issue 2.1 | 06.11.2007 | http://www.wesleyan.edu/deans/fym/
The First Year Matters newsletter is published by the Office of the Dean of the College and features information about academic and community life at Wesleyan; news about events and happenings on campus; and profiles of people and their work.
Academics
The Peer Advisor blog provides news and information about academic and co-curricular life at Wesleyan. A service of the Student Academic Resources Network, the blog is a place where new students can get answers to questions before arriving on campus. Current posts cover topics such as Unpacking the Summer Registration Form, how to choose a First-year Initiative seminar, what you need to know about placement testing, how to read a WesMaps course catalog page, and introductions from the peer advisors who are moderating the blog. Future posts will cover topics such as the General Education Expectations, the Essential Capabilities, the course registration system, how to work with your faculty advisor, life beyond the classroom, and more.
The Peer Advisor blog is maintained by peer advisors (upperclass students with expertise in navigating the "Wesleyan system") and is available at http://peeradvisor.blogs.wesleyan.edu/. Anyone can browse the blog, but only authenticated members of the Wesleyan community may post comments. If you will be posting comments (which requires login using your Wesleyan username and password) please be aware that there is bug in the blog software that may cause an error the first time you try to login. If this happens, just click on your browser's Back button to login again and you should be OK.
Events
June Mailing from the Office of New Student Orientation
Any day now you should be receiving a mailing from the Office of New Student Orientation with important information to help you prepare for your arrival to Wesleyan on August 28 for New Student Orientation. In addition to the Academic Planning Guide, which provides an overview of Wesleyan's philosophy of liberal education as well as a catalog of First Year Initiative seminars, the packet contains information about the summer registration process, placement testing, and how to register with Disabilities Services if you have a physical or learning disability. Many of the items in the June mailing require a response from you, so be sure to review its contents thoroughly and be mindful of deadlines.
This year's New Student Orientation program is conference style, ensuring multiple opportunities for new students to interact with faculty, staff and other students and learn about Wesleyan and its resources. If you have any questions, you should contact the student interns in the Office of New Student Orientation at orientation@wesleyan.edu. Additional information about the June Mailing and New Student Orientation can be found in the Peer Advisor blog.
Community
Housing Information through the e-Portfolio
On July 6, new students will be able to access housing information through the e-portfolio, which will also provide information about roommate assignments. New students are encouraged to check out the list of suggested items, and to make contact with their roommates to coordinate the contributions that each will be making to the room. It is also important to check out the list of Physical Plant's housing guidelines and fines that have been developed to maintain the safety and integrity of Wesleyan residential facilities. Any questions you may have should be directed to the Office of Residential Life at reslife@wesleyan.edu or 860-685-3550.
People
Mike Whaley: Interim Dean of the College
This fall, after ten years as Wesleyan's Dean of Student Services, Michael Whaley will be stepping into the role of Dean of the College. "Dean Mike," as most students affectionately know him, has one of the most important jobs at the University. "Everyone in the Dean's Office--from RAs to class deans to Usdan Center staff to the medical and counseling staff at the Health Center--works hard to forge strong relationships with students. We strive to be aware of student issues and concerns and it is our responsibility to challenge and support them as well as advocate for initiatives that improve the student experience at this amazing institution."
Dean Mike grew up in upstate New York and was the first member of his family to attend college. He graduated from Cornell University with a degree in microbiology, and earned a graduate degree in counseling and higher education administration from Central Connecticut State University. He is well known at colleges throughout the northeast as a consultant, particularly in the areas of student leadership development, wellness, motivation, LGBTQ issues and diversity education. He has presented entertaining and thought-provoking workshops on a variety of topics at both regional and national conferences.
Dean Mike lives on campus and frequently invites groups of students to his home for dinners or receptions. He is frequently spotted jogging or walking his dog, a yellow lab named Bailey, on campus. And, don't be surprised to see him at sporting events, performances and other campus events. "I'm a full-time residential member of the campus community, just like our students" he said.