President Roger Ramsammy offers advice to students

By President Roger Ramsammy, Ph.D.

Students, welcome to Hudson Valley – or, if you’re a returning student, welcome back! The start of a new school year can be an exciting time, but it can also bring some challenges. As your new college president, and as a former college professor and, before that, a first-generation college student myself, I’d like to give you a few pointers to help you make the most of this new opportunity. Here are my top five recommendations to help you start off strong and have a successful semester.

1) Take advantage of the academic services that Hudson Valley has to offer. You may find that your time spent in class and on assignments is enough to help you understand the material. You may also find that you could use a little extra support, and that’s fine—there are many people here at the college who are prepared to help you meet your academic goals. Free tutoring and mentoring is available to all students through the Learning Assistance Center (Marvin Library Learning Commons) and Center for Academic Engagement (second floor, Siek Campus Center). Librarians in the Marvin Library are also eager to help you start a writing or research project. Whatever your academic needs may be, you’ll find academic support staff who want to help you achieve your best.

2) Establish relationships with your fellow classmates and with your professors. You will be amazed what a little teamwork can do for your study habits and your confidence. Seek out classmates to study with – the social aspect can make all the difference in turning studying from a chore into something you can enjoy, and talking through the subject matter with people who are learning alongside you can make it more interesting and enjoyable.

3) Make sure to find out when your professors’ office hours are and visit during those times. They want to help you succeed. Establishing good relationships with professors is also a great way to find a mentor who can help you understand more about the field you’re interested in. In that same vein, take a visit to the Center for Careers and Transfer, where you’ll find professionals who can help you chart a career or find a transfer school.

4) Whether you are just out of high school or returning after several years, it’s natural to feel a little nervous in a new academic environment. Throughout your time at Hudson Valley, you will be expected to push yourself academically, but you will also need to balance your responsibilities to maintain your physical, spiritual, mental and emotional health. That’s why it’s a good idea to get to know the college’s other support services before you need them. The Wellness Center offers both free health services and counseling services, and the Campus Ministry provides a welcoming place for all students to practice their faiths. The college also offers education benefits and services for veterans; childcare via the

Viking Childcare Center on campus; and support for students with disabilities through the Center for Access and Assistive Technology.

5) Finally, I encourage you to get involved on campus in something outside the classroom. Though many of you may be working either full- or part-time or taking care of family responsibilities, consider joining a club, team, or activity if your schedule allows it. This is an excellent way to make friends on campus and to enrich your college experience. Welcome Week activities can help you meet your fellow students and also provide information on the more than 30 clubs and student activities and 18 intercollegiate sports on campus. You’ll discover that college life at Hudson Valley is vibrant inside and outside the classroom. I want you to make the most of this college experience, and one sure way to do that is to get involved.

Of course, these are just a few ways to set yourself up for success, so please refer to the college website for more information on student support services, campus life, academics, and anything else you may need to make your Hudson Valley experience the best it can be. If you take advantage of the opportunities you’ll find here, I’m confident that you will have a great semester and a strong start to your academic career. I look forward to meeting each of you this semester and I congratulate you on taking this exciting step toward your futures.