GUEST COLUMN: Welcome to a successful USU
I want to welcome the new and returning students to Utah State University. I hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable summer. With the heat wave that engulfed the entire state this summer, I hope you were able to spend some time near bodies of cool water, high in the mountains, or at least in an air-conditioned room.
Since I am new to USU I should tell you a little about myself. My name is Juan Franco and I am the new vice president for Student Services. I began my new position at USU on May 19 after working for many years at New Mexico State University. I am married and my wife Elisa and I have three sons (Johnny, Jimmy and Fabian). All three sons are currently attending college.
Since my arrival I have been busy acquainting myself with the university, its students and the area. This summer I have been able to attend several meetings, including the Associated Students of USU retreat at Bear Lake, the Students Serving Utah Network meeting in Provo and a meeting sponsored by ASUSU vice president for Extension in Salt Lake City. This last meeting was for student officers at USU campuses outside of Logan. It was nice to have the opportunity to visit with students who may not have the option of visiting the Logan campus on a regular basis. ASUSU is the student government organization on campus and you should consider getting involved with this important organization. SSUN is a statewide organization made up of students throughout the state who are interested in service activities.
I have also had the opportunity to visit our campuses at other locations. For example, I visited our center in Monument Valley, which is scheduled to begin operating this fall, and campuses in Blanding, Moab, Price, Roosevelt and Vernal. I still need to visit USU campuses in Brigham City, Ephraim and Tooele. I am so glad that we are able to provide programs to students outside of Cache Valley who may otherwise not be able to avail themselves of a higher education.
The beginning of the school year is always one of my favorite times. Students are excited about experiencing a new beginning, meeting new friends and renewing old acquaintances. They are excited about attending their new classes, meeting new professors and perhaps joining new organizations. Faculty, staff and administrators are equally excited to see the return of students for the new year. During the summer, university campuses seem almost abandoned without the large number of students who are usually around during the academic year.
I hope you enjoy your association with USU and I hope you leave here with a degree in hand. To that end, I have a few suggestions to enhance your chances of success:
* Do not fall behind in your classes. Keep up with the assigned readings, homework and other class assignments.
* Get involved in university activities and organizations. Students who drop out are often students who isolate themselves and do not become a part of the university.
* Balance work and school. While many of our students need to work, sufficient time should be set aside to allow you to meet academic requirements as set by the faculty.
* Seek help as soon as you feel you may be experiencing any difficulty. The university has many programs to help students, including tutoring services, counseling services, a student health clinic, etc.
* Challenge yourself to reach heights that you may not have thought possible.
Most of all, have fun while learning. Your college experience will be something that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Juan Franco is the vice president for Student Services. Comments can be directed to TSC Room 220 or juan.franco@usu.edu.