Welcome new WC students. You are each about to embark upon an exciting and life changing experience. I remember entering WC as a first-year student, full of excitement, yet fearful about the unknown. Who would my new friends be? What would the professors be like? Would I pass my classes? Who will I eat with in the TOP? What will my roommate be like? How will I ever survive on my own? These questions faded quickly as I dove into my freshmen orientation program. I was assigned to a group full of other students who were asking the same questions. Little did I know, but others felt the same anticipation, yet anxiety I was feeling. Orientation proved to be just what the doctor ordered. I quickly began meeting people who would become my friends for life. I had a better understanding of what to expect in the classroom and actually began to feel like a REAL WC student.
I want to make sure you have the same successful experience I did. Therefore, I have designed a required, 2-step Orientation program: Summer O, Your Passport to Success and Fall Orientation, Playing with a Full Deck. Each program is designed to assist you in becoming more familiar with the campus and it’s resources as well as include family members in the transition process.
Many of you are already registered for the Summer O program and will arrive on campus over the next 2 months to complete part 1 of the 2-step process. The fall program is right around the corner. My student Director and I have planned a wonderful adventure for you in order to address your concerns, answer your questions, give you a taste of campus life and help you make the transition from high school to college. You may think, “I’ve got this, I don’t need any help with transitioning.” However, there will be many opportunities throughout our fall orientation to meet with your professors, tap into your creativity and mingle with some of the most interesting people. We have events planned from academic success strategies, time management, and healthy choice sessions to dating issues, diversity and even a community service experience. I know it sounds like a lot of lectures and presentations or a waste of your time, but we promise, there will be something for everyone. We have even arranged social activities to assist you in relieving stress and introduce you to some of our favorite college activities. Participating in all of the orientation programs, even the social activities are proven to be beneficial to each new student. Worried about home-sickness? Worry no-longer. The key is getting involved. Shy? Never fear, we have 28 orientation leaders who will be by your side to make it easy and fun to connect with others.
Check out the tentative schedules, located to the left of the page, and feel free to email my student director Ashley or myself with your questions prior to orientation.
I look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Tara L. Lydy
Coordinator for Service Learning & New Student Orientation