The transition is difficult. Whether a student is entering directly from high school, or entering from a period of post-high school work or other responsibilities, or even entering as a transfer from another institution, the transition to The University of Iowa typically involves substantial interpersonal and academic disruption. As teachers, I think we have a lot to offer to smooth this transition. The transition to college is a unique experience for each student, but common themes can be identified. The institutions are identified only by mnemonic pseudonyms.
Many students come to college with doubts about their academic skills.
Those who do arrive on campus confident in their ability to accomplish their academic goals sometimes find that confidence shaken by early experiences. Students thirst for experiences that confirm that they belong in college. These experiences take lots of different forms and occur in both academic and social settings. I want to focus on the relatively small things that all of us who teach can do in the context of our classrooms to invite new students to become members of the learning community. In general, good teaching and human decency seemed to be all these students wanted.