How to help freshmen adjust

Freshman orientation begins in June, with fall classes not far behind. Dr. Hank Flick, professor of communication, shares a few tips faculty and staff can use to aid the freshman transition.

For even the brightest freshmen, the transition to university life is a difficult one. Students leave home and are asked to adapt to an academic environment that is faster paced and more rigorous than that of high school. Fortunately, Mississippi State University is a caring community. So, what more can we do to help?

Attention. When is the last time you noticed students wandering through your building looking lost? Or sitting by themselves in a daze? Students who seem troubled almost always are troubled. In our rush to complete our work, student needs often go unnoticed. Yet, we must be concerned for each other's welfare. The next time you see a student who appears in need of assistance, introduce yourself and ask if you can help.

Acceptance. Students need to know they matter. It's amazing the effect the word "hello," followed by a friendly smile, a kind word, a pat on the shoulder, a personal comment, and an offer to help can have on young people. Taking the initiative can seem awkward at first, but practice can make the process seem second nature.

Reach out each day. Make it your goal to reach out to four students each day. Search for opportunities to reveal to students how glad you are to see them. Start in your own building, then move to other places across campus.

Walk the campus with students. Freshmen often appear lost when finding their way across campus. The next time a student asks for directions, take the time to walk with them to their destination.

Encourage involvement. Recommend that they join campus activity groups. Currently, there are more than 300 extracurricular groups providing a variety of intellectual, political, social, and religious experiences.

Go public. First-year students have analytical skills and a world of experiences from which others can learn. Encourage them to ask questions, engage in classroom discussions and meet with their instructors outside of class. Speak out in support of their creativity.

Remember: We were all freshmen once. Never forget the people who helped you face the challenges and pressures of university life. It's now time to respond in kind.