NSE Instructor Update—Week 10

October 24, 2016

Thank you for guiding your students to seek help when needed as they find their footing at Baylor and begin to strengthen their autonomy. We have noticed an increase in usage of services this fall in the Paul L. Foster Success Center. Thanks for encouraging your students to receive support as they finish the semester strong. Here are some updates for you and your students to know as they continue to thrive at Baylor.

Conversation Starters

  • How was your fall break? Did you travel home?
  • What’s the most interesting thing you have learned so far in a class this semester?
  • What do you think you have learned to do better so far since coming to Baylor University? Are you a better writer? Problem solver? Performer?

Nominations are being accepted for the Excellence in New Student Experience Award. This annual award recognizes excellence among the faculty and staff involved in the New Student Experience courses at Baylor University. Nominations can be made by submitting a letter of nomination and providing information and personal insight on why the nominee is a good candidate for the award. Nominations are due November 11, 2016by sending in the relevant materials to he winner of the Excellence in New Student Experience Award will receive a plaque, presented at the NSE Recognition reception on December 5th.

3 Minute NSE Instructor Survey:Want a Peer Leader for your NSE class next fall, interested in attending the November Coffee & Conversation workshop--we want your input! Please complete this 5 question survey by November 1st:NSEFall2016Survey

Welcome Week (Not Attending): Approximately three weeks ago information was shared with you regarding students in yourNew Student Experience Course who did not attend any Welcome Week events this year. This information was sent out via an invitation to edit a box spreadsheet. Please you let us know if you were able to implement this information into your engagement of these students by updating the box spreadsheet. If you have any questions on this outreach initiative, please contact Dr. Jeff Doyle (Dean of Student Learning & Engagement) at

Please note this next section is written directly to students so you could easily forward this section to your students:You may be already thinking (and stressing) about final exams and the end of the semester. During the first semester, you may find that time gets away from you, and exams and papers are due sooner than you expected. Here are some things to consider as you are finishing the semester strong:

  • Did you know--you are required to meet with an academic advisor prior to registering for Spring? During your advising appointment you will choose classes for next semester, discuss your degree plan for graduation, learn how to register for courses, and talk about resources that will help you be successful in reaching personal and academic goals. Look in your Bearweb account to find contact information for where you need to go for advising. You will be able to view your individual assigned date/time in BearWeb.
  • Review you syllabi and note all the important dates and review the details of how the course is graded.
  • Check out the Paul L. Foster Success Center for academic reinforcement or the Counseling Center and Health Services/Health Center to make sure that distractions and stressors are minimized.
  • Engage on campus and in the community! Look on the Spiritual Life website for information about missions and the Paul L. Foster Success Center site for information regarding Academic Excellence Opportunities.
  • If you have unresolved issues that might interfere with your success for the remainder of the Fall or into the Spring, consider talking with your faculty members or academic advisors regarding these barriers so you may address these concerns in a timely manner.
  • Most importantly, know that I am a resource to help you seek out the information you need to excel and thrive in your four years at Baylor.

Remember to check the NSE Website for ideas and inspiration. Know that you are making a difference in the lives of your students by building relationships with them and walking them through the first semester of their Baylor experience.