Welcome from José Magdaleno,
Vice President,
Division of Student Affairs
Dear Student,
On behalf of the Division of Student Affairs, I extend a warm welcome to you. Whether you are a new or returning undergraduate or graduate student, this is certainly an exciting and important time in your life, filled with many challenges and opportunities.
As a student-centered college, Lehman designs its academic programs and support services to meet your needs. The faculty, staff, and administrative team are committed to helping you meet your educational, personal, and career goals. Together, we will do everything possible to ensure that your Lehman experiences are positive and rewarding.
As you pursue your degree, I encourage you to take time to meet with your faculty outside of the classroom. Their advice, support, and encouragement are an important part of your Lehman College experience. In addition, don't hesitate to seek help from our staff and College administrators. Take advantage of the wide range of services Lehman provides to all our students. There are advisers, tutors, financial aid counselors, career counselors, health center staff, and others ready to help you. Like our faculty, the College's professional and administrative staff is dedicated to helping you maximize your learning opportunities. In addition to being outstanding professionals, they are some of the nicest people you could ever meet.
Be sure to read through the College catalog and Student Handbook for more information about services, academic programs, policies, and procedures. The College's website is an important resource for you that includes a schedule of upcoming events, as well as useful information about programs, facilities, and other aspects of campus life.
At Lehman we consider the entire campus to be your classroom. It is not just what occurs within the four walls of your classroom or your faculty member's office. College life extends beyond the classrooms, lecture halls, and offices. We'd like you not only to study hard in the library and at home but also, to the greatest extent possible, involve yourself in the learning opportunities that are available in many other places on campus.
Of course, I realize that many of you are juggling work and family responsibilities, along with your classwork. Managing all you have to do is not easy, and sometimes it can seem as though there are not enough hours in a day to do all the things you have to do. Nonetheless, I urge you to continue to stretch yourself beyond what is comfortable or familiar to reach your potential. Explore new fields and subject areas. Feed your intellectual curiosity. Wherever possible, consider research opportunities with our faculty, study-abroad experiences, internships, or community service. It is sometimes not easy, but the rewards will surprise you.
Why not consider joining a student organization? We have groups that represent a number of academic and social interests. Student clubs range from the Social Work Club, Nursing Students Association, and Accounting Club to the Caribbean Students Association, Dominican Students Association, Italian Club, and many, many others.
Let your voice be heard and become a member of the student government. As a member, you have an opportunity to help shape the experience of future Lehman students. Have your own radio show on our student radio station, WHLC. Work on the school newspaper, the Meridian. Learn to swim or play racquetball at the APEX. Try out for the volleyball team or simply play intramural basketball.
Visit the Art Gallery, attend a theatre production at Lehman Stages, a concert in the Performing Arts Center, or one of the many performances sponsored by the Music Department.
Or just spend time with new classmates and friends in the student cafeteria or in the lounge of the Student Life Building. This fellowship with other students provides an opportunity to learn, share, and discuss issues outside of class. At Lehman, something is always going on.
In the final analysis, what you do here—how you spend your time both inside and outside the classroom—matters. Remember, what you get out of your Lehman College experience depends, to a large extent, on what you put into it. Best wishes for a successful semester at Lehman College.
José Magdaleno
Vice President for Student Affairs
Phone: (718) 960-8241
