 Opening the envelope from UM-Dearborn, Saleemah Morris read her letter. Morris—a nontraditional student in her mid-30s—said she studied the letter and waited for it to sink in: She was now a part of the Maize and Blue family. “I was so happy and nervous at the same time. I was shak- ing a bit. I called my sister and registered for orientation. I was like a giddy high school student,” said Morris, a single mother who challenged herself to earn a four-year degree and better her family’s future. “But as excited as I was about that letter, I start- ed to think, ‘This isn’t a dream anymore. It’s real. How, with everything going on in my life, am I going to make this happen?’ “I knew it was an amazing oppor- tunity and I was determined, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say a little bit of worry started to creep in.” Morris is not alone in her concern. The transition to college life isn’t always easy. But UM-Dearborn is working with students to set them up for success both now and in the future. The university has created several new initiatives to help students acclimate and thrive on campus. Office of Student Success Director Amy Finley said units across campus are collaborating to ensure that students find the support they need—support that begins even before their first class—to encourage maximum success. “Research shows that once students become involved in the university community, they are more likely to stay and persevere until they earn their diploma,” she said. “We’re working to put students on the right path and then letting them navigate. And if they find themselves a bit lost, we are here to help them get back on track.” Morris, who enrolled in 2013, echoes Finley’s statement. She became the president of American Association of Uni- versity Women. She joined the Pre-Law Association. And she landed two internships—with UM-Dearborn’s Campus Safety and the Washtenaw County Office of the Public Defender. “I found so many people on this campus ready to help me to not only reach my goal, but also to find my voice,” Morris said. “It got to a point where I just knew I was in the right place—a place that would help me make an impact on a larger level. And I would not deviate from the path, no matter how difficult things got.” STARThere. As an incoming freshman, Mat- thew Hundley was fairly certain of his academic path. Hundley went to classes and did well, but something didn’t feel quite right. But with assistance from his START (Student Advising and Resource Team) adviser, things began to fall into place. The START office opened in fall 2016 to help students identify a path to graduation, provide the tools and knowledge to amend and change this plan and ultimately give students the confidence and skills to take ownership over course selection. Hundley—now a sophomore considering a career in instruc- tional technology—said that after several conversations with his adviser, James Schulert, he was able to discern a career path he’s excited about. Hundley also gained personal and profes- sional skills and confidence. “We had casual conversations about my interests and James explained what instructional technology had to offer,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in education, but I knew class- room teaching “We’re working to put students on the right path and then letting them navigate.And if they find themselves a bit lost,we are here to help them get back on track.” | 9 You met with your STARTadviser to discuss possible majors.Move forward two spaces.