COLUMN: Changes on campus bring improvements
Welcome to the new and returning students of Utah State University. Whether you spent the summer working, going to summer school or just relaxing, I hope you are ready to begin the new school year. I know I am. This is my favorite time of the year – when students return to campus, full of energy and excitement. Students bring renewed vitality to the campus and remind us of why we are here.
If you were here last year you will undoubtedly notice the many changes that are occurring on campus. The new Living/Learning Community and its parking structure is starting to take shape. The first building, the community center for the complex, should be ready in the next few months, followed by the other buildings and the parking structure. The new library is nearly complete and the process of moving the materials, including books, from the Merrill Library to the new Merrill-Cazier library has begun. The new recital hall is nearing completion and is a welcomed addition to the campus.
Remodeling of the south side of the football stadium is now complete and will make it much easier for students entering the stadium during game days.
Within the Taggart Student Center, a new student information booth is being constructed thanks to the joint efforts of ASUSU and Student Services administration.
I also want to bring to your attention the new student lounge that was created at the end of last semester. The lounge is located behind the auditorium in the space previously occupied by the Student Support Services program (which is now housed in the first floor of the University Inn).
We are also entering a new era with our athletic programs. This will be our first year in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC). I hope you attend as many athletic events as possible and help us support our student-athletes.
I am confident that you will have a good experience here at USU. Our hope, however, is that you leave USU with a degree in hand. Thus, I would be remiss if I didn’t make my annual suggestions to help students succeed academically:
* Make sure you don’t fall behind in your classes. Keep up with the assigned readings, homework and other class assignments.
* Be aware of deadlines, such as the last day to withdraw from classes, payment deadlines, etc.
* Get involved in university activities and organizations. Students who withdraw from the university are often students who isolate themselves and do not become a part of the university community outside of class.
* Seek help as soon as you feel that you may be experiencing any kind of difficulty. The university has many programs to help students, including tutoring services, counseling services, a student health clinic, etc. Also most faculty are willing to spend extra time with you or suggest where you can go for help if you are having trouble in their classes. Take advantage of the instructor’s willingness to help.
* Challenge your self to reach new heights that you may not have thought possible. Consider taking classes outside your “comfort zone” and make an effort to meet students who may have backgrounds different than yours.
Most of all, have fun while learning. Several years from now you will remember your college years with many fond memories.
If you have questions or if I can help in anyway, please feel free to come see me in my office, Room 220 in the Taggart Student Center or e-mail me at Juan.Franco@usu.edu. I hope you have a very enjoyable and productive semester.
Juan Franco is the vice president for Student Services.