Coastal Carolina University faculty and staff are gearing up for the beginning of the 2007 fall semester. An estimated 1,600 new freshmen will arrive on campus beginning Aug. 18 for Orientation and welcoming activities before classes, which start on Wednesday, Aug. 22.

A New Student Convocation will be held Monday, Aug. 20 at 9:30 a.m. to welcome new students into the Coastal community. Nils Rauhut, chair and associate professor of the Department of Philosophy and Religion, will deliver the convocation address, which will deal with the concept of integrity, its philosophical origins and its importance in the life of a successful student. He will also discuss the book that freshmen read over the summer, "Goat: A Memoir" by Brad Land.

Various other activities are planned through the Fall Orientation program, beginning Aug. 18, including classes of the First Year Experience (FYE), sessions for parents, a cookout hosted by the Department of Public Safety, a CINO (Coastal Is Number One) rally, tips from peers and more.