Grace LaTourelle-
The Gustavian Weekly would like to welcome in the class of 2028 and welcome back all Gusties to the Hill. For the incoming First-years, the Weekly is the campus newspaper. Issues are published on Fridays and can be found in several locations, such as the Jackson Campus Center and the Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library, and even online.
While the integrity of the Weekly is maintained and news articles are to be kept objective, I was allowed this once to editorialize just a little to set a warm welcome. I’m Grace, a rising Sophomore and news writer, and I am thrilled to be sharing space and conversation with everyone this fall.
Recalling my first time arriving, and truly every subsequent time, I realized that there was something special about this campus. Before the breathless, heaving climb up the hill, you see the dark asphalt giving way to the manicured grass and a majestic line of trees, leading up to the grandiose of Old Main.
My first year was incredible. Of course, there’s a learning curve, but apart from the struggles, the greatest thing I learned was that Gustavus is a wonderful community. Before experiencing the exhausting and over-caffeinated all-nighters, teary heartbreaks, or the stress of overscheduling, incoming First-years will see the true nature of their classmates. Their true nature is a lot like the beauty of our campus. Gusties are characterized by their ambition, passion, empathy, and drive. Before Gustavus is a campus, Gustavus is a community.
As well as learning the ins and outs of college life, there are other things that the incoming First-years will soon learn. There will be haunting and harrowing tales from “Orientation Weekend,” especially “The Square Dance.” “The Involvement Fair,” on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, will reveal why the stereotype of the “Overcommitted Gustie” exists. The first year on the Hill flies by quickly, and according to many seniors, so does the entire four years. Figuring out how you want to spend your time is an important lesson to learn.
“Students should expect to experience ups and downs during what is a huge life transition. They should expect that there will be excitement, and also some discomfort…Feeling comfortable in any new environment takes some time, so be patient,” Associate Dean of Students Megan Ruble said.
As the Fall semester begins on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, there will be support for students from faculty and staff. Regular services that students might utilize during the school year include the Writing Center, available both online and in-person, the Counseling Center located on the lower level in room 204 of the Johnson Student Center, and Health Services, located across from the Bookmark. Gustie Greeters and CFs are also an option when in need.
“We know the first few weeks can be a tough transition, even for those who feel fully prepared,” Interim Dean of Students, Charlie Potts said. “But the great thing is that staff and faculty all over campus want to be sure you adjust as smoothly as you can, so reach out to ask questions, seek guidance, or ask for help if you need it…there are people all over campus who want to help.”
Potts also noted that the staff in Student Life offices are available to offer advice or conversation.
“Some of the most healthy and successful Gustavus students I have worked with in my 25 years on campus struggled during their initial transition. If you do, it is normal and nothing to feel bad about,” Ruble said.
The Chaplains Office is another spiritual resource on campus available to students.
“College is a time of exploring and asking questions—our role is to help you explore faith, whatever it means to you,” Chaplain Betsy Hoium said.
Instead of the previous daily Chapel Break, it is now occurring Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 to 11:50.
“I hope that members of our community embrace this special time to unplug and nurture their spiritual well-being,” President Rebecca Bergman said.
Hoium noted that in addition to Tuesday/Thursday chapel services, there’s a “Sunday Worship Community” on Sunday evenings, a new monthly “Lunch and Learn” series with a free meal and faith discussions, and pop-up “Chapel and Chill” on Monday mornings, offering free cold brew.
“The word of wisdom is that our inner life has a huge impact on our overall sense of well-being,” Chaplain Grady St. Dennis said. “The Chaplains are here to support your Gustavus journey regardless of your faith background or faith interest. We are inspired by the broader vision of belonging at Gustavus and would like to learn more from you about what that means to you and how we can best support you.”
First-years also have additional resources available to them in the form of their FTS class and PeerMALT. According to Associate History Professor, Dr. David Tobaru Obermiller, FTS introduces students to the transition from high school to college.
“The cohort model allows these students to realize that whatever uncertainties or insecurities they may possess, they quickly discover that all first-year students occupy that same space of the exciting, yet daunting process of self-discovery as a liberal arts undergraduate,” Obermiller said.
FTS professors will be First-year students’ advisors until they declare their major. Advisors are important resources for not only academic scheduling, but also knowing what is available as options and how to manage workloads.
“In my thirty years of teaching, the most consistent variable for student success centers on developing intellectual curiosity, learning how to be self-directed, self-disciplined, and organized on a consistent basis. Second, let go of the pressure to have everything figured out,” Obermiller advised.
While academics, organizations, sports, and jobs are important, social life and fun are also essential for college success. Various organizations or groups on campus regularly host events. SNLs, planned Saturday night activities, are fun to attend and are put on by a rotating list of hosts, including the Campus Activities Board, also known as CAB. CAB plans and executes events for students throughout the year, with a wide variety of interests and themes.
“We have some pretty cool events going on like a laser tag SNL, some comedians/magic acts…and creativity color and paint events!” current Sophomore and CAB Late Nights and Weekend Co-Executive, Linnea Noeldner said. “We include input from our peers and community to put on events that aim to engage students from incoming freshmen to leaving seniors!”
Whether attending with a group of friends or alone, all are welcome and invited. Getting involved in events allows students to meet new people or experience something they never have before.
“I would remind new Gusties that they are so ready for this experience,” Potts said. “You’re ready to try new things, push yourself in new ways, and really embrace your college experience.”
However, the first few weeks of the year are not just for the new students. Everyone is experiencing newness in some fashion with new class loads and schedules, a new job, a living situation, or even new relationships.
The campus itself is experiencing newness as well. Following changes announced last year, the academic curriculum and credit system are now updated. An updated yearly calendar and weekly schedule are in effect as well. A daily block has been added for music and athletics. Finally, President Rebecca Bergman is retiring following the 2024-2025 school year.
Lastly, I would like to offer congratulations to all of those graduating this year. I still have several years until I graduate, but having one year under my belt, I can say that the work you’ve put in is truly incredible. Meeting and becoming friends with upperclassmen is the biggest privilege. This Senior class is hard-working, dedicated, and has wonderful visions of their futures.
Thus, my best advice as an underclassman to the Class of 2025 is to be proud of all that you have accomplished while at Gustavus. You’ve enhanced organizations and campus jobs by being in them and sharing your ideas. You have a portfolio of essays and exams that have had hours of studying and effort put into them. You’ve engaged in relationships that have shaped facets of your being. You have made a visible impact on this campus and its students. Enjoy your last year.
From myself, on behalf of the Weekly, to you, reader, welcome back to campus. I hope you have a productive, exciting year filled with love, warmth, and peace. Work hard, stay vigilant, and keep the vision of the world you want to see ever present in your mind. And remember to pick up your copy of the Weekly every Friday, because staying connected and informed is everything.
“Let’s have a great year, Gusties!” Bergman said.