If you had the chance to communicate one message to incoming students - 2 months before their arrival - what would it be?
We are in the midst of our summer orientation here at BU. It's probably not too different from what happens on most other campuses around the country that practice this same methodology of "introducing" new students to campus.
Over the course of a day (transfers), or day and a half (traditional freshmen), we bombard these incoming students (and their parents) with a lot of information, introduce them to some "key" people on campus, get them navigating their way through campus, and send them on their way with a lot of material to peruse over the 2 months they have before they return.
Additionally, as a Christian university, we are increasingly intentional about how we communicate our Christian heritage and mission to these new community members during this time - and how these students, in particular, will have the chance to shape - and be shaped by - this place.
The big things we want our students to walk away from this time thinking about (in preparation for their return) are:
- These are some of the most formative years of your life
- God has a plan for these years - and your life
- While you are here, God wants to work with you to develop the gifts, passions and talents He has uniquely designed you with
- God wants you to grow in your love for Him during these years, and work with Him, to become the person He is creating you to be
- Prayerfully begin to prepare NOW for how you will take advantage of these critical years on campus
Likewise, the big things we want parents to here are:
- We are "setting the table" for your students to grow spiritually here
- This is the time they need to make their faith their own - if they haven't done so already
- Give them some space - to ask questions, to have doubts, to struggle, to fail - to grow
- Pray for them, encourage them, ask them questions, continue to love and support them - in some new and different ways - as they question, doubt, struggle, fail and grow during these next few years
It's such an exciting time! I pray that God will bless the next couple of months these students have as they prepare to join us in the fall.
What do you think?
- What would you include in a summer message to your incoming students?
- What would you want them to know about you, your ministry, the institution you serve?
- What message what you want to communicate to parents?
Thanks for adding to the conversation!
