Welcome Freshman!

The new incoming freshman students are moving onto campus today. The atmosphere is festive, apprehensive, and exciting all at the same time.

Dear freshman,

Welcome and congrats! Going to college has become one of the most awesome milestones in the journey of life. After years of working with college students not to mention being one for the typical 4 years here are a few tidbits of information that will only help to serve you as you venture to seek who you are and who you want to become.

Go to class. No really...go to class. It is amazing how just being in the same room as your professor for the standard number of assigned hours per week will naturally absorb into you and only help your grades. Seriously, going to class alone will increase your odds by 40% (there have been studies done but I don't have any handy to quote) of passing the class.

Do everything. Students who get involved with clubs, organizations, work on campus, and just participate in activities like attending the sporting events are more connected and feel more ownership of their college. You (or your parents) are paying a lot of money that is giving you more than an education (which is also important). Get your butt out there and try something new and don't be afraid to meet new people all the time.

Check your campus email and mail box. The various departments on campus send you important information to these two specific locations. It is important to not only check these things but to open and READ the information in there as well. This also means that if we ask you to do something (like fill out a form and return it) that you should take care of that as well. You are an adult and are you now responsible for things like paperwork, forms, and your bills.

Don't wait to get help. If you are not doing well in a class, emotionally, or financially there is help for you. Too many times we don't get the chance to find out what is going until you are already leaving campus or it's too late. Again remember that money you (parents) are spending? This is part of where it goes towards.

Savor it all. The next 4/5/6 years will go so quickly you will wonder where it went. Remember each day is a gift. Be smart but have fun.

Sincerely,

Your Dedicated Financial Aid Counselor (that will be sure to tell you when you are being an idiot if necessary)