Answering questions
University Library hosts Academic Jump Start for new students
3:19 p.m., Sept. 10, 2015--New Blue Hens arriving on the University of Delaware campus often have questions about the exciting years ahead.
The many important questions include: How is college life different from previous academic experiences? What dispositions, goals and skills should students be developing from their very first day on campus? What places and people at UD are here to support the Class of 2019’s success?
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The Office of Academic Enrichment, the University of Delaware Library and the New Student Orientation office teamed up to provide incoming freshmen with an academic-focused orientation aimed at answering these and other questions.
The two-part event, held on Monday, Aug. 31, in the Morris Library’s Reading Room, featured a workshop led by Lys Murray and Mike McClay, both academic program managers of the Office of Academic Enrichment, which got students thinking strategically about their college experience.
“We were impressed with the students who attended – they had thoughtful questions and clearly were focused on making this first semester a strong one,” they said. “It will be a real pleasure to watch them as they progress through their studies at UD.”
Following the workshop, 14 campus units supporting student success were invited to chat with students in an information fair environment.
The Academic Jump Start Information Fair gave students the chance to chat with the constellation of units providing services such as academic coaching, mentoring, language and writing support, tutorial support, and units which promote student leadership opportunities, and much more.
The library participated in the information fair and provided tours that introduced students to the varied study spaces, services, unique collections, technology and resources that UD students can access.
Students who took tours were entered into a raffle to win a personalized, behind-the-scenes tour of some of the library’s rare book and manuscript collections.
“The library is an important academic common ground for our campus, and helping new students realize their new roles and responsibilities as scholars is something that librarians are passionate about,” said Meg Grotti, assistant head of the Reference and Instructional Services Department. “This has been an exciting collaboration and is a great way to introduce our students to the people and places that are ready to lend a hand.”
More than 130 students attended the two events.
Photos by Duane Perry