By Ramon S. Torrecilha, Ph.D.
It has been highly rewarding to see my vision of creating and fostering a formalized four-year student engagement program take firm shape at Westfield State. Thanks to productive collaboration between the divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, a formalized roadmap to better support the likelihood that students engage meaningfully during their time here and graduate on time has been implemented. The culprit is The Westfield State Experience (WSE), a four-year cohesive series of opportunities to involve students in co-curricular projects and activities in and out of the classroom.
Earlier this year, a cross-sectional committee led by Dean of Student Affairs Susan LaMontagne and Dean of Faculty Enrique Morales-Diaz, Ph.D., and staffed by administrators and students, worked to better define and develop the WSE. This year, Enrollment Management has been added to the group to facilitate a more integrated university-wide support system for student success. The work of all involved with this important institutional effort is commendable.
Among numerous innovative components, the WSE offers the following for first-year students:
First-year courses (offered across the curriculum for first-year students only)
Go-2 (an employee who serves as a “go-to” connection from the first day on campus)
First-year read (all students read the same book and participate in workshops on related topics)
Emerging leaders (students gain confidence and prepare for civic engagement and leadership through specialized skills workshops and activities)
Faculty-in-residence (providing programs outside of the classroom)
First six (a calendar that provides a minimum of one event every day for the first six weeks of the fall semester)
Alpha Lambda Delta (an Honors Society recognizing academic achievement in the first year)
For sophomores, a key element will be a professional readiness conference, for which alumni will return to campus to help facilitate workshops on skills relative to all professions. In addition, students will continue work in emerging leaders and may participate in micro-internships and/or affirm their decisions relative to their major and career path through special emphasis of the Career Center and faculty working together to explore options with students. During the third year, students can engage in undergraduate research and take part in service learning, internships, or Study Abroad. And in the last year, students will complete capstone experiences and projects while working with the Career Center to explore graduate schools, career fairs and job interviews.
The WSE requires the collective effort of our entire University community, including alumni, parents, and friends, who can assist students with informational interviews about their career, internship opportunities, or serving as a professional mentor. I encourage you to connect with us to see how you may be able to generously provide your time and expertise to assist our aspiring Owls on a path to a bright future
