The Detroit Pistons and the HIGH Program warmly welcomed incoming Warriors to the 2018 FestiFall on Aug. 28 at Gullen Mall. New students were invited to stop by the Pistons Celebration table, pick up some free Pistons items and learn how the WSU community will be invited to attend a Piston's game this season.

Over 500+ student organizations, university departments, learning communities and residence hall floors were present to help initiate new students into the fall semester.

Wayne State University welcomes the largest group of full-time freshmen since its founding. When classes began Aug. 29, there were 2,955 full-time freshmen - an increase of 15 percent over last year's incoming freshman class.

"Now, more than ever, students are excited about Wayne State and about the opportunities here in Detroit," said Provost Keith Whitfield. "This exciting influx of new students further solidifies Wayne State as a top-choice, destination institution."

The HIGH Program was also in attendance. The HIGH Program's mission is to ensure that no student abandons their dream of earning a degree at Wayne State University solely because of housing or financial challenges.

"There's never been a better time to be a Warrior, or to be helping Warriors," said director of admissions, Erica Matthews-Jackson. "The compassion and dedication our entire enrollment management team as well as the teamwork from all members of our campus community is apparent in the continued growth of our student body, and we look forward to helping them succeed at WSU."