New to BSU

Supporting the Success of All Students, Without Exception

Starting college is a significant transition, and you do not have to navigate it alone. Whether you are a first-year, transfer, returning student, veteran, or adult learner, the New to BSU experience focuses on clear guidance, welcoming connections, and personalized support from the moment you arrive.

We will help you understand what to expect, find the people and resources you need, and build confidence as you adjust to university life. At BSU, you are part of a community committed to helping you feel connected, supported, and ready to thrive.

What Does “New to BSU” Mean?  

It means that the BSU community understands that every student has a first semester at BSU.

New to BSU is about helping students connect, engage, and thrive. By supporting successful transitions, inspiring academic exploration, fostering belonging, promoting well-being, and encouraging involvement, we create the foundation for student success from the moment students arrive through graduation and beyond.

Starting college often requires students to navigate multiple challenges simultaneously: adapting to new academic expectations, building meaningful connections, and maintaining personal well-being.

Whether that student is a first-time first-year, transfer, returning, veteran or adult learner, the community of faculty and librarians, students and staff want to ensure they feel welcome, safe, and prepared for their college journey, starting from the very moment they join BSU. We locate a successful transition to college in five key areas:  

1. Transition
2. Academic Exploration
3. Belonging
4. Well-Being
5. Involvement  

Transition

We help students navigate the transition to BSU by creating a strong bridge between previous educational, professional, or military experiences and the expectations of university life. Through clear guidance and intentional support, students gain the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed.

Academic Exploration

We inspire students to explore ideas, disciplines, and opportunities in every classroom they are a part of. Through engagement with BSU’s Core Curriculum, as well as their first major courses, the first year is a time to discover interests, ask meaningful questions, and develop the intellectual curiosity and stamina that supports lifelong learning.  

Belonging

We honor our students’ individuality and the specific social identities they bring to our diverse campus. We strive to reflect and give students access to those diverse identities in the wider BSU community. While not every space or every person a student encounters on campus will be the right person for them, every student should know that they have a network of peers, faculty, librarians, and staff who support their success.  

Well-Being

We promote student health and well-being — physically, mentally and emotionally. We acknowledge that student well-being requires a holistic approach that goes beyond simply pointing them to the many resources we have on campus, but to create spaces for them to take full advantage of them and to understand them as part of a successful college experience. Our goal is to help students build resilience, seek assistance when needed, and thrive.

Involvement

We encourage students to participate in university life through co-curricular experiences beyond the classroom through active engagement in student organizations, leadership opportunities, cultural and affinity groups, community service, and civic engagement. Participation strengthens connection, purpose, and personal growth.