the following: your interview day will start early and end late, so we recommend clothes that work in a variety of situations. All interviews take place in Old Main, which can fluctuate temperatures from one office to the next. You might be behind a table or you might be in a casual setting on a sofa. You may wish to practice sitting and walking in whatever you choose to wear.
May I reschedule my time?
No. Due to the large numbers of students involved, our schedule is very rigid. If a situation arises that is out of your control, please contact the staff as soon as possible.
Is there anything specific I should bring?
Please bring your own XL twin bedding, a blanket, a pillow, and a towel. If you are traveling a significant distance or forget something, one of our current scholars should have extras on hand for you to borrow.
You will be given a log-in so you can use Marshall’s WiFi, but you must be responsible for personal electronics. Clearly mark your device chargers. You might want to bring books or activities to occupy your time while you wait between interviews.
Other items to bring:
- Casual clothing
- Tennis shoes
- Bathing suit (for a possible visit to Marshall’s state-of-the-art Rec Center)
- Toiletries
- Necessary medication
Can my parents come?
Your parents may drop you off Friday by 5 p.m., then pick you up Sunday at 11 a.m. We do not provide programming, lodging, or meals for parents.
What will I do?
Your main objective during this weekend is to interview for one of the most unique and prestigious scholarships in the country. During your down time you may visit the Marshall Rec Center or Drinko Library, tour campus, or interact with current students. Every group of Yeager Scholars has been in your shoes. Our current students remember their own Finalist Weekends and have planned activities for you to help you engage. Boredom is never an issue. Lack of interaction amongst the group is noticed and discouraged. Remember that Yeager Scholars are a cohort and must be able to interact with others in respectful, inclusive ways.
When will I know if I’m a Yeager Scholar?
The Selection Committee will inform students of their decision by Friday, March 31, 2023.