Faculty Colleagues:
Well, two weeks into the semester, and we are off to the races. Campus is filled with students again, and there is excitement in the air about our many programs and activities in the College. I had the privilege and pleasure to welcome more than twenty new faculty colleagues to campus and celebrate the start of their new adventure with our faculty ice cream social. I remember starting my first faculty position in 1991 and the fear of a new town, new university, and new responsibilities hit me in about week 3 of the semester. Keep a watchful eye out for these new folks in your department or building and be sure to introduce yourself, share a coffee, or offer to serve as a mentor. Please help them feel welcome to the Wildcat family.
As you keep an eye on your new colleagues, please also look out for our students. Many new first year and transfer students are not only new to K-State, but new to a university perspective – roughly 40% of our student body are the first members of their families to go to college. This place can be very overwhelming for an 18-year old. If you notice students in your classes who are struggling, please direct them to our many student resources here: http://artsci.k-state.edu/student-resources or within the broader university community: http://www.k-state.edu/onestop.
Thank you for all you do for K-State!
Peter