Dear Emmanuel Students, It is my great pleasure to join Sister Janet in welcoming you to the 2012-2013 academic year – a great year to get involved in campus life! Involvement opportunities abound – join a student organization, participate on an intramural team, work in a campus office, volunteer in the community, audition for a performing arts experience, serve as a Liturgical Minister – just to name a few. Research on college students indicates that involved students earn higher grade point averages and achieve greater levels of student satisfaction. Your involvement can make a difference both in your life and the life of the College. As we begin a new year, I hope that we will remain true to our commitment to a sense of community. Some of our customs – making eye contact, smiling, greeting each other, opening doors – distinguish us from other campuses. These gestures, combined with the deeper sense of civility, are what make Emmanuel special. I ask that each of you foster a welcoming community spirit and allow the rich diversity of the student body to influence your life. You will note that the student handbook is online rather than in hard-copy, a decision that supports our commitment to the wise stewardship of institutional and environmental resources. You’ll want to familiarize yourself with the student handbook as it contains valuable information -- policies, procedures, services, events and even area restaurants! We are always seeking to improve it; please send your feedback to the editor, MaryAnne Murphy at murphyma@emmanuel.edu. I hope that this will be a successful year for you as you build on your previous accomplishments and make progress toward achieving your professional and personal goals. Please feel free to call on any member of the Student Affairs staff for support and assistance. With best wishes,
Patricia A. Rissmeyer, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs
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