"What advice would you give to incoming students?"
Eddie Basha
Member of the Arizona Board of Regents
"Students need to familiarize themselves with the university and the programs. I think that is very important. I think students need to develop friendships that support one another, especially those (students) that come from out of state and do not have any established friendships. Also, I think the counseling component is very important - finding an advisor and working with that advisor. With the cost of education today, it is critical that students, especially those on limited incomes, try to determine their areas of interests so they can begin immediately to try to expedite their college experience rather than protracting it out."
Manuel Pacheco
University of Arizona President
"Students need to link up with someone, other students, faculty or administrators, where they can get advice, personal help, or just learning how to get around campus. Orientation gives students that chance. During the two days of orientation, faculty, other students, advisors are all there. Students need to take advantage of that. Be aggressive about it and set a day to just make contacts. Choose three people. It is imperative that students do that."
Saundra Taylor
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life
"I would tell them one word - balance. If they could think about their freshman year in terms of academic, social life, clubs and activities, and work in terms of balance. For many, this time is a taste of freedom, a time for experimentation. If, in the background, they could think, 'I am not trying to do it all.' They need to think about how to take in this environment. They need to have a balanced load."
Paul Sypherd
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
"It seems to me that the students that get here and make it through in a timely fashion have a few things in common. Number one, they have a plan. They may change that plan over time, but they have a plan. Some students come into college, and they are not real sure what they are interested in. They sort of wander through, change their major from one college to another and before they know it, six or seven years have gone by.
"The other thing is that I think it is real important for students to get involved. Get involved with the residence hall, their sorority or fraternity, or a club that interests them or their church groups. They need to get involved.
"Students that hang out on the edge suffer all kinds of problems. First, they feel like they are on the edge. Their are no group exchanges of information. Over and over again, they get frustrated. They get disappointed, frustrated, confused.
"So, my advice is to have a plan and get involved in some aspect of campus life."
Barbara Schiller
Psychology Department Academic Advising Coordinator
"Sometimes students graduate with a 2.2 grade point average and decide they want to go to grad school. That is just not going to make it anymore. People just don't try very hard during their first two years in school.
"Students are also away from home for the first time. They are into partying, instead. Some were top students in high school and expect to be able to pull it off here without really studying.
"Also, students need to set goals early, such as the freshman or sophomore year. They need to build experience for where they want to go. That is applicable here in psychology. Students need to be strategic. Volunteer for agencies that counsel to get experience. It will give you more options if you have more experience behind you.
"Students should find a mentor. At a large university, it can seem very impersonal, so it is critical that students have a mentor. They have to get over the fear of instructors and advisers, because no one will make the first move for you. Mentors don't have to be faculty. They can be a grad student, someone in student support services, or a junior or senior in your program. Someone to encourage you when things get tough. Someone who accepts you. Timing is important because people are really busy. So sometimes people may not be receptive. But I know my mentor helped me get through my bachelor's."
Rhonda Wilson
Associated Students President
"If nothing else, take advantage of all the things you have available here. The time here is unique. You would never again be in a place like this. Get involved with student government, sports, clubs, religion. Find out about things and get involved.
"Also, don't stress out. Don't be afraid to try new things. Meet new people. College is not just about book knowledge. You learn a lot about the different things that are out there. You find out who you are and what you want to do in life.
"(College) is really what you make of it. It is fun when you have spirit.
"The more you go to sports and arts events, the more at home you will feel on campus. Come into college with an open mind. Expect your views and ideas to be challenged. If you have problems, don't be afraid to speak up about it. Just because you are freshmen does not mean you don't have something valuable to say."
