Dean's Welcome
Dear Freshman:
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Freshman College at Bethune-Cookman University. The fact that you have chosen Bethune-Cookman University says a great deal about who you are and what you value. I would imagine that you are someone who attempts to incorporate Christian values into your daily life. You are probably someone who has high ethical standards and is sensitive to the needs of others by showing compassion and kindness. Even without meeting you, I imagine that you are committed to serving your community and that you respect the diversity of others. These are also the Core Values of this institution, which leads me to believe that you have indeed come to the right place!
Over the next several months you will have many experiences designed to help you make a successful transition from high school to higher education. You will soon discover that college is much more difficult than high school. For that reason you must attend class, be there on time, complete all assignments, visit the tutorial labs and library, and work closely with your instructors. Most importantly ask for help if you need it. The faculty and staff in the Freshman College want you to be successful and we are here to help you!
Although class attendance is extremely important, college is about much more than attending classes. Make sure that you take advantage of the many activities sponsored by the Freshman College as well as the social, cultural, and spiritual events that are held on campus. Unfortunately, many first-year students lose track of their reason for coming to college in the first place and spend way too much time partying and pursuing activities that take them away from their goal of becoming a college graduate. Therefore, I implore you to make good choices. Seek to find a balance between academics and extra-curricular activities.
Here at Bethune-Cookman University our motto is "Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve." It is our hope that you will take advantage of every educational opportunity you are presented with not solely for your own future financial gain, but so that you are aware of the needs of your community-local and global- and are in a position to bring about positive change. I encourage you to give of yourself by participating in service projects throughout the year.
There is so much that I would like to tell you about what to expect this first year, but I guess it will have to wait until we meet in August. In the meantime, feel free to contact any member of the Freshman College family with your questions.
Sincerely,
Michelle D. Thompson, Ph.D.
Dean, Freshman College/First Year Experience
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