postcardsEach of the 1,300 first-year students in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences received an email postcard encouraging them as they head into final exams.

Postcards bear messages of support to first-year FAHSS students

The student success and support team in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (FAHSS) felt now was a great time to offer first-year students some encouragement to help them make it through the exam period.

It’s been a difficult semester for everyone, but especially for first-year students making the transition from high school to university with classes, events, and connecting with friends all happening virtually, says Tony Vo, student success and support co-ordinator in the Office of the Associate Dean, Academic and Student Success.

“I sent out a call across the faculty for messages of encouragement and support,” he says. “And people responded! I think it’s a nice thing to do for students.”

Professor Jeremy Worth emphasized the patience and diligence shown by students, writing in part: “You have drawn deep on reserves of energy and initiative this semester….  Your professors look forward to seeing you again (albeit online) in January; remember that we are only an email away.”

While staffer Yvonne Zimmerman encouraged persistence: “You are stronger than you think you are.  One step at a time, you got this!!”

Vo compiled all the messages from instructors, support staff, and senior students, created email postcards, and sent one to each of the more than 1,300 first-year students in the faculty.

—Susan McKee