MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia University students are starting classes after a weekend of activities for the newest crop of Mountaineers.

Incoming freshmen got a pep talk Sunday from Alison Levine, the first American woman to complete the Adventure Grand Slam -- climbing the highest peak on each continent and skiing to the North and South Poles. She likened her challenges on Mount Everest to the challenges the students will face in college and beyond.

University President Jim Clements also spoke at the New Student Welcome.

On Saturday, freshmen visited with representatives from their colleges and toured the campus libraries as part of the First-Year Academy.