Posted on Monday, August 27, 2001
All Westminster College first-year students came to the campus prepared with their first assignments handed out during the summer.
In July, Dr. David Twining, associate professor of history and coordinator of the First-Year Studies Program at Westminster College sent all first-year students a copy of Ishmael to read, along with a letter that included essay questions to answer before arrival on campus.
The students were also given the opportunity to anonymously discuss the book with faculty and a study guide, at the website http://www.westminster.edu/acad/firstyear/summer-reading/answers.html.
"The First-Year Studies Program is an interactive educational experience that provides an introduction to the educational adventure at Westminster," said Twining. "Many of the topics in this book will be addressed in Inquiry 101 and in other courses taken later."
Westminster's first year-students are greeted by a group of Fresh Start students, who are upper class volunteers. Fresh Start volunteers help them unload their possessions, and then divide them into groups to lead the new students through the first few days on campus.
"I plan to use this book to help first-year students gain more of an understanding of the Inquiry experience," said Kaylene Adams, a senior elementary education major from New Castle. "I want to refer to their papers and have open discussions. The Inquiry experience really helps students question, challenge, and rethink their views and beliefs."
For more information, contact Twining at (724) 946-7249 or e-mail twinindc@westminster.edu.
