Transcript Pressing Engagements: The First Year Student in the

Pressing Engagements:
The First Year Student In
The College Of Agricultural
And Life Sciences
It Starts With Tradition
• Long History of Faculty mentoring Students
• Land Grant Mission
• Departmental Culture
Traditions Are Supported
• Dean of the College reminds new faculty hires
that it is very important to mentor students
• Office of Academic Student Affairs helps
Departments through:
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Advising web site
New faculty workshops
Survey on Advising
Individual consulting
At Visits Before Enrollment:
• Parents and Student visitors are told:
– Madison and CALS are exciting places to study
• Historical achievements
• Current activities
• Future initiatives
– We care about our students and help them connect
• Advisor assignment from the start
• Requirement to see advisor
• Other
At SOAR
• Remind students:
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They are responsible for their education
Connecting to the University community is essential
Going to class is not enough
Their academic advisor is key to connection
Engagement with the University community promotes their
learning and success
• They get their advisor’s name
• They send their advisor an email with schedule before
leaving the room
During Wisconsin Welcome
• CALS New Student Orientation Session
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“Jeopardy” game based on College History
Get engaged
Ask for help
Personalize help
• Associate Dean’s Home Phone #
• Introduce all staff
• Ice cream social in Centennial Gardens
– Meet with Department faculty staff
• Return to Departments for orientation
During The First Month
• “Mandatory” Freshman advising planning
sessions
• Career and Internship fairs
• Majors fairs
Courses That Help
• Courses with professional orientation (e.g.)
– Nutritional Sciences/Food Science 200
– Food Science 201
– Wildlife Ecology 100
• Courses with overview of field (e.g.)
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Animal Sci/Dairy Sci 101
Genetics 375
Forest 100
Land Arch 250
Integration Into The Intellectual
Community Of Campus:
A Freshman Seminar
• Departments encourage students to participate
• Faculty and staff volunteer -small groups
• Purpose:
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Develop leadership abilities
Good Decision making skills
Explore Individual Interests
Enhance personal and professional skills
The Course Addresses:
• Topics and Themes
– Ethics and Moral Reasoning
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Biotechnology and world food/human health
Private property rights and the public good
Use of genetically modified organisms
Social aspects of genetic technology
– Personal Understanding
• Learning Style
• Leadership traits
The Course Addresses:
• Individual Engagement
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Lead group discussion
Attend a lecture/talk
Visit a student resource program
Explore a major and/or career
Volunteer
Talk with a faculty member (other than your advisor)
Attend a student organization meeting
Explore research opportunities
Communication Is Important
• Periodic Email from Associate Dean
– Advising and Registration
– Scholarships
– Final Exam Email
• Parent email
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Developed by ASA Dean’s office
Sent to students, not parents, to forward
Focus on student experience
Purpose is to “run interference” for students
Engagement Beyond The Classroom
• Honors and Research with mentor
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Orientation
Advice on how to find a mentor
Peer Mentoring for connection
Honors and Research Organization
• Leadership certificate
– Competency based
– With Faculty/Staff Mentor
Student Organizations
Are Important
• Every department has at least one club
– Faculty advising
– Mix of social, academic and service activities
• Many College wide clubs
– (e.g.) MANRRS; Honors; Alpha Zeta
• Student Council picnic
• Student generated newsletter prior to welcome
week
Academic/Residential Connection
• 4 Residential living units tied to the College
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2 men’s fraternities
1 co-ed co-op
1 women’s co-op;
1 residence hall program WISE
End Notes
• It is powerful to integrate the student transition
experience into Academic Culture
• Faculty are natural allies because they care about
learning outside the classroom
• No single approach assures a smooth transition
into campus for all students