Can you believe we’re only a few weeks away from arrival day?
As you prepare for your transition to Wesleyan, I want to encourage you to take a moment to pause and reflect on where you are right now.
Over the past few months, you’ve probably received countless emails, completed onboarding tasks, and started thinking about what your life will look like this fall. It’s exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Leaving home, meeting new people, navigating a new environment, and adjusting to college life can bring up a wide range of emotions: excitement, nervousness, uncertainty, nostalgia, and maybe even a little self-doubt.
Whatever you’re feeling right now is completely normal.
You were admitted to Wesleyan because our admissions team saw something special in you. They recognized your curiosity, your potential, your accomplishments, and the unique perspective you’ll bring to our community. Now your job is to continue growing, learning, asking questions, and taking advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead.
As you prepare for your first semester, I’d like to share a few habits that I believe will help you make the most of your Wesleyan experience.
Take Ownership of Your College Experience
College is different from high school in many ways, and one of the biggest differences is that you become the primary advocate for your own education.
You’ll make decisions, communicate with professors and staff, manage deadlines, and seek out resources when you need them. While your family and supporters remain an important part of your journey, this is your college experience, and we want to hear directly from you.
Learning to ask questions, communicate professionally, and advocate for yourself are skills that will benefit you long after you graduate. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask for clarification, or seek support when you need it.
Build Strong Relationships
One of the greatest strengths of Wesleyan is its people. Faculty and staff are here because they care about students and want to help you succeed.
Building those relationships starts with thoughtful communication.
When sending an email, take a moment to include a greeting, introduce yourself when appropriate, and clearly explain your question. Address faculty and staff using their professional titles unless they’ve invited you to do otherwise. (For me, “Dean Newball” is always appreciated!)
It’s also important to remember that emails aren’t text messages. Faculty and staff are balancing teaching, advising, meetings, research, and many other responsibilities. A response within two to three business days is generally a reasonable expectation, and messages sent over the weekend may not be answered until the following week.
Give people the time and space to respond. Practicing patience and professionalism will help you build meaningful relationships throughout your time at Wesleyan.
Develop Your Problem-Solving Skills
One of the most valuable skills you’ll gain in college is learning how to solve problems independently.
Being curious means asking questions, but it also means knowing where to look for answers. Before sending an email, take a few minutes to investigate on your own.
Ask yourself:
- Have I checked the Wesleyan website?
- Is this information in my syllabus?
- Have I already received an email that answers this question?
- Am I contacting the office or person best equipped to help me?
- Is this something I can reasonably figure out on my own?
You’ll often discover the answer more quickly than you expected.
And if you’ve done your research but are still unsure, that’s exactly what we’re here for. I always appreciate when students can tell me, “Here’s what I’ve already tried,” or “These are the resources I checked.” It helps us work together more effectively to find a solution.
Remember That You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
While I encourage you to become an independent problem solver, independence doesn’t mean doing everything by yourself.
There will be times when you need guidance, support, or simply someone to listen. That’s okay. Wesleyan has an incredible community of people who are invested in your success. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is an important part of learning and growing.
Looking Ahead
Your first year will be filled with new experiences. Some days will be exciting, some will be challenging, and many will be a little bit of both.
Give yourself grace as you navigate this transition. Be open to learning, willing to step outside your comfort zone, and patient with yourself as you adjust to college life. You won’t have everything figured out on day one, and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be.