Dear Class of 2028!
Welcome back to Wesleyan for your second year! Congratulations on your continuation and perseverance! I knew you could do it. Welcome, once again, to all our new transfer students entering the Class of 2028 at Wesleyan from schools around the county. We are all happy you are here.
As we begin the new school year, there are a couple of “major” student developments and housekeeping items I need you to think about:
MAJOR DECLARATION. ALL students are required to declare their major(s) at Wesleyan during the second semester of their sophomore year. (That’s your 4th semester.) This means at any time after the drop/add period next spring, you’ll be able to declare your chosen major(s) via the link in WesPortal. Every student is required to have at least one major. How will you accomplish this?
- Look out for department- and program-sponsored Open Houses in October/November for prospective majors, hosted by faculty.
- On September 23, we’ll have a special “kick off” event to help with choosing a major with Professor Torgerson, the Career Center and upper class students! Keep an eye out for the announcement.
Resources in the Gordon Career Center that help students discover many different opportunities and “next steps” after graduating from a liberal arts institution. - There are many Student Clubs, Organizations, and Events on campus and in the community, through which students can explore different interests and develop leadership and other skills.
- It is also important to talk to folks that know you: your advisor, your professors, your class dean, your family, your peer advisors, etc. All of these people can mirror back to you where they see you flourish and when they see you happiest when you are studying. They can also help guide you in making a decision for yourself.
As most of you now know, there are some majors that require “a little extra” in terms of entry into a major. You are completely responsible for making sure you can enter your chosen major, AND you are responsible for having a backup major if you cannot declare your first choice. Always have a plan. Your faculty advisor can help you work this out. A great place to check out what Wesleyan has to offer is right HERE.
STUDY ABROAD. Have you explored any study abroad options yet? Have you even considered it? I tell my students Study Abroad is not a matter of “If,” it is a matter of “When.” Don’t let fear of the unknown or unfounded assumptions stop you from checking out the process. Please make time to plan now for a semester abroad. It’s generally the same cost as you already pay at Wesleyan (and financial aid will pay this semester just as any other), you can earn credits toward graduation, and—for many—it’s your first chance to safely explore the world outside the U.S.
I am making a very personal plea to each of you to consider a semester abroad. While I missed the opportunity as an undergraduate, my professional career gave me the opportunity to not only to develop successful study abroad programs for first semester, first year students, it also allowed me–as a working professional–to study abroad one summer! I cannot emphasize enough what a huge difference living in another county can make on your outlook on life and your purpose as an individual. Swing by, and I’ll tell you about the experience.
Early this fall is a perfect time to check out the Study Abroad office and easily investigate what they have to offer. There’s no pressure in exploring. The entire process does take some time and effort, so starting early this fall can make a load of difference next year when you want to travel.
MAINTAIN YOUR ACADEMIC PROWESS. Many students sometimes ease up on the gas a little too much during their sophomore year, allowing their good habits and academic standards slip a little bit. Don’t let this happen to you. Once you get past this year, many passions about academics will become fully obvious and your work will ease a little because of that newfound passion. If there’s a time to double down on becoming a good student, your sophomore year is the one to do it!
Plan to meet each and every one of your professors early in the semester during their office hours. Get. To. Know. Your. Professors. I am happy to discuss this with you and plan out easy questions to get the ball rolling. DO NOT avoid your professors; Wesleyan faculty are special, and they want to know you more than just a face in their classes.
Peer Advisors and Tutoring are great ways to get specific, personalized help with your coursework. At the second you think you might need some support, seek these folks out. They are waiting to help students; take advantage of the resource.
Find it difficult to get motivated? Want someone to talk to about changing your attitude about academics? The Counseling Center is a terrific place to get non-judgmental, easy access to someone who can help you work out what barriers your face and how to handle them.
I truly hope you’ve been able to read this email closely and have the chance to really give some thought about how you want to approach your second year at Wesleyan. You know the terrain by this point, so it’s time you really explore and exploit all of the resources and opportunities Wesleyan has to offer. You can’t do that from staying in your dorm room; it’s time now to solidify your academic profile, join clubs which throw you into the social life at Wesleyan, and take full advantage of the many speakers, shows, and events this campus has to offer. Wesleyan is like no other place when it comes to things to do if you only keep an eye out and try new things. There you go; you’ve been told. You’re stuck with it!
I am available to each of you during my office hours (just walk in) or by appointment. Please feel free also to reach out through email should you have any questions or need help with anything. My job is to help you as much as I can make your way to graduation; I’m here and willing and waiting.
Have a great semester and keep an eye out especially in the coming weeks for more information about declaring a major.
Cheers,
Dean Bisese
William M. Bisese, Ed.D.