Welcome from the Deans
Congratulations on your acceptance!
We hope the following information will help you explore the rich opportunities awaiting you at Agnes Scott.
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James Diedrick
Associate Dean of the College |
Suzanne M. Onorato
Associate Dean of Students |
Q & A with the Deans
How can I prepare for my transition to Agnes Scott?
JD: One window on the richness of campus life is our weekly newsletter, This Week at Agnes Scott. I encourage you to have a look at what's happening on campus this week--and to dip into the archives on this same page to gain a wider sense of the rich programming we offer our students.
One of our great spring traditions--which you can look forward to next spring as an enrolled student--is the Writers' Festival. This spring marks the 41st annual Festival, which will be held from March 29 to 30, and will feature Benjamin Percy, Joy Harjo and Agnes Scott College alumna Jacqueline Pardue Goldfinger. Joy Harjo is an American poet and musician, who is influenced by her Native American heritage, feminist and social concerns, and her background in the arts. We invite you to attend these readings to see how the creative arts flourish here.
In addition, we recently chose our Common Reading book for our incoming students--How to Breathe Underwater, a collection of nine short stories by award-winning author Julie Orringer. You can learn more about the book and the author by visiting our Common Reading page. We are all excited about this book, which explores the lives of girls and women as they learn to navigate the sometimes turbulent, exciting, challenging waters of life.
SMO: Whether you will arrive as a first year student, transfer or Woodruff Scholar, the transition to college, or a new college, will take some time. With some intentionality on your part and the support of both academic and student life resources, you will learn the ropes and become a flourishing member of our family! Pay close attention to the materials provided by mail, email, and posts on this website. You will find housing and roommate information, health and insurance forms, and many other required data requests. Also, develop and use your support network. You are becoming more independent, but no one expects you to do all this on your own. College is complicated, and you've never had so much flexibility and so many decisions to make in such a short time. Ask for help and advice from your parents, advisors, professors, staff and peers; we can process with you your strengths and interests, your goals for your college education, and the requirements you will need to fulfill in college. They can also help you decipher the college materials you have received before you get to campus.
What do you hope every new student will do on campus?
JD: Make the effort to get to know at least one of your professors during your first semester—visit her or his office, share something about your academic interests, comment on some aspect of one of the books you are reading for the class. Your professor will appreciate your initiative, and you will discover a supportive and encouraging mentor. Oh, and spend time reading in the main hall of the McCain Library—one of the greatest spaces for contemplation on campus!
SMO: Utilize your time at Agnes Scott College to develop strong friendships and social and professional networks. Explore your personal and professional interests by participating in the research, internship and study abroad opportunities offered through Agnes Advantage. Also, join student organizations that match your interests and aspirations. Working on fun, creative and charitable causes with other students will be a fulfilling part of your life at college.
What do you hope every new student will do on campus?
JD: Take advantage of the many resources here, designed to help you succeed academically:—the academic advising office, the Center for Writing & Speaking, the Resource Center for Math and Science—and of course your professors’ time and expertise!
SMO: Immerse yourself in the beautiful and rich culture of Agnes Scott by attending lectures and events hosted on campus for your benefit. You will find that college provides you with unique opportunities to discover and learn to appreciate who you are and who you will become.
Contact Us
If you have any questions not answered by the Web site or the materials sent to you in the mail, you can contact either of us by calling the Office of Academic Advising at 404 471-6284 or the Office of the Dean of Students 404 471-6391.