You’re a third of the way through the first quarter! We’re already three weeks into our fall term, and yet you may still be getting acclimated to being a college student. On behalf of everyone at the college, I’m so pleased that you have chosen to pursue your education here. I hope you will feel welcome, yet also challenged, finding this the perfect academic environment in which to flourish. To help maximize your success, RWC offers lots of resources-the student handbook and our website provide details on such services as our tutoring labs, financial aid, library, disability services and much more. But such services can’t help you to succeed unless you regularly use them.
For example, be sure to make an appointment with one of our academic advisors-they are knowledgeable about curriculum and program requirements, but can also assist you in setting realistic educational goals. Academic advisors at RWC offer more than just feedback about your class schedule-our mission is to help students take charge of their educational careers.
Think of your advisor as a personal RWC guide: someone who can refer you to appropriate resources, help you make the connection between your current academic progress and your ultimate career goals, and explain university policies and processes. Our advisors, who are a combination of faculty members and professional staff, strive for a mentoring relationship which helps to provide practical registration help, along with one-on-one career advice and ideas to help you to make the best choices and decisions for your education and life.
But this connection isn’t one-way from the advisor to student, as the ideal advisor/student interaction and relationship will require a significant amount of initiative from the student. It’s up to you, the student, to ask questions and seek out answers; to ensure you understand degree and program requirements; and to follow-through on suggested actions and referrals.
Ultimately, college is a time for you to be proactive, to develop not only your academic and professional skills, but also to truly challenge yourself to become your own best advocate. This is your education after all. By being committed to your courses, open to learning new concepts, and using free and readily-available services designed to support you, you can enhance your academic learning, making this a transformative, life-changing experience. There’s much to discover, not only about your coursework, but also about yourself.
Remember-your success is our joy at Raymond Walters College. Best wishes for a successful academic year!