Convocation Remarks
August 12, 2007

Good afternoon and please allow me to add my sincere welcome.  The second most enjoyable part of my job as president of Emporia State University is welcoming new students and new family members to the ESU family.  The most enjoyable part of my job concerning you students will occur in four years when I have the privilege of shaking your hand as you walk across the stage to receive your degree!

I realize that I am standing between you and some textbook scholarships and the cookout so my comments will be brief.  First I will spend a few minutes speaking to the students followed by a few minutes speaking to parents and other family members.  My comments will be in the form of the top ten do’s and don’ts for students then the top ten do’s and don’t for parents.  At least you will know when I am approaching the end and you will be closer to the food! 

Emporia State University is student centered and all faculty and staff are committed to providing every opportunity possible to assure student success.

Professor Joseph Lagowski, University of Texas at Austin said: 

“We are attempting to educate and prepare students (hire people in the workforce) today so that they are ready to solve future problems, not yet identified, using technologies not yet invented, based on scientific knowledge not yet discovered.”

With that quote in mind, here are some student do’s and don’ts to help you reach your academic goals.

Top Ten Do’s and Don’ts for Students:

  • Do go to class – your professors will not hound or badger you to attend.  Their attendance requirements should be in their syllabus and they will expect you to read and understand those requirements.  Poor attendance usually means poor grades – remember mom and dad probably will not be there to tell you to go to bed or when to get up!
  • Do study!  (Duh…)
  • Do talk to your professors if you are having trouble (the earlier you seek help, the easier it is to recover).
  • Do get involved on campus.   With more than 130 recognized student organizations, I bet you can find something you love.
  • Do get a mentor.  You might be surprised how helpful it is to have a person to talk to and one who knows their way around ESU. In fact, you can go to the Center for Student Involvement in the Memorial Union and speak with Stacy Braun.  She will work with you to get you a mentor.
  • Don’t go home every weekend!  If you really want to experience college life, you have to be here.  Whether you live on or off campus, stick around for at least five weeks before you go home for a weekend.
  • Don’t over-extend yourself.  Make sure you get enough rest.
  • Do keep it in balance! – There are 24 hours in a day. 
    • Approximately 8 for sleeping,
    • 8 for going to class and studying
    • 2 for eating
    • 6 for working and playing
  • Don’t call mom and dad to solve all of your problems.  Whether they are bill payment, advising, registration, or relations with a professor.  You are now in charge of your life.  Seize the opportunity!
  • Do have fun.  Find something you love to do and major in it.  If you do, you will never work a day in your life!

Now I am sure that most of you parents could have and probably have given most of that advice to your son or daughter.  I am less sure you could give this advice!

The top ten do’s and don’ts for Parents Some quotes taken from:

Let the Journey Begin: A Parent’s Monthly Guide to the College Experience by J.K. MacKay, and W.J. Ingram, (2002), Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston.

  • Don’t be surprised by the expression of emotions and the speed at which emotions can change. – Don’t be surprised if your son or daughter expresses strong emotions one day, and then these feelings disappear the next day! It is not unusual.
  • Do encourage your student to spend time on campus over the weekend. – A visit home once in a while is good. However, the academic expectations and the resources to successfully accomplish these expectations (i.e. the library, computer labs etc.) are on campus. Furthermore, the opportunity to participate in new programs, student organizations and even volunteer opportunities continue to happen on campus. Instead of expecting your student to come home, consider coming back to campus for the visit. We would love to have you!
  • Do take care of yourself!  This is a time of transition for you too!  (It might be a good time to take up that hobby that has always interested you!)
  • Do remember, under FERPA or the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act also known as the Buckley Amendment we usually cannot give you information about your student which you might be seeking such as grades or attendance in class.  However, we can help you with the language you need to work with your student in seeking the solution.
  • Do, occasionally send a care package.  A package of familiar and enjoyable things from home is always welcome!  Mom’s cooking is usually well received, especially treats!
  • Do know their class schedule but don’t call them or text them when they are scheduled for class
  • Don’t try to solve their problems for them.  If they are ill, let them call the doctor or go to the health center.  If there are problems with their bill or financial aid, let them go to the cashiers or the financial aid office.  We assume that by the time they graduate, you would like them to be self sufficient.  Help us, don’t do everything for them!
  • Do call them so they will be on time for class.  If they are not early risers and you know they have an 8:00 a.m. class, call at 7:30… it can’t hurt.
  • Do encourage them to study abroad.  I know that is scary for parents.  We have a very good record of getting our students back to Kansas.  Every student I have met who has studied abroad says it is a life changing experience.  If they visit lesser developed countries they understand how blessed they are to live here.  If not now, when?
  • Do Love them, trust them, and listen to them.  You have raised them.  You have given them their values.  Let them spread their wings and make you proud!

Today, and forever, we are Hornets.  Welcome to the Emporia State family. 

Students, may your time here be some of the most exciting and enjoyable of your lives!  Parents, thank you for placing your trust in us.  You have placed some of the most valued and valuable people in your life with us – your children.  We will do our best to send you back well educated (and hopefully employed)  young adults in four years.  Thank you!