Robert Morris University kicked off orientation week with its annual matriculation ceremony on Thursday.

As tradition, the ceremony began with the fife and drum corps along with the placing of the staff in front of the stage.

Ninth President of Robert Morris University, Dr. Michelle Patrick, addressed the students about what she plans to do for the student body in her presidency.

“One of the things I’ve been doing the past couple of days, and I’ll continue to do going forward is I’ll go to as many different student events as I can. I need to hear and understand what we’re doing right and what we’re not doing as well as we could,” said madame president. “I can’t promise that we’re going to do everything that everybody wants. I can’t do that, but I will listen, and I will take everything seriously.”

Patrick also gave incoming students advice on what to expect and how to handle college life as the start of the rest of their lives approaches.

“Take advantage of all of the things that are out there in terms of the tutoring, opportunities such as the internships, and the clubs,” said Patrick. “But most of all, have fun. Have a fun, safe time, and this is a time where you get to explore all these different areas of education. You get to figure out what you want to do the rest of your life.”

Patrick and the rest of the RMU faculty and staff are excited to welcome all of the new incoming freshmen as the semester begins today.