David Slade, provost

The campus comes alive with energy in mid-August as students start to return for athletic teams, program orientations, student teaching and so much more. There’s nothing like the hum that settles into Berry’s halls, hills and trees when first-year and transfer students arrive, full of expectation and energy.

The transformation is complete when all returning students move in— our full community in place for a year of learning, growth, and shared purpose.

As you arrive to campus, I encourage you to arrive in the fullest sense of the word. Your room will soon be arranged. Your course schedules are ready to go (don’t forget the add/drop deadline at the end of the first week of classes!).

Also take time early in the semester to arrange your thoughts, your hopes, and your concerns.

New students, your First-Year Seminar course (BCC 100) will help equip you to arrive well and launch into your Berry Journey. I encourage you to see it as a gift as you learn the ropes and start to identify an emerging sense of direction.

If you are returning to Berry for your second or third year, it could be that the course Designing Your Life at Berry and Beyond (BCC 200) is just what you need to start this year well. If you haven’t already, consider adding this course to your schedule (before add/drop!) as an investment in your own planning and growth. Frederick Buechner describes calling as “the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” Actively exploring this sense of purpose in BCC 200 with a trusted instructor and fellow students is a wonderful way to begin this year.

Welcome (back) to campus, students! I wish you much success for a joyful and engaging year and invite you to lean into the community and opportunities around you.