Media Advisory: Welcoming students back to school

College to Career community: At Wake Forest, career development means more than just helping students find jobs, even in this economy. That’s why WFU has made personal and career development a mission-critical component of the college experience. The Office of Personal & Career Development guides and inspires students to take charge of their personal and career development from their initial days on campus. In fact, WFU is one of the only schools in the country to incorporate personal and career development into orientation for first-year students to get them engaged with the career office early (Tuesday, August 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m. in Wait Chapel).  The University also offers a dedicated session for parents, since supporting (not micromanaging) the transition from college to career can be challenging for some.

Does having a smart roommate help you do better in college? New research by Amanda Griffith, an assistant professor of economics, suggests the answer may be “yes.” Her study shows it might be possible to increase overall achievement by sorting certain students into their housing assignments by ability level. So, instead of requesting someone who’s a non-smoker or a night owl, students – especially guys – might want to request a roommate who’s a high-performer. (More info.)

Changing role of the RA: While resident advisors of the past may have served as little more than live-in tour guides or policy enforcers, today they play a pivotal role in helping students with the adjustment to college life. Armed with intensive training from the university police department, counseling center, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and residence life and housing, they’re on the front lines of everything from roommate drama to emergency communications. How do they do it while balancing a full course load and wearing a smile?

Moving onto campus: Hundreds of students are arriving beginning Aug. 20 for pre-orientation sessions.

• S.P.A.R.C. or Students Promoting Action and Responsibility in the Community is a four-day urban plunge that takes new Wake Forest students into the community to perform service projects related to children and family, environment conservation or hunger and homelessness.  Contact the news office for a schedule.
• Deacon Camp is a three and a half day group introduction to the history and traditions of Wake Forest University. Students will visit Wake Forest historical sites, including a trip to the original campus in the town of Wake Forest.  They will also tour athletic venues and meet Wake Forest leaders.

Move-in day: On Aug. 24, 100 student athletes wearing their team jerseys will help new Wake Forest students move into the first-year residence halls. This year Wake Forest football, volleyball, women’s tennis, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and golf teams will help students as they move into Johnson, Bostwick, Luter, Babcock, Collins and South residence halls. Classes begin August 29.

Transition to college – for parents: How do you cope with an empty nest? Should you ever call your child’s professor? This presentation offers tips and advice about child/parent relationship strategies, common issues parents might face during the college years, and information about support systems on campus. The session will be held August 24 at 7 p.m. in Benson University Center, room 401.

About Wake Forest University:
Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu.