We are thrilled to see our first-year students and welcome back home our returning students for this new academic year! In past years, my welcome letter addressed first-year students with encouragement to have a productive year and tips on how to approach their first semester. This year is different in a way that leads me to express how happy we are to see you all on campus and in our virtual world.
Whether you are starting out, or persisting through your academic pursuits, your being here is a reflection of particularly important PV student traits – resilience and grit. These traits have enabled thousands of students to graduate regardless of the challenges in the past and will allow you to do the same. We know that the challenges of today are unique to our times; as you move through this year, remember how important it is to face expected and unexpected challenges by using help-seeking behavior. If you find that you can use a helping hand in the coming weeks and months, please follow this link to get the help you need: https://www.pvamu.edu/sa/student-affairs/need-help/
As we embark upon this new academic year, please remember that this year will be unlike the past. That fact presents a challenge and opportunity for all of us to explore new ways of learning, connecting, and growing together as one – a united Panther community. I encourage you to lean into the possibilities represented in this new era and not allow a “fixed-mindset” to limit your growth potential and enjoyment of this academic year.
Finally, allow me to acknowledge the fact that you are starting your new academic year with not only a pandemic and social unrest as a backdrop, but also a possible tropical storm/hurricane. The University is taking precautionary measures in preparation for the possibility that some aspect of the two pending events will affect our area. Please look out for a University announcement about our preparations and expected response to these events.
Know that we are glad to have you here and are excited about this academic year; we are looking forward to facing our challenges and experience our successes together as one – a united Panther community.
Have a great year!
-Timothy E. Sams, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs