Students, welcome to Hudson Valley – or, if you’re a returning student, welcome back!

By: Roger Ramsammy

College President

A new academic year is an exciting time, but it can also bring some challenges, especially for our new students. As a former college professor and, before that, a first-generation college student myself, I’d like to give you a few pieces of advice 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. The academic workload in college is often a surprise for many students. You may find that you could use a little extra support. The good news is that there are many resources here at the college to help you meet your academic goals. Free tutoring and mentoring is available through the Learning Assistance Center (Marvin Library Learning Commons), the Collegiate Academic Support Program and  the 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. The Science Center has a dedicated space for science tutoring, and we’ve even started directing tutors to engage with academic departments in Williams and Cogan Halls to make it more convenient for students who are generally in the upper part of campus. Whatever your academic needs may be, you’ll find support staff who want to help you achieve your best. Seek them out early in the semester! 

2) Establish some “study buddy” relationships with your fellow classmates, especially in classes that you feel will be challenging. You will be astounded at what teamwork and forming a study group can do for your confidence and your grades. So, 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. Plus, talking through the subject matter with people who are learning alongside you can make it more interesting and enjoyable. 

3) Find out when your professors’ office hours are and visit during those times. This is one of the best pieces of advice I can give you. All of your professors want to help you succeed, but they can’t offer that extra help unless you ask! Establishing good relationships with professors is also a great way to find a mentor who can help you understand more about the career field you’re interested in. In that same vein, stop by the Center for Careers and Transfer, where you’ll find professionals who can help you discover the right 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 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 on the second floor of the Campus Center offers both free health services and counseling services, and the Campus Ministry provides a welcoming place for all students to practice their faith. 

5) Finally, I encourage you to get involved on campus in something outside the classroom. I know many of you may be working or taking care of family responsibilities, but please consider joining a club, athletic team or student 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. 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 future.