Fall semester, 2004Welcome to our new students, and welcome back to our returning students!
It is with excitement I write this letter to you as your new Dean of Students. I grew up in Fairfield County, and it is with pleasure I return “home”.
Whether you are new to the University of Bridgeport, like myself, or returning, we hope you are full of high expectations for the academic year ahead of you. Our University is a community of learning. Opportunities for involvement abound whether you are participating in class, collaborating with a professor on research, active in a club or organization, or taking part in intramural or intercollegiate sports. Take advantage of the learning opportunities which surround you here at the University of Bridgeport.
The Division of Student Development supports the academic mission of the university by providing programs and services designed to encourage the development of the whole student throughout their UB career. The Division strives to support students in the transition to and from college life; empower students to become active participants and leaders in campus life, both inside and outside of the classroom; engage students in learning opportunities that will allow them to become responsible, compassionate members of the community; foster an environment where differences among peoples and ideas are understood, respected and valued; and increase understanding and appreciation of student rights and responsibilities.
While the majority of you were not on-campus during the summer months, the campus was a buzz with plenty of activity in preparation for your arrival. Over the summer, we were able to accomplish the following:
1) Upgrades to the main lounges of Bodine, Warner, and Seeley Halls including new carpet and new furniture have been provided. Barnum Hall received an upgrade last Spring;
2) Advanced security measures in the residence hall with proximity card access and surveillance cameras have been added;
3) New UB identification cards have been added. Resident students’ ID cards include the proximity card and grant access to residence halls. Non-resident students’ IDs do not have the proximity card access.
4) The design of the Key to UB has been upgraded to include a daily planner with an additional on-line supplemental planner including a “live” campus events calendar. The on-line calendar will be updated on a regular basis – so bookmark the page to keep informed.
5) All registered students are required to obtain a UB email account. Having a bridgeport.edu email account ensures receipt of accurate information that is disseminated to the entire campus community. If you prefer to utilize another internet service provider (ISP) email account, you are able to have your bridgeport.edu email account forwarded to that ISP account. If you have not already done so, please sign up for an email account by going to www.bridgeport.edu/ubnet.
It is inevitable with the start of any new academic year there will be change, as well as new issues to debate. I hope that you will, however, quickly recognize that a great university is even more about change – constant change as the frontiers of knowledge expand from one month to the next. The University of Bridgeport you graduate from will most assuredly not be identical to the UB you enter today; because you are here, and you can make a difference.
Therefore, if you agree or disagree with key issues, policies, procedures, I encourage you to become actively involved, have your voice heard in an intelligent, articulate manner. I strongly recommend you become involved with Student Government and the Residence Hall Association if you are a resident student. Be looking for SGA petitions for officer and elections within the next few days! These representative bodies are your opportunity to have your voice heard. When I ask for student input and participation, it is your choice whether or not to accept the opportunity. I hope you do accept the opportunity, because there will be plenty of them. However, I may miss an opportunity and will need for you to bring it to my attention. I am very open to new and well-thought out ideas, and encourage you to present them in the best manner possible.
UB has always placed special responsibility on its students to conduct themselves appropriately. We trust you to be considerate inside and outside the classroom and to treat everyone-fellow students, faculty, staff, and visitors-with respect. UB values civility in its students and faculty as highly as it does academic freedom. Tolerance is a very highly regarded trait here. We expect disagreements, even spirited ones. Intellectual freedom, however, demands a mutual respect among all participants. After all, our mission is not to make ideas safe for you, but to help make you safe for ideas-to hear, consider, and debate.
If at any time you would like to personally meet with me, my office is located in room 116 of the Student Center. To schedule an appointment, I can be reached via email at deanofstudents@bridgeport.edu, or via phone at 576-4392. I would also encourage you to talk with me at lunch (you’ll see me in Marina Dining Hall), or during my open office hours – every Tuesday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
I look forward to meeting you!
Best wishes for a successful and productive academic year,
Joseph A. Oravecz, Ph.D.
Dean of Students