Dear First Year Student,                                   

Welcome to your first year at The University of Toledo!  The University of Toledo is implementing a number of initiatives to enhance the quality of the first-year experience (FYE) and bolster the success of our beginning students.

The  “first year experience” concept represents a deliberate attempt to ensure that our UT first-year students are supported through the use of peer mentors, orientation classes, service learning, freshman activities, and increased interaction with faculty outside the classroom. Upon the completion of the first year, you should have a positive sense of self, with the confidence and tools necessary to achieve both academic and life-long goals.

Your first semester can be exciting and frustrating at the same time. Through this letter I am offering to assist in any way possible as you deal with those frustrations.  At the same time, I want you to be aware that there are many offices here on campus that can help you manage both the academic and student life aspects of your University of Toledo experience. I want your first year here to be spectacular in every way.  You are special to the UT community and I want you to feel that way.

As I look back on my own education here at the University of Toledo I have some thoughts I’d like to share. Yes, I am a proud UT alumnus, mom, teacher and mentor!  

"If I could start my college experience over, what would I do differently in my first year?"
I would definitely prepare myself better for the transition from my sheltered high school life to a life of independence. I would plan my college career path better by exploring career choices earlier in the game, getting better advice on what classes to take, taking classes at levels that matched my ability (and not too hard, of course), studying harder than I did, and trying not to be too intimidated to ask for help.  I would get to know my advisor early and contact him/her often. I would also have:

•    taken more "fun" classes and explored more of my interests;
•    tried to become better at studying because poor time management is what held me back the most;
•    met more people, made better friends sooner, and definitely become more involved on campus earlier;
•    searched more aggressively for information about scholarships and grants;
•    looked for leadership positions in college that look good on my resume;
•    made sure I gained some work experience in my major field early in my college career;
•    stepped out and experienced Toledo events and activities such as the Toledo Zoo, the Art Museum, the Mudhens, the waterfront sooner; and finally,
•    not have skipped any classes! (or, maybe just a couple!)
Maybe you’ve heard all this before, but these ideas will ring true. I promise. You have begun a wonderfully exciting journey. Your world, in transition now, will get larger and more fascinating every day! Stay in touch. Please frequently check out our website (http://utoledo.edu/fye) to help you in your first year transition.
Have a great first semester! 

 Sincerely,

Jennifer Rockwood
Director, First-Year Experience
419.530.2330
Jennifer.Rockwood@utoledo.edu