Dear Class of 2029,
Welcome to the Spring 2026 semester! I hope winter break gave you time to recharge and reflect on your journey so far.
Celebrating Your First Semester
You navigated a major life transition, managed college-level academics, built new friendships, and discovered more about yourself. Some of you thrived in unexpected ways. Others faced challenges that tested your resilience. All of you grew, and I want you to carry that forward.
Fresh Starts and Second Chances
Here’s one of the best things about college: every semester is a fresh start. Whatever happened in the fall, this semester offers new opportunities.
Before break, I asked you to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. If you completed that reflection, revisit it now. If not, take a few minutes this week. Ask yourself: What strategies do I want to repeat? What do I want to do differently? What did I learn about myself as a learner?
Then, most importantly: act on those insights early. Don’t wait until midterms to implement the changes you know will help you succeed.
Important: Drop/Add Period
Drop/Add begins January 22 at 8:30am and ends at 5pm on February 4. Use this time to explore classes and finalize your schedule. Attend the first day of each course so you’re not dropped by the professor. Remember to hit the “Enroll Me” button in WesPortal and confirm your schedule once finalized.
Use Resources Before You Need Them
The students who thrive use resources proactively—introducing themselves to professors early, meeting with Academic Peer Advisors when things are going well, and connecting with support services before they’re in crisis mode. Think of these as tools for optimization, not just emergency lifelines.
Make This Semester Yours
Spring semester has its own energy—longer days, renewed motivation, and the confidence that comes from knowing you can do this. Use that momentum. Take the class that excites you. Join the student organization that intrigues you. Build the habits that will serve you not just this semester, but for years to come.
I’m excited to see what you’ll accomplish this spring. If we haven’t met yet, I encourage you to schedule an appointment so we can explore your academic and personal goals at Wesleyan.
You belong here. Now show yourself what you’re truly capable of. Let’s make this semester remarkable.