University 101 Instructors
Janet Anderson, Graduate Resident Assistant, Residential Education
jander18@mix.wvu.edu
My favorite WVU tradition is the singing of “Country Roads” after football games. The song is played over the speakers for all to hear. Singing “Country Roads” after the game with friends is something you should experience at your first game!
Elizabeth Arnett, Residence Hall Coordinator, Residential Educationliz.arnett@mail.wvu.edu
University 101 gives instructors the opportunity see the freshmen experience in a different light, from a students perspective. And in this time, try to be a guide and helpful ear to make each experience successful.
Grace Atebe, Area Advisor, Residential Education
grace.atebe@mail.wvu.edu
Ask for help!
Samantha Bonacci, Residence Hall Director, Residential Education
samantha.bonacci@mail.wvu.edu
Don’t wait until midterms to seek help with difficult classes. As soon as that first not-so-great grade comes in, take advantage of the academic resources WVU offers—you’ll learn all about them in University 101!
Bruce Brubaker, Manager, Student Recreation Center
blbrubaker@mail.wvu.edu
Take advantage of all the academic services available at WVU. There is no reason you cannot succeed.
Amber Brugnoli, Student Affairsamber.brugnoli@mail.wvu.edu
Ask questions! No one will ever know you need help or are in trouble if you don’t ask for help. There are thousands of people at this University here only to support YOUR success; you’d be a fool not to use them.
Patricia Cendana, Director, Residential Educationtlcendana@mail.wvu.edu
Listen,listen, listen… to what others have to say. There are many people who can help you succeed if you just take advantage of their advice. Your instructor, your RFL, your RD or AA, your RA and your parents are here to help you succeed.
Renee Clark, Graduate Assistant, Public Health
rclark9@mix.wvu.edu
Make sure you know what your proprieties are and always look for new opportunities to expand your knowledge. Do not forget the reasons you came to college, get help if you are in need, and never be afraid to ask if you have a question. Also, if at all possible, study abroad for a semester, a summer, or during spring break because it will be one of the most amazing experiences that you could have during your college career.
Virginia Cox, Career Services Centervycox@mail.wvu.edu
Attitude is everything. Check yours often!
Kimberly Crowell, Graduate Assistant, Retention and Research
kcrowell@mix.wvu.edu
My advice to first year students is to attend class and ask questions. We,as instructors, don’t know what you don’t know unless you ask. Also, have some sort of schedule either in a planner or in the front page of your notebook. You are open to new experiences and people. You are able to make decisions and feel pride in the path you take in life. I feel that University 101 gives me the opportunity to pass on the knowledge that I have gained as a student to incoming freshman. That together we can work together to create a positive and meaningful first year experience in order to make the rest of the student’s time here also meaningful and successful.
Christa Fisher, Graduate Assistant, Retention and Research
cfishe11@mix.wvu.edu
Get involved. WVU has something to offer everyone…try different activities and see what you like the best! Being a Mountaineer is about having pride in WVU and this great state. It’s about taking advantage of every opportunity that your years at WVU offer, growing as a person, and making a positive difference. WVU is a second home…a place where traditions are lasting and new memories are made.I love teaching university 101 because I am passionate about freshman getting a great start at WVU. Coming to college is a huge life change, and I like being able to help others with that transition.I absolutely love football game days!! Spending the day with family and friends, eating tons of delicious food, and seeing the enthusiasm of thousands of WVU fans will always be one of my favorite college experiences!
Allen Flanagan, Night Operations Supervisor, Mountainlairroger.flanagan@mail.wvu.edu
My advice to First Year Students would be to take advantage of your college experience. You won’t realize how much fun you’ve been having until you graduate. Each day brings different opportunities…take advantage of them! Don’t underestimate the learning experience you can have outside of the classroom as well. Whether its attending a Mountaineer Game, or attending the WVUp All Night program, there are countless opportunities to enrich your experience at WVU.
Eric Godfrey, Developmental Advising Specialist, Undergraduate Advising Services Center
eric.godfrey@mail.wvu.edu
Study with meaning and purpose, which will give you internal motivation in your academic pursuits. Don’t procrastinate, which has served as a big trap for many. By doing your assignments promptly, you will know exactly how much free time you then have.
Gina Groves, Graduate Assistant, Retention and Research
gina.groves@mail.wvu.edu
Be open to new people and new experiences. Get involved in your halls, WVU clubs/groups, community service, etc.! Take advantage of as many learning opportunities as possible! Have as much fun as you can, but BE SURE that responsibilities (i.e. class, homework, work, etc.) come first! It’s important to learn to “balance work and play” in order to succeed in college. Learn to be an organized/efficient person. Don’t ever be afraid to ask questions for assistance. There are many people (including myself) that are here for you, and we love to feel like we’re helping out! These will be some of the best days of your life so make the most of it! Good luck!
Mark Hanselman, Undergraduate AdvisingGo out, explore, get involved, this is your chance to find your passion in life.
Travis Hapney, Residence Hall Coordinator, Residential Education
travis.hapney@mail.wvu.edu
Breathe easy.
Amanda Heaton, Program Specialist, Clinical Pharmacyaheaton@hsc.wvu.edu
University 101 is a way for students (and myself) to become acquainted with and accustomed to West Virginia University and college life. I take teaching this course seriously because it can help these student be successful in their college career just by putting them “in the know”. Personally, I hope to learn more about the University as well and gain collegiate teaching experience. I believe that everyone involved can benefit from this course. I hope the students will respond well to my teaching style and also enjoy the course.
Kristin Johnson, Graduate Resident Assistant, Residential Education
kristin.nicole.johnson@gmail.com
Keep a planner and put everything into it after you get your syllabus. Go to class everyday, take notes, and ask questions. Make yourself known to the professor, so you will feel more comfortable if you have questions or concerns. Set deadlines for yourself that are a little before when the actual assignment is due, that way you have time to look over and proofread your work. Make good use of the Math and English help centers.
Jennifer Jones, Developmental Advising Specialist, Undergraduate Advising Services Centerjennifer.jones@mail.wvu.edu
Country Roads. It’s a song I have grown up listening to and singing along with whenever I hear it. The song always reminds me of cheering for Mountaineer football and basketball games. It reminds me of good friends and laughter. It reminds me of a state I love.
Robin Jones, Associate Dean, University 101 Program; Resident Faculty Leader, Residential Educationrobin.jones@mail.wvu.edu
There is something that happens when the football stadium begins to sing “Country Roads”. It is the true meaning and feeling of being a Mountaineer that send chills down my spine whenever I hear it.
Rachel Kennedy, Residence Hall Coordinator, Residential Educationrachel.kennedy@mail.wvu.edu
University 101 is an opportunity to connect with the university on three levels, personally, communally, and globally. In my classroom I work to create an informal atmosphere that spurs each student to bigger and better experiences.
Keisha Hopkins Kibler, Instructor, University 101keisha.kibler@mail.wvu.edu
My advice to freshmen is to set short term and long term goals. Check these goals often, re-evaluate what you want to do with your life, and stay focused. Remember, college is about learning. The greatest learning you will experience these next four years is self-discovery. This is your time to shine.
Brian Knight, Assistant Resident Faculty Leader, Residential Education
bfknight@gmail.com
My advice to first year students is to GO TO CLASS. You can not learn, experience, or be a Mountaineer unless you go to class. Just attending WVU does not make you a Mountaineer.
Johnny Kocher, Graduate Resident Assistant, Residential Education
jkocher2@mix.wvu.edu
My advice to first year students is to take the time to find the proper balance in their new college life. To be able to balance their classes, work, and social life will be the factor that determines if the student will be successful at West Virginia University. This is not an easy task for students who are used to their time usage being dictated to them be their parents/coaches. Always put you school work first and prioritize your individual work requirements and always leave room for your social life that can keep you fresh for your studies and work.
Shawna Little, Resident Director, Residential Educationshawna.little@mail.wvu.edu
If I had to give any piece of advice to First Year Students, I would tell them to make the most of their time at WVU. Take full advantage of the educational, cultural, and social opportunities that WVU has to offer, but be sure to manage your time effectively between the three. Lastly, take ownership of your education because only you can decide how your next four years will be spent at WVU!
Alicia Moore, Assistant Director, Residential Educationalicia.moore@mail.wvu.edu
University 101 (to me) is an opportunity to teach freshman students transition materials from high school to college. It’s an opportunity to educate on resources here on campus, talk about “hot topics” that they may encounter while they are here, and focus on academic counseling.
Kim Mosby, Assistant Dean, Student Lifekim.mosby@mail.wvu.edu
Be engaged – both in and outside of the classroom. Take chances and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Get to know your instructors and develop good study habits!
Eric O’Hara, Associate Director, Residential Education I would encourage every first-year student to get involved, make use of University resources, and make connections with their instructors.
Debbi Pariser, Assistant Resident Faculty Leader, Residential Education
debbi.pariser@mail.wvu.edu
I look forward to the arrival of each new freshman class. Although there are many activities to welcome freshman and help them connect to WVU (Visitation Days, New Student Orientation,Operation Jump-start, and Welcome Week activities), to me, the defining moment as to when they really feel a part of the University is at Convocation with the president. When we all sing, we are all Mountaineers.
Edwin Parks, Colonel, Aerospace Studies
edwin.parks@mail.wvu.edu
Manage your time wisely—your instructors will not manage it for you!
Andy Pintus, Resident Faculty Leader, Residential Educationapintus@wvu.edu
Get familiar with your new environment as quickly as you can. Realize you’ve accepted a tough challenge in pursuing higher education. It may require more effort and focus and planning to be successful in learning.
Cindy Pintus, Assistant Resident Faculty Leader, Residential Educationcpintus@mix.wvu.edu
Advice to first year students; Set realistic goals both short and long term and make your best effort to accomplish them.
Jessica Poe, Graduate Assistant, Retention and Research
jessica.poe@mail.wvu.edu
My advice to a first year student would be to break out of your comfort zone. There are so many opportunities waiting to be taken advantage of here at WVU. Whether that be trying a new class, joining an interesting club or making new friends with people not from your hometown, the opportunities are endless!
Mallory Powers, Graduate Resident Assistant, Residential Education
mpowers@mix.wvu.edu
My biggest piece of advice for first year students is to be open and make the most of the experience. So many students come from different backgrounds and it is important to be open to these people and learn about them or their culture. The University offers so many programs and opportunities for students to step out of their comfort zone. This is a great time for them to step out and experience the things they never have.
Ann Richards, Associate Professor, Special Education
ann.richards@mail.wvu.edu
UNIV 101 gives me an opportunity to assist students in becoming adjusted to WVU.
Kimberly Richards, Graduate Assistant, University 101 Programkim.richards@mail.wvu.edu
My advice to first year students is to get involved! There are so many opportunities provided and it would be a shame not to take advantage of them. There is something for everyone, and if you can’t find something that interests you, then start your own group or organization!
Sarah Rotruck, Employer Relations Specialist, Career Services Center
sarah.rotruck@mail.wvu.edu
1. Your grades DO matter down the road.2. You don’t have to pick a major right away, but not making a concerted effort or being strategic in the classes you take can be very time and cost intensive.3. Take responsibility for you course schedule. Your adviser advises hundreds of people and can easily make a mistake. In the end, you will suffer the consequences.4. Get involved in 1 or 2 student organizations. Don’t overwhelm yourself, though. You need time to study, relax, hang out with friends, hit the rec, etc.
Joseph Seiaman, Director of Undergraduate Programs, College of Business and Economics
joseph.seiaman@mail.wvu.edu
Make sure you develop, implement, and adhere to an effective time management system. Students who have a well balanced academic and social life perform much better in school and have many more opportunities available to them then students who don’t.
Carrie Sergi, Attorney for Students, Student Life
carrie.sergi@mail.wvu.edu
University 101 means that we are actively working towards acclimating the first year students to this wonderful university and all it has to offer.
James Shumway, Professor, Medicine
jshumway@hsc.wvu.edu
Read and understand the syllabus. To conduct oneself with pride, integrity, and honesty. An opportunity to academically develop incoming freshmen by preparing them with essential college skills.
Nitin Srivastava, Graduate Assistant, Undergraduate Advising Services Centernitin.srivastava@mail.wvu.edu
It is perfectly OK if you have not decided about your Major in the very first semester but it’s your responsibility to take advantage of the resources that university has to offer which will help you decide on a Major. Your Academic Advisor is one such resource.
Kelly Stewart, Career Counselor, Career Services Center; Adjunct Faculty Instructor, College of Physical Activity & Sport Sciences
kelly.stewart@mail.wvu.edu
1. Don’t give up! 2. To cheer & support WVU in a positive way at all times. 3. To guide and direct students and find out answers to their questions & problems.
Candace Tackett, Program Coordinator, Retention and Researchcandi.tackett@mail.wvu.edu
I have several traditions that mean a lot to me but I love the tradition of celebrating with Mountaineer friends before every home football game and cheering on the marching band and football team as they run through the tunnel…I’ve attended WVU games since I was a little kid and 20 years later, I still get chills every time they run out of the tunnel. Of course, staying until the end of the game and singing “Country Roads” has become a recent tradition that I also enjoy.
David Taylor, Director, Student Recreation Centerdhtaylor@mail.wvu.edu
Become actively involved in WVU activities early. Those first year students who connect at the beginning of their first semester will do better academically. And absolutely never miss class especially in the ones that you are having difficulty. Always talk to your instuctor if you are having problems with the class.
Buffy Vehse, Assistant Resident Faculty Leader, Residential Education
buffy.vehse@mail.wvu.edu
Find something YOU like to do for fun and relaxation; don’t just follow the crowd. Alcohol and excessive partying causes too many students to fail out of college.
Ted Vehse, Resident Faculty Leader, Residential Education
cvehse@wvu.edu
Advice to first-year students: come with an open mind & be prepared to try or experience something you never heard of or thought about before. In college, you never know what surprising, new thing you’re going to learn about YOURSELF!
Ernesto Waines, Area Advisor, Residential Educationernesto.waines@mail.wvu.edu
As a first year student the transition to life in college may not be as easy as you thought. My advice to you will be to use the resources available to you as best as you can, seek advice from your RA’s and manage you time effeciently for classes, studying and extra-curricular activities. Follow these three simple guidelines and you will be off to a bright start!
Brian Walker, Commuter Student Programs Coordinator, Office of Student Lifebrian.walker@mail.wvu.edu
My advice to first-year students is to get involved, as much as possible, with university events and student organizations.
Maria Watson, Developmental Advising Specialist, UASCmaria.watson@mail.wvu.edu
This is not high school. You really, really do have to go to each class and study in college. If you do not know how to study, you should take a course such as Educational Psychology 101, that will help you gain these skills, your first semester.You are capable of achieving your academic goals as long as you are willing to stay focused and committed. To do this you must establish a firm balance between your academics and your social life. Both are important but balance is key.
Robert Whitmore, Professor, Division of Forestry; Resident Faculty Leader, Residential Educationrwhitmor@wvu.edu
Go to class, stay current.
Andrea Yost, Graduate Assistant, Residential Education
andrea.marlowe@mail.wvu.edu
My advice to first year students is to go through your undergraduate career as if every day is an interview. Whether or not you realize it, people will know who you are and they will be watching you. Your professors will remember if you slept through class or were always late. Remember that its these daily interviews that will affect your letters of recommendations and the opportunities presented to you.
