Western's many program offices help students succeed

A message from Karen W. Morse, university president

This issue of Soundings has good information for parents on topics such as helping students understand how to work with Western's financial aid office or ways for parents to assist students with their careers after graduation.

Western's faculty and staff work closely with students in a wide range of endeavors, most tied to their academic pursuits, but also providing support in other important areas as well.

Our front door, so to speak, is our excellent admissions office, which admits students it believes will bring talent to campus and be successful. Our office of new student services helps first-time students adjust to campus life, while our residence life staff assists students living on campus. Our student health center serves those who fall ill or who need advice on health-related issues.

Our hundreds of clubs and student government activities offer an array of interesting and rewarding activities, and learning experiences. I have often noted that students who are actively involved in campus events are most successful and happy, whether joining an Outdoor Center trip to raft on a local whitewater river or playing in an intramural softball league.

As students progress in their academic careers, our advisers and faculty help them make decisions on majors and offer experiences in research, creative activities, and service learning. In concert with those decisions, our career services center offers many useful seminars and services to help our students prepare for later careers through professional internships. When these students graduate, the career center can help them locate the right jobs.

I encourage you and your student to always consider Western to be part of your extended family. As our students graduate, my hope is they will continue their ties with Western for years into the future by participating in alumni association activities or perhaps serving as a professional mentor for a future student. There are many ways to stay connected with Western, and I sincerely hope your student will decide to do so.