Hello Phoenix Families!

I’m so excited to usher in the fall semester by welcoming all our students back to campus this August. We have missed them! Although we have not heard the sound of students during the summer, the campus has been abuzz with other noise as we ready things for the fall semester!
 
Your student will likely see several improvements as they return to campus, largely based on their own feedback to various student surveys over the past few years.
 
Thanks to the generosity of our wonderful Parent’s Council, we were able to refresh the Fitness Center with new paint, signage, and equipment which I know will be well received by all students. We look forward to showing it off during your next visit to campus!
 
We are nearly complete on the addition of classroom space in the library, which will open this fall.
 
We have upgraded the electrical systems both in South and Riddle, a welcome relief for residents of these historic buildings, as well as refreshed paint in some hallways and common space in Riddle, South, and Disert residence halls.
 
We have transitioned our contracts for both Physical Plant and Campus Safety to new firms. HES is now our Physical Plant operator and Securitas will oversee Campus Safety. Both companies arrived on campus at the beginning of July, and we have already seen great improvements in their service to our Wilson College community and hope you will, too!
 
In addition to several new faculty hires, we have welcomed a new director of our Office of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. I trust that she will help open the minds and hearts of our students as they encounter new folks on campus who come from a wide variety of countries, backgrounds, cultures, and identities. We at Wilson are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and this office brings to life this value that is so deeply embedded in our mission.
 
Please know that we at Wilson are ready to assist you and your student in any way possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns as you prepare to bring your student to campus. Remember that there is a plethora of resources available to help your student navigate the challenges of college life from the first year through graduation. These resources include academic advisors, the Student Success Center (tutoring, writing, academic coaching, and accessibility support services), Counseling, Residence Life, Career Services, Student Financial Services, and Student Development. Please utilize, or better yet, encourage your student to engage with these wonderful professionals on campus to assist in resolving any issues that might arise.
 
In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these remaining days of summer! If I don’t see you soon, I do hope you will join us for our annual Wilson Weekend (formerly known as Homecoming and Family Weekend) which will take place on Saturday, October 14! All are invited to join us for athletic events, pony rides and barn activities, food trucks, and fun! The day will conclude with BBQ and Brew followed by evening entertainment. Watch your mail and our website for more information!

Best,
Katherine Buck
VP for Student Development and Dean of Students