Dedicated students, distinguished colleagues and dear friends,
Exactly 30 years ago today, in 1995, I became a U.S. citizen. I was excited and optimistic about the prospects of a future full of opportunities, challenges and rewards. The feeling was similar, albeit much more profound, than when I graduated with my first mechanical engineering degree 15 years earlier. The difference? A much greater sense of responsibility. I had to learn the rules and play accordingly.
I had gone through a similar process when, as a freshman, I entered LSU, where I was lost in unfamiliar terrain, worried and overwhelmed. I struggled to find my way through the maze of official processes and academic demands. I had to learn a new language, culture and, well, learn the rules and play accordingly, if I were to complete my education and be prepared for a world of — you guessed it — opportunities, challenges and rewards.
To all our returning students, and to all our first-year students who are completing O-Week today, I say that a world of opportunities awaits you, and we are here to help you reach your full professional and personal potential. It sounds prefatory, but to achieve your vision, you must first set it and then create clear, actionable objectives. Developing good habits and skills is important to keep you on track and to guide your studies and learning. Of course, good planning must include clear milestones and timelines along with a spirit of teamwork and effective time management. Did I say teamwork and time management?
Remember that for you to stay on track and make good progress, we offer numerous resources to help you succeed, stay healthy and get involved. Academic advising is always available, as are counseling and tutoring options, including peer tutoring, and services to support your well-being.
To everyone who reads this message — including parents — I encourage you to download our new app, S&T Safe, on your phone from either the Apple App Store or Google Play. This app replaces its predecessor, RAVE Guardian. With S&T Safe, you get direct access to University Police and emergency services, centralized reporting for security concerns and quick links for support resources. Missouri S&T is already a safe place to learn, live and work, but this new tool can give you even greater peace of mind and faster access to help, if needed.
To all our new students, faculty and staff, I say, we see you, welcome you and value you. As I highlighted at our convocation on Monday, the most important ingredients for success here at S&T are persistence and the spirit of teamwork. You must help others and help others help you. That cannot happen if you don’t reach out to others for help when you need it.
We are at the beginning of an exciting journey in which we need to work to be more connected. It is a journey of persistence, endurance, learning and discovery. As you get ready and set to go, I am watching and looking forward to your success and the positive impact you will make for this university, for your communities and for the world.
Warmly,
-Mo.
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Mohammad Dehghani, PhD
Chancellor
mo@mst.edu | 573-341-4116
206 Parker Hall, 300 West 13th Street, Rolla, MO 65409-0910
chancellor.mst.edu
