New at Widener? The Community Offers Advice for Your Success
You are part of a vibrant and welcoming community from day one at Widener. No matter where you are this semester, you'll quickly find classmates, professors, and alumni who support each other at every step and feel a collective sense of pride.
As the fall semester begins, the Widener community welcomes our newest members and offers the following advice from faculty, staff, and students who already have your back.
Get Involved Virtually
"College is your opportunity to reach your fullest potential. With everything going on with the pandemic, I believe it is more important now to find what you are interested in and take that first step to being a better person. Getting involved is a crucial part of college so reach out to your professors about class or research, and contact clubs and organizations that you are interested in. Take the leap of faith!"
— Aidan Looby '21, President of Interfraternity Council
"Don’t be afraid to try new things and put yourself in situations you haven’t seen before. My freshman year I was going to the Pride Activities Council club meeting by myself and making every effort to push my comfort zone. Two years later I became the president of the organization with a list of other leadership opportunities.”
— Priscilla Adenugba '21, Resident Assistant and Peer Tutor
Find Ways to Stay Organized
"The most successful Widener students are proactive in their education. Reach out to faculty to introduce yourself and ask questions about the course and its requirements. Sign up for tutoring at the start of the semester and use faculty members' office hours. Prioritize academics by creating time management schedules, a monthly calendar of major assignments, and daily to-do lists."
—Tim Cairy, Director of Student Success and Retention
"Stay connected, and check your email. Download the Outlook app to your mobile device, add your Widener email address and account, and check your email frequently (as much as 8 - 10 times per day or more). Important information will be shared with you consistently as the semester begins."
— Austin Duckett, Assistant Dean of Students
"My best advice for new students would be to develop a routine. This can include taking frequent breaks, organizing your workspace in a way that supports productivity, and making time to connect with friends and family virtually. Keeping a good balance in your life will fuel academic success."
— Jenna Muir '20, Communication Studies Alumna
Get to Know Your Professors
"From the moment you make the momentous decision to join the Widener Pride, your professors are here to support you every step of the way. Many Widener professors are involved in research in the lab or the community that you might find exciting. Talk to them about your interests and you may discover a mentor who will foster your academic and professional development as well as your career goals. Your Widener professors are on your team for life, and I can tell you that after almost 20 years of teaching, I've never met a group of folks more full-on dedicated to the success of their students." — Janine Utell, Chair and Professor of English
Boost Your Health and Safety
"Whether you take classes remotely or in person, or live on campus or elsewhere, remain vigilant to stay healthy. Wash your hands often; avoid close contact with people outside of your home; cover your nose and mouth with a mask; keep your surroundings clean and disinfected; and monitor your health daily."
— Ellen DeLuca, Director of Student Health Services
"We don't plan for moments of adversity when we visualize our accomplishments. Yet, it is exactly these challenges that prepare you for success. When times are tough, as they no doubt will be, turn to your friends and family, reach out to faculty and staff for their feedback. If needed, know that Counseling and Psychological Services is here to support you on your road to achieve your dream."
— Jennifer Horowitz, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services
Welcome to Widener! We can't wait to see you succeed.
*Note: Photos were taken pre-pandemic.
