Dear Transfer Students Entering the Class of 2029, 
::Lengthy email alert:: We’re in the home stretch. This email has two parts: a few short reflections on the transfer transition and the essentials you need before arrival.
Part 1: Reflection – The Transfer Transition
Student Autonomy
At Wes, you’re expected to be the primary advocate for your own experience. If a family member has a concern, the expectation is that you take the lead in addressing it. We want to talk with you, not about you. Share this with your family now so there are no surprises in September. Additionally, you should establish communication expectations with your family before you arrive. How often will you check in? Through what method? What should your family do if they can’t reach you right away? Setting these boundaries now can prevent misunderstandings, and calls to Public Safety, when you’re busy with your new life.
Attendance and Self-Management
As was likely the case at the last university you attended, no one will wake you up or remind you to go to class. Skipping is tempting and almost always a mistake because professors share context that peer notes can’t capture. If you must miss, notify your professor promptly and visit office hours.
Interacting with Faculty and Staff
Relationships with faculty and staff at Wes may feel different than your last institution. Lead with formality (e.g.: “Hello, Professor [Last Name]”) until you learn their preference. At Wes, deans use their professional title, so please call me Dean Dunn. You can expect 48-hour email response windows (not same-day) from staff and faculty, though many offices have walk-in hours if you need a faster answer.
Building Your Community
During your first few weeks, most people expect and welcome introductions. Challenge yourself to say hello to people in your residence hall, classes, and dining spaces. When you’re in your room, consider keeping your door open as a signal that you are open to meeting new people (but only leave your door open when you are there!). Explore campus events and browse the 200+ organizations on WesNest to find your people and your interests.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Before reaching out with a question, take a moment to ask: is the answer in the syllabus, the department website, the student handbook, or the academic catalog? Building the habit of checking first makes you a stronger student and makes your conversations with the Class Dean more productive when you do reach out.
Building Resilience
Wesleyan will stretch you in great ways. When it gets hard, and it will, try shifting your self-talk from “I can’t do this” to “I can’t do this yet.” Read more about growth mindset here.
Navigating Difficult Moments
There will be times when everything feels overwhelming and impossible. Resources are available from day one and designed to support you through these moments. The earlier you reach out, the more effectively you can get back on track. If your situation can wait for an email or an office visit, reach out to one of the resources below. If it can’t wait, that’s an emergency and warrants a call to Public Safety immediately (860-685-3333).
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): mental health supporting, counseling, crisis resources
- Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL): community and general support
- WesWell: health and wellness; your guide on how to rest and when to push through
- Davison Health Center: on-campus medical care
Part 2: Complete Task Checklist – Everything Due Before Arrival
- Academic Road Map Phase #1
- Housing Preference Form
- Religious & Spiritual Life Survey
- Health Forms and Immunization Records
- Final College Transcript
- Accommodations Request (if applicable)
- International Student Orientation Registration form (if applicable)
- Academic Road Map Phase 2
- Binge Thinking! Module
- U Got This! Module
- Stop Campus Hazing Act Module
- Fall Semester Payment
- Course Pre-Registration (due 8/14 by noon)
- Academic Integrity and Code of Conduct (due 8/15)
- Common Read (Bird Girl) Reflection (due 8/15)
- Health Insurance Decision form (due 8/15)
- Language Proficiency (due 8/15)
- Sustainability EDU form (due 8/15)
- Academic Road Map Phase 3 (due 8/15)
- Complete Online Orientation (due 8/15)
So as warned, that was a long message, though a message filled with important considerations for your transition. Remember, Wesleyan accepted you for your curiosity and your brilliance – you got this!
Take care,
Dean Dunn
Dean for the Class of 2029
https://classof2029.blogs.wesleyan.edu/