This past Saturday (7/7/07) was the opening of our campus's Freshman Summer Success Program. It is an extended orientation program we do here. One of its features is that it replicates, on a small scale, a typical college schedule (see the program's schedule). Students participate in smaller versions of some core classes and take part in other activities and orientations in preparation for the fall. I am here today as one of the speakers and to mingle with the students and their parents.
Our president gave the welcome. Dr. Max Castillo spoke of what an education can do for you. He reminded us as well that we are a community, that sometimes you can't succeed alone, that you may need a little help along the way, and that's ok. You may need an advisor, a mentor, or a tutor. He advised the students to take a course in world geography, to increase their geographic awareness, and a course in speech, for the skills in interpersonal communication. He also spoke of the need to be technologically skilled but not letting technology dominate you. At the end of his remarks, he gave a small series of affirmations. The last one reminded us of how diversity makes us special.
As part of the introduction to UHD, I gave a small speech about the library. I joined members of our Learners' Community and the Dean of the University College, who spoke about their services as well.
Throughout the day today, the students listened to other speakers. They took some campus tours, and they visited displays provided by the student organizations and UHD support services. I was there as well representing the library. To me, this is one of the best parts of my job. A chance to promote the library, but more important for me, to mingle and get to know some of our incoming students.
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