Each of the 1,300 first-year students in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences received an email postcard encouraging them as they head into final exams.
The student success and support team in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (FAHSS) felt now was a great time to offer first-year students some encouragement to help them make it through the exam period.
It’s been a difficult semester for everyone, but especially for first-year students making the transition from high school to university with classes, events, and connecting with friends all happening virtually, says Tony Vo, student success and support co-ordinator in the Office of the Associate Dean, Academic and Student Success.
“I sent out a call across the faculty for messages of encouragement and support,” he says. “And people responded! I think it’s a nice thing to do for students.”
Professor Jeremy Worth emphasized the patience and diligence shown by students, writing in part: “You have drawn deep on reserves of energy and initiative this semester…. Your professors look forward to seeing you again (albeit online) in January; remember that we are only an email away.”
While staffer Yvonne Zimmerman encouraged persistence: “You are stronger than you think you are. One step at a time, you got this!!”
Vo compiled all the messages from instructors, support staff, and senior students, created email postcards, and sent one to each of the more than 1,300 first-year students in the faculty.
—Susan McKee