Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs |
Narbeth R. Emmanuel |
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Dear Student, Welcome to the SIUE community! We are truly pleased that you will be joining us this fall for the beginning of your university experience. This is not going to be a simple journey. You will be challenged to think logically and creatively about difficult questions; you will be introduced to many new and different ideas and experiences, some with which you may disagree. You will, at times, be very frustrated and unsure of yourself. Please do not panic! Every university student experiences the same anxiety at one time or another during their university career. There are a number of things you can do to make sure your experience at SIUE is productive and rewarding. First and foremost, invest the time and energy necessary to achieve good grades. Conventional wisdom accurately holds that you should spend at least two hours outside class for every hour in class. Attend class regularly and make sure you know your instructor's attendance policy. Be on time and be prepared for every class meeting. Get organized. Make certain your assignments are turned in on time. If you need help, talk with your instructor or adviser so he or she can direct you to the best source of help. Second, attempt to resolve conflicts, differences and disputes by thoughtful discussion. Civility is a cornerstone of the academic community, and you will be expected to act and behave appropriately. Without question, you will have disagreements. Learning simply does not happen in a vacuum in which all parties agree with one another on every issue. Part of your university experience is learning to resolve disagreements and learning to work in a diverse culture with diverse opinions and ideas. As a university student, you are responsible for the choices you make. Third, get involved in campus life. There are numerous opportunities available to you to become involved in activities and services beyond the classroom. Check out the student organizations on campus; consider doing volunteer work related to your academic major; or just participate in the social and recreational opportunities on campus. All of these activities give you the chance to interact with your fellow students, faculty and staff and serve to enrich and broaden your education. Fourth and lastly, take care of yourself. Pay attention to the balance between what is required to succeed at the university and your responsibilities and obligations to your family and work. No person can do everything. Drive safely and take common sense safety precautions such as walking in groups, varying your parking routine, and letting friends and family know where you will be. Don't drive if extremely fatigued or intoxicated. Leave time for your own interests and relaxation. I sincerely welcome you to SIUE, and I hope that you find this information helpful. I look forward to meeting you on campus and truly hope you find your university experience both rewarding and memorable.
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