Dear Class of 2030,
With just one week until Arrival Day, I want to share a few final thoughts to help you feel prepared and confident as you begin this exciting chapter. This email is a little longer than usual, but I encourage you to take a few minutes to reflect on these ideas, along with the topics I shared in my previous messages.
BUILDING YOUR FOUNDATION
Expect challenges, give yourself room to grow, and ask for help. College will stretch you academically and personally, and that is part of the experience. When something feels difficult, try shifting your thinking from “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet.” Struggle is part of learning, but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out early, CAPS, ORSL, WesWell , and other campus resources are here to support you. You were admitted because we believe you can thrive here, and asking for help is part of making that happen.
Take ownership of your time. You are now responsible for managing your schedule, including getting yourself to class. Attending class matters, even when you’re tired, it’s raining, or you don’t feel your best. If you need to miss class, communicate directly with your professor and follow up afterward. Peer Advisors can also help you develop routines and strategies that work for you.
Take care of yourself.Davison Health Centercan help you determine when you need to rest or seek care. There is a difference between not feeling your best and being unable to participate in your academic responsibilities.
BUILDING COMMUNITY AND EXPLORING
Your first few weeks are a great time to meet people and try new things. Say hello to people in your residence hall, classes, and dining spaces. Attend campus events, explore WesNest, and look for organizations and activities that interest you. If connecting with others feels difficult, your RA/CA and CAPS are great places to start.
Academically, give yourself permission to explore. Take courses outside your comfort zone and remember that your education is about more than grades. What you learn, how you handle challenges, and what you discover about yourself matter, too. And no, you do not need a 4.0 GPA to attend medical or graduate school. The Gordon Career Center can help you think about your academic and career goals.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FAMILY
Before you arrive, talk with your family about how and when you plan to communicate. Decide how often you will check in, what method works best, and what they should do if they cannot reach you immediately. Setting expectations now can prevent unnecessary worry later.
URGENCY VS. EMERGENCY
Knowing the difference between an urgent situation and an emergency can help you respond appropriately. True emergencies require immediate action and you should call Public Safety at 860-685-3333. If something can wait for an email, appointment, or other campus resource, it may be urgent rather than an emergency.
College will come with both successes and challenges. You have the ability, and a community of people, to help you navigate both. I am here to support you, and I am excited to see how you grow and thrive over the coming months.
Finally, below is a list of the tasks that must be completed before Arrival Day. If you have not completed a task, please contact the appropriate office listed next to it as soon as possible.
Academic Road Map (all phases due 8/15 – contact: Class Dean)
Housing Preference Form (due 6/30 – contact: Residential Life)
Health Forms and Immunization Records (due 6/30 – contact: Davison Health Center)
Submit final high school or college transcripts (due 6/30 – contact: Admissions)
WesCard Photo Submission (due 6/30 – contact: WesCard Services)
Academic Integrity & Code of Conduct (due 7/30 – contact: Community Standards)
Binge Thinking! Module (due 7/30 – contact: WesWell)
U Got This! Module (due 7/30 – contact: WesWell)
First Year Matters Viewing and Reflection (due 8/15 – contact: Community Standards)
Complete Online Orientation (due 8/15 – contact: Student Involvement)
Course Pre-Registration (due 8/15 – contact: Liberal Arts Advisor listed in Stellic)
Fall Semester Payment (due 8/14 – contact: Student Accounts)
Health Insurance Decision Form (due 8/15 – contact: Davison Health Center)
Update Emergency Contacts (due 8/15 – update in WorkDay)
Complete Language Proficiency Form (due 8/15 – search Language Proficiency on WesPortal)
Orientation Details:
Access the full schedule on WesNest and the Corq app
Arrival Day: September 2
I can’t wait to welcome you to campus!