Dear Class of 2014,
Congratulations on entering Queen’s and beginning a new era in your life as a student. You are now a member of an academic community that values and promotes scholarly abilities as well as the various social, cultural and personal skills demanded by the professional world. Queen’s University welcomes you as a member of this community and encourages you to challenge yourself to develop the highest scholarly standards while also involving yourself in the many other possibilities offered here.
Seize the opportunity to be introduced to our academic community and resources by attending the academic events during Orientation Week. Once the academic year starts, take time to meet your professors, talk to your teaching assistants, and be ready to engage in all your classes, labs, and tutorials. Take advantage of the many resources and people available to support you in meeting your academic goals. A positive attitude toward your academic career is the best way to appreciate fully the many opportunities and experiences that our community offers you.
As you become a fully engaged member of Queen’s University, we ask you to keep the following in mind. For first-year students, the pressures accompanying university life can sometimes be overwhelming when combined with the stress of being away from home for an extended period of time. Therefore, it is not uncommon for grades to fall in the early stages of the first year. Though marks are an important gauge by which to judge a student’s work ethic and understanding of subject, incoming students should focus on developing effective study skills, communication with their professors and peers, and an open attitude toward intellectual life in general.
University life is both a privilege and a responsibility. Therefore, the Queen’s community expects that its members will respect the rights, dignity, and differences of others, respect city and university property, and behave in such a manner as to be effective ambassadors for Queen’s at home or abroad. Above all, strive to realise your full potential, whatever it may be, and learn to know yourselves.
Again, welcome to Queen’s and good luck in your first year of university life.
Academic Orientation Committee
2010