West Chester University Libraries hosted its inaugural first-year student Open House on August 26 at Francis Harvey Green Library. An estimated 1,300 new students attended the program. During the event, library staff members demonstrated how to utilize services, such as RamPrint and RamNet. They also assisted students with printing their syllabi for the fall semester. Additionally, librarians distributed snacks to students, were available to answer questions, and raffled off $100 gift cards to the West Chester University Campus Bookstore. The goal of the event was to acquaint students with library personnel, decrease anxiety about using library services, and help students succeed during their academic careers. Librarians sought to create a welcoming atmosphere for the first-year Golden Rams.

            “What we really wanted students to remember is the library is an open space where they can come and that this space belongs to them,” said Associate Dean of University Libraries Amy Ward. “We wanted them to know that we are here for them and that they can come back any time.”

Entering college and navigating a library can be a daunting task, especially for first year or first generation college students. Librarians focused on a shared vision of equipping students for success during their college careers. Staff members at service points, such as the Library Help Desk and Research Help Desk, provided friendly student-centered advice and support to help the new Golden Rams adjust to the community.

“My approach to welcoming students was simply asking them how I could help. I think most students were unsure about what all an academic library can do for them—most students didn’t know that their professor might’ve put their textbooks on reserve, or that librarians can help with projects,” said Student Success Librarian Amy Pajewski. “Alex [Miriello] and I really worked together to get students’ laptops set up to print from anywhere. I think students were pretty surprised that we could help with that, and I hope that it left the impression that we can help with just about anything.”

            Students responded well to the services provided by staff members. “There have been a few workers that have been super helpful when it has come to printing, and setting up RamPrint,” said first year student Jordan Nielsen. Others reflected on the importance of learning about the resources provided by the library. “When I visit the library, the printing and technology services are most helpful to me,” said first year student Gia DeAngelis. “If I have a problem with my laptop or need to print large quantities of paper at one time it is beneficial to head over to the library.”

            Hosting events such as the first year student Open House is part of a larger initiative to help students actualize their full potentials. A central component in that process is connecting students to the resources they need the most. Another aspect is building a sense of community between library staff members, as well as between students and their peers. Programs such as the first year student Open House are crucial for building those connections and helping students succeed.

            “I think one of the reasons why students struggle in college is because they aren’t able, or don’t get the chance to make those connections. We were there to help quell some of their anxiety and gave them a place they could go with friendly folks who want to help,” said Pajewski. “I also think it allowed students to connect with other students, which is a huge tenant of student success. Students succeed when they make connections with their peers. I saw students working together, helping others set up their laptops onto the print servers…what I was witnessing were students connecting with each other and creating this community of learners.”

            Another way in which library administrators are focusing on student success is by providing financial support. Initiatives such as the gift card raffle help first year Golden Rams with the expenses of higher education. “One of the barriers for student success in college are financial burdens for things like textbooks,” said Pajewski. “I think that the $100 gift card drawing is a way for us to say ‘we care about you and your success.’ Even if that amount can’t cover an entire textbook, I think that being able to provide some amount of money can help students maybe take on fewer hours at work this week which could ultimately help them complete assignments.”

            Students were given the option of voluntarily entering their names into the gift card raffle free of charge during the open house. Ten first year students were selected at random to receive the gift cards. Those funds helped connect students with items they required. “I was super excited to receive the gift card for the bookstore,” said Nielsen. “It allowed me to purchase some items that I have been waiting to get.” Other students used the gift card to get items for their loved ones. “It was very exciting to receive this gift card,” said DeAngelis. “I went right to Sykes to buy my family some WCU apparel.”

            After the success of the inaugural first year student Open House, the program is set to become a tradition. Members of the class of 2025 can look forward to meeting library staff members as one of their first experiences on campus. According to Associate Dean Ward, the program will also expand to include more interactive activities for students.

            “My hope is that as we grow the program for the first year student Open House that we are able to expose students to more of the offerings we have and to help them realize that the library is a good resource to help them succeed as a student here at West Chester,” said Associate Dean Ward.