300 Pompton Road

Wayne, NJ 07470
Phone #: 973-720-3768
Fax #: 973-720-3767
Office of the First-Year Experience

Dear First-Year Student:

On behalf of the Office of the First-Year Experience, I would like to welcome you again
to the William Paterson University community! By now you should have completed your
first steps as a first year student; the basic skills placement process, participating in an
orientation program, and receiving your fall class schedule. The next major step in
preparing for your academic success is Convocation, to be held this year on Wednesday,
September 13, from 5:30-6:30 pm. Please be aware that Convocation is mandatory for all
first-year students.

Convocation is a very important academic ceremony. Led by the President of the

University, Dr. Arnold Speert, and the Provost, Dr. Edward Weil, it includes faculty and
members of the University Board of Trustees and other administrators who come together
to greet you as you begin your academic career at William Paterson University. During
the Convocation, there will be presentations that are important to you and your academic
success. Faculty and senior administrators will be dressed in traditional academic regalia,
which is an impressive sight. You will receive additional information on Convocation
from your First-Year Seminar Instructor.

In preparation for your First-Year Seminar course, all students are expected to read The
Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream, by Drs. Davis, Jenkins
and Hunt. On the first day of your First-Year Seminar class, the instructor will provide
you with additional information regarding assignment(s) from the book and provide you
with various materials necessary for your success during the fall semester.

At William Paterson University, we are all committed to your success. If you have not
completed one or more steps necessary to begin your first semester (testing, orientation,
or registration) or if you have any additional questions, please contact the Office of the
First-Year Experience at the number listed above. We want to make sure that your
transition to higher education goes well and works to your benefit. We look forward to
working with you during your first year, and every year, at William Paterson University.

Sincerely,

Kim Daniel-Robinson
Kim Daniel-Robinson, Ph.D.
Director, Office of the First-Year Experience