Starting college is exciting, but many students feel nervous about adjusting to higher-level academics, making new friends, and finding their place on campus. That’s why Miami University’s Student Success Center recently launched an early arrival program called Ascend to Your Next Chapter.

Held Aug. 20-22, this new initiative gave 71 incoming students meaningful head starts on their college journeys. Over two and a half days of structured programming, they built connections with their peers and Miami faculty/staff, learned how to access key campus resources, and previewed lecture and small-group classes.

“We designed this program to help students walk into their first day of class with confidence,” said Craig Bennett, senior director for student success and retention. “The first Ascend exceeded our expectations. Participants told us they felt less intimidated by professors, more confident about navigating campus, and grateful to have made new friends before the semester even began. This affirmed we’re on the right track and gives us energy to make it even better next year.”

After students moved into their residence halls on Aug. 20, they came together for the first time in the Goggin Ice Center Club Room. They were sorted into seven groups, each led by a peer mentor who served as their guide through the program. Participants took part in many activities within their peer groups, including a schedule quest, check-in discussions, and meals. The peer mentors also engaged in an open-mic panel, sharing lessons they learned during their first year and beyond.

“Our peer mentors once stood exactly where our incoming students are now,” Bennett said. “They understand what it means to transition to college, socially, academically, and personally. The peer-to-peer groups were an integral part of Ascend because they gave students a space to share their voices.”

At Ascend’s opening session, “Welcome to Your Next Chapter,” students were addressed by President Gregory Crawford and other university leaders in the Goggin Ice Center Club Room. President Crawford encouraged them to embrace their new beginning with curiosity and confidence because they belong at Miami. Later that night, they enjoyed a community barbecue and a tour of the Recreation Center.

Participants had a full day on Aug. 21. A session with the Rinella Learning Center and the Miller Center for Student Disability Services gave them an overview of academic and accessibility resources available on campus. Center for Career Exploration and Success staff then presented on how students can select a major based on their interests, values, and strengths that will support their career ambitions.

The classroom portion of Ascend began with two mini lectures, the first led by Brody Ruihley from Sport Leadership and Management, the second by Brooke Spangler-Cropenbaker from Psychology. Participants then broke into small groups for discussion-based classes with Dana Cox from Mathematics, Brendan Danker from the Student Success Center, and Marko Dumančić, the associate provost for undergraduate education.

“These sessions gave students a glimpse of how college classes can be both similar to and different from high school classes,” Bennett said. “More importantly, it showed them that Miami’s faculty are caring people who are invested in their success.”

In Cox’s mini class, students engaged in a “Quick Images” activity. She quickly displayed a geometric image on a screen and then asked students to draw what they remembered seeing. After their first attempt, she flashed the image a second time so that they could revise their drawings. This activity led to a conversation about productive struggle and rough-draft thinking, helping students identify which emotions can impact their learning and how to recognize when they need to ask for help.

Cox shared that the professors benefited from participating in Ascend as much as the students, noting that she will incorporate the insights she gained on how incoming students want to engage in their learning into her own teaching approach.

“The Ascend students asked thoughtful questions about the college experience, and I made sure to address several of these topics in my first-day classes,” Cox said. “I’m grateful for the chance to make these adjustments now, knowing they’ll help create a more positive classroom experience for all of my students.”

Ascend concluded on Aug. 22 with a faculty panel, a keynote speech by Thomas Dickson, and a popsicle sendoff. Dickson’s “Brick by Brick” address struck a chord with student by blending wisdom from his 25 years in higher education with heartfelt encouragement about building their futures step by step. His message reflected both his genuine care for students and his expertise in advising, creating meaningful learning experiences, and amplifying student voices.

Bennett said it was rewarding to watch the students move forward into their first semester with momentum and a sense of belonging.

“Our goal was that students left Ascend feeling connected, confident, and ready to thrive,” Bennett said. “So many walked away believing, ‘I belong here, and I can do this.’ This means Ascend did its job.”