Dear Parents and Families of the Class of 2028,
I hope your students enjoyed the long holiday break, whether they pursued winter courses and internships or took this time to rest. They certainly seemed to enjoy the time outside of class. As we move into our fourth week in the spring semester, I have already started meeting with students, cheering them on and assisting those who may have fallen short of their goals during the fall semester.
When we started the spring semester, I reminded students of the vast array of resources to help them both academically and personally as they work into the second half of their first year in college. I reminded them to reflect on the fall term and consider their goals for the upcoming semester. These goals do not need to be lofty, but can be pragmatic (get more sleep, become more involved, etc.) or philosophical (I will continue to learn more about myself through therapy, I will believe in myself and know that I belong here, etc.). I have also started—and will continue—to be present during the semester off and on among the student population in our student center (Usdan) during high traffic times to make myself accessible to them.
Speaking of spring! Spring Break will occur from Saturday, March 8 through Saturday, March 23. Make plans now for travel now. Soon after their return, class planning for fall occurs: Planning (Mon, April 14), Scheduling (Tues, April 15) and Adjustment (Wed, April 16 – Wed, April 22). Student should plan meetings with their faculty advisors right after spring break to prepare.
This a good time for first year students to start planning their summers, whether they’ll be working, pursuing internships and/or taking a course or two near home. In terms of internships, they are eligible to earn .25 credit for an internship with the Gordon Career Center. This takes planning, so it’s a good idea to look into this now. If they’re thinking about taking a summer course, please know that Wesleyan will offer some courses and that information will be posted during the spring term on their website. They may also take a course at another institution closer to home and transfer that credit back to Wesleyan; if they’re interested in pursuing that opportunity, please ask them to be in touch with me.
I can’t say it enough: please feel free to contact me (and always encourage your students to contact me) with any questions and/or concerns. I also regularly update our class blog with different announcements.
It’s been wonderful watching your students take their first successful steps in higher education. It’s been quite an honor!
Sincerely,
William M. Bisese, Ed.D.
Dean, Class of 2028
wbisese@wesleyan.edu