Dean Arthur Hafner's Welcome to New, Returning Students and Special Greetings to Members of the Class of 2010

Today is the first day of classes, August 22, and I am delighted to welcome new and returning students. I hope I will see you often in the University Libraries and that you will find the University Libraries to be a destination for research, learning, and friends.

I especially welcome members of the Class of 2010. I congratulate you for successfully completing high school and for your decision to pursue your academic studies at Ball State. You have made many people proud. You are now ready to begin the next chapter of your life as a student and future Ball State graduate.

For members of the Class of 2010, I would like to share a few thoughts about how you might benefit from the next four years to gain all that you can from your university experience. I encourage you to add suggestions to this short list by speaking with faculty, advisors, and other university personnel who champion your success. Discuss these ideas with your parents and other loved ones, too, since you have many people who stand with you as you prepare for your tomorrow. There is greatness within you.

Your next four years at the university span about 1,460 days. Envision each of those days as one page in a book that contains 1,460 blank pages whereon you write your daily academic progress on a new page. This book about your life at Ball State University has a first page, much like your first day at the University, and it has a last page, where you write about your graduation. You are the author of all the pages that record your daily successes and accomplishments. You, and only you, are personally responsible for your academic success.

Attending a university is about learning, gaining new experiences, and discovering opportunity. A starting point is to join and participate in activities like clubs, dormitory life, fraternities/sororities, athletics, writing for the Daily News, student government, studying abroad, earning money through work-study programs, volunteering your time to help others, and attending receptions and parties. Also, take full advantage of the University’s programs and resources such as music concerts, the Museum of Art, live theater, poetry readings, and other special events. Of course, be mindful to budget your time with your academic obligations, which must always be your first priority.

As a university student, you have come through a door. Your past is behind you and the shaping of your future is in your hands. You will probably never again be asked about your high school ranking or grades. Yet, in your future, you will always be asked about your university grades and will have to provide your transcript, even 20 or 30 years from now when you will have long been away from the university. Guard your academic performance and strive to excel in your academic pursuits.

I invite you to come to the University Libraries often to utilize its personnel, informational materials, and technology as an important part of your academic success plan.