Welcoming College Students: A Warm University Transition

Welcoming students to college or university is an important part of the academic year. It can be an overwhelming time for students, who are faced with new information, landscapes, and people. A thoughtful welcome message can boost students' morale and confidence, and make them feel secure in their new environment. This is true for elementary classrooms, where a lighthearted book can help to ease the transition, as well as for college and university students, who may be first-generation students with no idea how to navigate a college campus. Welcoming messages can also be used to introduce important information about the course, such as which resources will be used, and any upcoming events.

Welcoming messages and notes

Before the Semester Begins

Send a welcome greeting to students and their guardians. This can be done via email, text message, or a physical letter. Include your name and role, a photo of yourself, and some funny or interesting facts about yourself. You could also mention some of the exciting things they will be learning in the upcoming semester. For example:

> "Dear [Student's name],

> Welcome to [University name]! I'm [your name], and I'm delighted to be your [role] this semester. I'm looking forward to an exciting semester of [subject]. We'll be covering [topic 1], [topic 2], and [topic 3]. I think you'll really enjoy it!

> Remember, my door is always open, and I am always here to help you in any way I can.

> Best wishes,

> [Your name]"

During the First Week

It's important to continue to build a sense of belonging and community during the first week. This could include having a dedicated time in class for students to create welcome cards or do icebreakers. Name tags during the first week can also be helpful to reduce the stress of remembering new names.

Throughout the Semester

Continue to use the student's name when you see them and interact with them. This will help to build a relationship and make them feel seen and valued. Be approachable and accessible, and encourage students to come to you with any questions or concerns.

End of the Semester

As the semester comes to a close, send a message or note to your students congratulating them on their achievements and wishing them a wonderful break. For example:

> "Dear [Student's name],

> Congratulations on completing a challenging and rewarding semester! Your hard work and dedication have been noticed and I hope you feel proud of all that you have accomplished. I wish you a relaxing and enjoyable break, and I look forward to seeing you in the next semester.

> Best wishes,

> [Your name]"

Introductions and name tags

The first few days of university can be overwhelming for new students, with many new names to remember and people to meet. One way to make this transition smoother is to implement a name tag system during the first week. This can help reduce the stress of socialising and engaging with peers, and can encourage classmates to interact with new students.

A fun way to facilitate introductions is to assign roles to students in the class. Before the new student's first day, the class can choose roles such as the introducer (who can introduce the new student to teachers and staff), the tour guide (who can show them around the classroom and campus), a lunch buddy, or a recess buddy. This can help new students settle in and feel welcomed by their peers.

Another idea is to dedicate class time a few days before the new student's start date to create welcome cards or prepare a short introduction to share with the new student. This can include sharing their name, a fact about themselves, and something they like about the university. This will help new students feel accepted and included in the group, which is essential for their academic performance.

Additionally, staff and faculty members can also introduce themselves to new students and share their names. This can help students see staff as approachable and accessible, fostering a sense of belonging and support. It can be beneficial to include a photo, funny facts, and background information in these introductions to build strong relationships with students.

Teasers and updates

A welcome message is a great way to get students excited about the upcoming year and reduce their nervousness. It is also a good opportunity to let them know about any recent updates or news from the university. For example, you could mention any new courses or programs that have been introduced since they were last on campus.

You could also include some teasers about upcoming events or activities that they can look forward to. This could be anything from guest lectures to social events. For example, "We have some great guest speakers lined up this semester, including renowned author Dr. Jane Smith, who will be joining us next month. Be sure to mark your calendars for that one!"

Another idea is to provide updates on any improvements or changes that have been made to the campus or facilities. For instance, "We're excited to announce that we've renovated the student lounge over the summer, so be sure to check out the new and improved space when you get a chance!"

Additionally, you can mention any new resources or services that are now available to students. This could include anything from mental health services to career counselling. For example, "We want to ensure that you have all the support you need during your time here, so we've expanded our mental health services and now offer 24/7 access to counselling and other resources."

By providing these teasers and updates, you can help students feel more connected to the university and excited about the upcoming year. It also shows that the university is actively working to improve the student experience and provide them with the best resources and opportunities possible.

Support and safety

Lecturers play a key role in providing support. They can meet students in small, informal groups, giving them a chance to get to know their classmates early on. This also allows lecturers to identify students who may need additional support. Cross-university involvement is important, too, so students can gain a meaningful understanding of the support services and opportunities available to them.

Universities should also provide educational programming and training sessions during freshman orientation and throughout the year to discuss safety topics such as bystander intervention, consent, sexual assault, dating violence, and active shooter situations. Other campus resources include Title IX offices and counseling services. For example, the University of Illinois has a program in which social workers are paired with behavioral health officers and therapy dogs to respond to mental health crisis calls.

Students can also take safety precautions and use common sense when walking on and off campus, especially at night. This includes avoiding walking alone, locking doors and windows, securing belongings, and paying attention to residence hall visitors. Additionally, students should be aware of their surroundings and not let someone into their apartment if they don't know or trust them. When going out, it's important to have a plan for getting home and to leave with the people they came with.

To support learning at home, parents can encourage collaboration by suggesting that students set up check-ins with friends or peers to help them stay on track and feel connected. They can also provide guidance and be a source of support for their child. However, it's important to involve other adults, such as tutors, teachers, or guidance counselors, to help with communication and to take some of the pressure off. Parents can also model good planning and organization in their own lives, rather than managing these tasks for their child. Finally, it's important to start with compassion and prioritize basics, such as meeting deadlines and settling into schedules, over perfection in academic work.

Orientation and transition

Orientation Sessions:

Organise comprehensive orientation sessions for new students to familiarise themselves with the campus, its facilities, and support services. This can include guided tours, introductions to key staff and faculty members, and informative workshops or seminars. During these sessions, provide essential information on academic policies, course structures, and available resources to help students feel more prepared and confident.

Transition Support:

Recognise that the transition to college can be challenging, and offer support to ease this process. This can include providing clear guidelines, offering mentorship programmes, and facilitating social events or activities that promote interaction between new and current students. It is important to make new students feel welcomed and part of the university community.

Individualised Approach:

Understand that each student's transition journey is unique. Offer tailored support and resources to cater to their specific needs. This may involve providing additional assistance to first-generation students, international students, or those facing financial or personal challenges. Recognise the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the students and make every effort to create an inclusive environment.

Communication and Accessibility:

Establish multiple channels of communication to ensure new students can easily access information and support. This can include providing contact information for key staff members, utilising learning management systems, and offering online resources or tutorials to help students familiarise themselves with the university's systems and processes. Ensure that students know they can reach out for help without hesitation.

Social Integration:

Encourage social integration by creating opportunities for new students to connect with their peers. This can be facilitated through icebreakers, group activities, or social events. Foster a sense of community and belonging by promoting student clubs, societies, or interest groups where students can find like-minded individuals and build a support network.

Academic Support:

Provide academic guidance and resources to help students transition to the college academic environment. Offer study skills workshops, writing centres, tutoring services, or peer mentoring programmes. Assist students in developing effective time management and organisational skills to help them succeed in their courses.

Frequently asked questions