Dear Colleagues,
This fall marks the most typical start to a semester on our Hill since fall 2019, and once again we find our campus bustling with activity. After greeting thousands of Hilltoppers during the last two weeks, from our freshmen, student-athletes and Kelly Autism Program participants to members of our marching band and forensics team, I can assure you of one thing – our students are ready for full immersion into the WKU Experience.
Helping our students settle in requires all of us, and I appreciate the myriad events across our university designed by our faculty and staff to embrace and welcome our students home. Thank you to all who helped host a successful M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan to assist our newest Hilltoppers in their transition to campus life. And thank you to those volunteering to help with Topper Directions last week to make sure that our students navigated campus successfully during the first days of the semester.
For our returning students, coming back to the Hill enables them to reestablish important social and academic connections as they pursue their WKU degree. For our new students, the beginning of the fall semester represents the start of a life-changing journey. While excitement abounds for most, for some, the college experience presents new challenges that may heighten anxiety. As such, we must remain attentive to the needs of each student. I encourage you to familiarize yourselves with the resources available to ensure that our students succeed, and, when necessary, connect them to the appropriate assistance. Our Advising and Career Development Center, WKU Counseling Center and Dean of Students are each committed to supporting our student communities.
Finally, last week, The Commons at Helm Library became a hub for our campus community, providing a venue for socialization, sharing meals and learning. This Wednesday, August 31, at 10:30 a.m. we will gather for the formal dedication and ribbon cutting of this special space. Please join us as we commemorate the opening of this innovative facility, and please take advantage of it as you gather throughout the year ahead.
I look forward to sharing another successful semester on the Hill with you.
Go Tops!
Timothy C. Caboni
