Student Senate President's Welcome

Fellow Students:

Welcome to the 2012-2013 Academic Year! A special welcome is in order to members of the Class of 2016, transfer students, and the new class of students from our Community College Partners program. As always, the First Year experience represents a major transition in the lives of each new Dickinsonian, but this year brings a unique transition that will affect us all. President Durden's retirement at the end of this year means we will soon begin the presidential transition process. While much of the work will happen within the College's administration, it is important that we as students get involved and recognize our important role in the transition. I'd like every student to consider this letter a first step in getting involved in the changes that will be coming this year.

Contained in the Student Handbook is important information about Dickinson and our community standards, a tangible manifestation of our values as a College and community. What you'll find here represents the core of Dickinson, a set of values and priorities that have defined our College for centuries. Nothing about those values can be changed by this or any presidential transition. It's for this reason that I hope everyone takes extra time this year to read the Student Handbook, either to learn what it means to be a Dickinsonian for the first time or as a reminder of what we hold dear. It is most important in times of change to remember what will always remain the same. Dickinson will always be an inclusive community that fosters in its students deep scholarship, an engaging spirit, and a global sensibility, and we should never forget that.

During my three years at Dickinson, I’ve seen a student body that has become increasingly engaged in campus, local, and global issues. Whether that involvement be through Student Senate, the Idea Fund, CommServ and Service Trips, any of our student clubs and organizations, or a more casual association, I am constantly amazed at the work Dickinson students are doing on- and off-campus. That kind of engagement defines the Dickinson student experience, and I know that we’ll carry that engagement into this year and beyond.

Should anyone want to talk about the presidential search or transition, their vision for the campus, the student body, the Senate, or anything else, feel free to email me anytime. Looking forward to getting to know as many of you as possible over the next year,

Andrew Chesley '13

Student Senate President