Pride Guidebook & Helpful Resources

Adjusting to College

College courses are much more demanding than high school, and it's up to you to make the right decisions and manage your time and responsibilities. The primary difference to understand is that in high school, you could simply follow rules that were strictly enforced. In college, you must choose responsibly, or you will face the consequences of actions or inactions. As a new student, you are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the academic resources Widener University has to offer. 

Academic Policies, Procedures & Regulations

Widener University strongly supports the concept of academic integrity and expects students and all other members of the Widener University community to be honest in all academic endeavors. 

Visit the academic catalog for more information regarding academic policies and procedures and academic regulations. 

Academic advisors help you translate your goals and interests into an effective and successful educational experience. They help you understand and navigate academic requirements, policies and procedures while guiding you in course selection. Make a point to see them at least once each semester to build a meaningful relationship.

To make the most of your advising experience, you should do the following:

• Meet with your advisor each semester (by October/March) before you register for classes.
• Make sure you're aware of important policies, procedures, academic dates and deadlines including withdrawal (course or university) and add/drop by checking the Undergraduate Catalog and Student Handbook found at https://catalog.widener.edu/. 
• Understand university, general education, and your academic program requirements. 
• Seek out information and make decisions regarding your academic/career goals. 
• Take advantage of campus resources. 
• Write down questions you have for your advisor and ask for help.
• Assume final responsibility for course scheduling, program planning, and successful completion of graduation requirements. 

For more information and access to other resources, visit Academic & Career Support. 

The PRIDE Mentoring Program provides on-going support, mentoring, and guidance through individual and group workshops and personal development activities. The program supports each student's needs and aspirations.

The program helps new students:

• Improve academic performance
• Make connections throughout the university
• Adjust to college life
• Understand academic culture
• Develop productive relationships with peers, faculty, and administrators 
• Develop leadership skills

The Widener University PRIDE Mentoring Program is administered by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and is designed to improve the retention and graduation rates of students who participate in the program. 

The program provides support services to students from a wide variety of backgrounds, enabling students to forge social and cultural ties essential for academic success, while strengthening identities and enhancing satisfaction with the entire undergraduate experience. It's open to any incoming new or transfer student who is committed to being academically successful at Widener University by participating in an array of academic, social, cultural, and professional activities. 

Features of the PRIDE Mentoring Program

• Weekly connections between proteges and mentors
• Monthly social activities and events planned by proteges and mentors
• Community service projects
• Celebration and recognition events

For more information about the PRIDE Mentoring Program, please contact Kortne Smith, program coordinator in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at kasmith1@widener.edu. 

• Go to class on time. That seems obvious, but it's important to remember. How can you be successful if you're not actually in class?
• Use a planner. It'll be your most important tool. It doesn't matter if you use your phone or buy a paper calendar, you're going to need a system to organize your class schedule, assignments, deadlines, involvements, jobs, and life in general. Pick whatever works for you—and use it! 
• Come to class prepared (every time!). Don't forget a writing utensil, notepad, syllabus, and your planner. 
• Participate in class. Turn your cell phone off, take careful notes, ask questions, and turn assignments in on time. 
• Get to know your professors. They're people too and can help you if you're struggling in class or you're just really interested in the topics they teach. Introduce yourself and visit during office hours. 
• Show respect to everyone.