The first six weeks – approximately 40 days – are critical to a student’s holistic success as a college student. It seems almost improbable that 40 days out of a four-year degree-seeking mission could ultimately be the deciding factor in whether or not a student graduates – but the data is clear. Nationally, only 56% of students who begin their trek towards their bachelor’s degree realize their goal, according to a 2011 Harvard University study titled “Pathways to Prosperity. What happened to the remaining 44%? Research suggests that more than half of all students who decided to leave college came to this decision “within the first two to six weeks.” (Levitz & Noel, 1989)
Some may view this data to be less than inspirational, but we must respectfully disagree with their opinion. It is certainly disconcerting to see these numbers outlined within a well-respected university study, and even more upsetting to see our students, friends, and classmates fall prey to the national averages; however, this should be viewed as a challenge and thus an opportunity for us to be inspired to meet this challenge head on!
Why are the first six weeks so important? To put it simply, this is the time of year – regardless of your academic class – when it is truly all about you. New students, you are learning how to transition out of high school and navigate the unknown waters of higher education. Entering seniors, your transition from high school may be complete but you are now juggling the multitude of stressors that exist within your academic and social lives while also attempting to identify what your life will look like on the day after graduation. Freshmen, seniors, sophomores, and juniors you are all linked together by the common challenges, frustrations, actions, and excitement of the first six weeks of a new academic year. Be they your first six weeks as a first-year student or your final six weeks as a senior, always remember that your classmates are experiencing similar, and possibly the same, challenges. Mentor each other towards success.
Prior to the start of this academic year the faculty and staff of Paul Smith’s College were provided with a list of suggestions on how to assist you through these first 40 days, and beyond. These suggestions were simple, and we provide them for you here:
- Check your paulsmiths.edu email daily. Your faculty, staff, advisors and coaches will all use your college email address to connect with you. If you are overwhelmed with all of the emails that come through, we can help you better organize your inbox.
- Create a good relationship with your roommate. On or off campus, a healthy living environment doesn’t just happen; you must foster it with good communication, shared expectations, and respect.
- Find your comfort zone. If you do not feel comfortable “owning” your campus find a corner that speaks to you and lease it. Explore clubs and organizations, athletic teams, religious or social groups, and/or develop relationships with a group of your classmates.
- Be aware of all the support that Paul Smith’s College offers. Tutors, resident assistants, advisors, mental health counselors, accommodative services, career counseling (just to name a few) are all waiting and wanting to help you succeed!
- Learn as much as possible about your surrounding community. Walk your campus, take the shuttle into town, and explore what is around you.
- Do not go home. You cannot truly connect with your campus if you leave it behind when your course work is complete. Trust that there will be plenty of opportunities for visits home, but invest your time within the first six weekends to really build your own community.
- Surprise yourself! Evaluate the risks and always make wise and informed choices, but do something that will require you to stretch that personal bubble of yours.
- GET INVOLVED! BE ENGAGED! This is your college, your experience, and you will ultimately decide just how much you want to take away from this opportunity. Download the “SMITTIES ENGAGED” UpTo Calendar App (for iphone or Android) and see what is happening on your campus. Nothing sparking your interest? Let’s create something that does!
The first six weeks of a new academic year holds a great deal of power, and it is up to you to determine how that power will influence your success. It is our hope that you will use this power to motivate you into taking action, to inspire you to exceed your own academic and personal potential, to guide you through your time at Paul Smith’s College, and to see you secured within a life and career of your choosing.