The new term begins in two days. This last week flew by, but I do have a few comments. It's been great to see the proud parents and happy (apprehensive) first year students around campus and Tuscany Village.

Welcome back continuing students! I hope that we all have a great term and that few of us contract H1N1 or any other pesky colds/illnesses.

How to have a great term: attend class, take notes, keep up with the reading, spend time with your friends, eat right, get enough sleep and most of all enjoy the term. It's easy to get stressed out about what you have to do. I suggest that you break up your study time in increments of 60-90 minutes, so that you can keep a handle on the amount of reading that we require (expect) you to do in your courses. I also encourage you to get to know your profs and TA's--attend class, ask good questions, and go to office hours with any questions or just to check in.

I've had five students come by during the last week to introduce themselves to me. This is a first--prior to the term. I also had the opportunity to meet some parents and students around campus this week and even at my daughters' school. I heard "Political Science" and politely interjected and passed my business card on to one of the parents. (The UVIC student was in residence, but mom, dad, and sibling were at the Middle school.

What I look forward to: I saw lots of my former students convocate this last June, so there are lots of new students to meet. I look forward to the first day. I walk in excited and hit the ground running. Don't be surprised--after I review the syll, I will commence lecturing.

See you this week,
Prof. JA