As the Lander University freshman class prepared for their first week as college students, they gathered in Finis Horne Arena on Friday, Aug. 17, for an introduction to Lander's LINK 101 course.
Now in its second year, LINK 101 is designed to help new students transition more easily from high school to college. "There is a real difference between high school and college, and LINK 101 is designed to help college freshmen make that transition and be successful at Lander," explained biology professor Dr. Mark Pilgrim, who also directs the program.
The primary goal of LINK 101 is strengthening the retention of first-year to second-year students, and thus far, the program is exceeding goals. Of the 782 freshmen who participated last fall, 89 percent of those students received a passing grade. Of those that obtained an A or B in the class, 82 percent were enrolled this fall for their sophomore year.
As students entered the arena, day planners specifically designed for first-year college students were provided to them. The planners include advising information, academic calendars, contact information for student organizations and key personnel, schedules for Lander athletic teams and performing arts events, schedules for the Bearcat Shuttle transportation system, and more.
The students were welcomed to Lander and to the Greenwood community first by Angelle LaBorde of the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, and by keynote speaker Megan McCartney, a 2012 graduate of Lander who now serves as Residence Hall Director at College of Charleston.
"Our quality of life here is second to none," said Laborde, as she touted the recent designation of Greenwood as a Great Place in America by the American Planning Association. "On behalf of the more than 500 local business and organizations here that provide products and services, we're very excited that each of you has chosen to attend Lander."
Reflecting upon her time as a Bearcat student as the best four years of her life, McCartney encouraged the freshmen to seize upon the opportunities they'll encounter as a Lander student. "Your parents and friends will tell you to make the most of the next four years because they will fly by, and they're right," she said.
McCartney was named Homecoming Queen in 2010 and Lander Woman of the Year in 2012 in recognition for her leadership and involvement on campus, which included serving as a presidential ambassador, resident assistant, and a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and the Baptist Collegiate Ministry. Drawing upon that time, she stressed to the freshmen that the motivation to succeed must come from within. "Regardless of your background or current situation, it's up to you to challenge yourself, to set goals, and to make the most of these next four years."
An acronym for Leadership, Involvement, Networking, and Knowledge, LINK 101 groups students by their majors to prepare and assist them for success in both the short- and long-term. Biology majors, for example, will have their own LINK 101 experience that will position them for achievement with the biology curriculum. Some students are also grouped by special populations, such as athletics and honors.
During the LINK101 course, students will meet weekly in class and complete online curriculum centered on student health, career exploration, financial wellness, student conduct, and the Lander honor code.
All LINK 101 participants will take part in weekly one-hour courses - both online and in class - throughout the semester. Sessions are centered on student health, career exploration, financial wellness, student conduct, and the Lander honor code.