On Friday, August 16, 2024, the College of Arts and Sciences welcomed its class of 2028 to Kent State University. Many freshmen got their first chance to meet Dean Mandy Munro-Stasiuk, Ph.D., along with several other leaders of the College who shared their advice for success at Kent State. Fun SWAG items, like glow sticks for convocation at the MACC, were handed out at the welcome and t-shirts and ice cream at the afternoon Ice Cream with the Dean event outside Bowman Hall. The A&S freshman class did not disappoint with their loud and enthusiastic chants of “C-A-S” at Convocation. But, most importantly, students got some pretty sage advice from several A&S leaders and university officials.
Here are a few key pieces of advice for freshmen (but it applies to any student at any point in their college journey):
Dean Mandy Munro-Stasiuk, Ph.D., said:
“Welcome to Kent State! The College of Arts and Sciences is big and mighty. But we’re also family. We are here to help you in every which way that we possibly can. Here in the College of Arts and Sciences, we believe in a culture of care. We truly believe in holistic support for you and want to provide everything for you to be successful here at Kent State. College is not scary. Ask questions. Don’t be scared to ask questions.”
She laid out four goals for the students:
1. “Get mentorship from the College faculty and staff, your colleagues, or your family. Seek all of their advice.”
2. “Find research opportunities. If you can do research in a lab or with a professor, you will be so much better off than everybody else who has the same degree as you because employers want you to have those critical thinking skills that you can get from research. Either a semester or even 4-6 weeks over a summer. I thoroughly recommend that you do that.”
3. “Participate in a study abroad or study away experience. It’s life-changing! Not only are you going to have tons of memories, but you will see the world in a very different way after you participate.”
4. “Finish your degree. Get all the way through and walk out of this university with a degree in hand because it will open so many doors for you. It will be phenomenal.”
Kristofer Braxton, director of Academic Diversity Outreach, said:
“There is one thing that we cannot do. We cannot read minds. I beg and plead with you to do one thing. Please don’t suffer in silence. There are numerous resources in this institution and in this college to support you. Everything from academic tutoring to professional networking to personal mental health resources. But we won’t know if you need any of these resources if you don’t come and talk to us. We live by the motto that Flashes take care of Flashes.
Hannah Seitz, the undergraduate student government senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, said:
“Join clubs, attend events, and do not hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. These experiences will shape your college journey and help you discover passions you never knew you had. Remember that you are not alone on this journey. The faculty, staff, and your fellow students are here to support you every step of the way. If you ever feel overwhelmed or need assistance do not suffer in silence. We are a community that cares for one another and can overcome any challenges that come our way. As we move forward, let’s embrace the values of curiosity, resilience, and inclusivity. Let’s strive to make our college a place where everyone feels valued and respected; where ideas can flourish and where we can all grow and learn together.
Shannon Brown, the undergraduate university student body president who double majors in psychology and peace and conflict studies, said:
“I want to encourage all of you to explore as much as possible during your first year of your college career. Say hello to the people sitting next to you in class. Meet people. You never know who you will meet at Kent State and the lasting connection that can be made. Good luck and go Flashes!
Kristin Stasiowski, Ph.D., assistant dean, International Programs and Education Abroad, joked that she always thought A&S stood for awesome sauce and that it would be appropriate because our college is the “awesome sauce of this university because of all of the variety and brilliance that is represented here today by this college”. She shared a video of a pianist playing two different pianos which concluded with the message: ‘Be together. Not the same.’ Stasiowski said: “The key to being different is to not allow yourself to be just one note. You are more than any one thing. You are more than your major. You are more than one relationship. You are more than one choice. You are more than one success. You are more than one mistake. You are worth more than anything. You are worth something that gives you the sound of the symphony.”
Sean Veney, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, used the word sciences to spell out his eight keys to success and asked the students to yell out each letter before he shared each piece of advice, including:
S: Set goals. Setting goals gives you short and long-term vision as well as motivation. It also helps you motivate and organize your time and resources. When goals are met it gives you a great sense of accomplishment.
C: Challenge yourself. Break through those self-imposed barriers and be open to meeting new people and learning new things that may be outside of your typical comfort zone or typical routine.
I: Initiate conversations with your instructors and not just when you need help or have a problem. Introduce yourself and allow us the opportunity to know you.
E: Expect engaging learning experiences where you will be provided tools and support to be successful. Take advantage of those and use them to your benefit as you progress towards accomplishing your goals.
N: Narrate your own story. Choose coursework and opportunities that will give you a more well-rounded education and help distinguish yourself from others. This will be important when it comes time to apply for jobs.
C: Connect with people and university services that will assist you. This should include regular meetings with your faculty and college advisors who are here to help and make sure that you are fulfilling requirements and making progress towards degree completion.
E: Expand your education training beyond the classroom. Join a university-sponsored club or organization. Study abroad or engage in research under the guidance of a faculty mentor or participate in an exciting internship program.
S: Soar to new heights with all of the new experiences, skills, and knowledge that you will acquire over the next few years. Your time in college will be some of the best and most memorable of your life, so enjoy!