Dear First-year Student, Welcome to your first at the University of Ottawa! The University of Ottawa is carrying out a number of measures to improve the quality of the first-year experience(FYE) and increase the success of our beginning students. The “ first year experience ” concept is an attempt to make certain that our UO first-year students are supported through the use of first year student advisors, orientation ( 熟悉校园 ) classes, freshman activities, and increased interaction with faculty outside the classroom.Upon the completion of the first year, you should feel more positive about yourself, because you will be more confident and have the tools necessary to achieve both academic and life-long goals. Your first semester can be exciting and frustrating at the same time. Through this letter I am offering to help in any way possible as you deal with those frustration. As the same time, I want you to know that there are many offices here on campus that can help you manage both the academic and student life aspects of you University of Ottawa experience. I want your first year here to be enjoyable in every way. You are special to the UO community and I want you to feel that way. As I look back on my own education here as the University of Ottawa, I have some thoughts I ’ d like to share. Yes, I am a proud UO alumna, mom, teacher and student advisor! “ If I could start my college experience over, what would I do differently in my first year? ” I would definitely prepare myself better for the change from my sheltered high school life to a life if independence. I would plan my college career path better by exploring career choices earlier in the game, getting better advice on what classes to take, taking classes at levels that matched my ability (and not too hard, of course), studying harder than I did, and trying not to be too frightened to ask for help. I would get to know my advisor early and contact him/her often. I would also have. ● taken more “ fun ” classes and explored more of my interests; ● tried to become better at studying because not making good use of my time is what held me back the most; ● met more people, made better friends sooner, and definitely taken part in campus activities earlier; ● looked for leader ship positions in college that would look good on my resume; ● made sure I gained some work experience in my major field early in my college career; ● stepped out and experienced Ottawa events and activities such as the Gatineau Park, Parliament Hill,the Art Museum,the Rideau Canal sooner; and finally, ● not missed any class! (Or, maybe just a couple!) Maybe you ’ ve heard all this before, but these ideas are certainly useful. You have begun a wonderfully exciting journey. Your world, which is changing now, will get larger and more interesting ever day! Stay in touch. Please frequently check out our website (http: /uottawa. edu /fye) to help you in your first year here. Have a great first semester ! Sincerely, Carlota Jackson Director, First-Year Experience 428-640-4880 cjackson@uottawa/edu