Contact: Thonnia Lee, Office of Strategic Communications
Dear Beloved Students; Welcome home and welcome back to Mother Tuskegee!
Whether you are returning to campus or beginning your first year, you are joining a tradition of excellence nearly 145 years in the making. Now it is your turn to add your chapter to the Tuskegee story.
As we begin another academic year, let me offer 10 suggestions for success. These are not complicated, but if you choose to follow them consistently, they can make a tremendous difference in your college experience.
10 Suggestions for Success
1. Read Your Syllabus Early
Your syllabus is the GPS for every course. Read it carefully during the first week of class. Learn the expectations, deadlines, and grading policies. If something is unclear, ask your professor immediately. Would you go on a long trip without GPS?
2. Attend Every Class
Unless illness or some extraordinary circumstance prevents it, be in class. Attendance matters. Learning happens when you show up. If you must miss a class, communicate early and professionally with your instructor.
3. Be Early
At Tuskegee, being on time means arriving early. Give yourself enough time to settle in, prepare your materials, and begin class ready to learn. Successful people respect time, both their own and the time of others.
4. Get the Sleep You Need
Late nights often lead to difficult mornings. Rest is not a luxury; it is part of academic preparation. A well-rested mind performs better, learns faster, and makes better decisions.
5. Visit the REACH Center Before You Need It
One of the smartest things you can do is become familiar with the REACH Center early in the semester. Tour the facility and learn about the academic support services available. If you earn less than 80 percent on an initial test or assignment, don't wait. Seek assistance immediately. Strong students know when to ask for help. At Tuskegee this is a requirement not an option.
6. Build Your Résumé Now
If you do not already have a résumé, create one this semester. It is a requirement at Tuskegee. We have invested in a powerful AI career-development tool called Olive to help you get started. Visit Olive at https://www.olive.jobs/onboarding/tuskegee to build or strengthen your résumé. Once completed, schedule a visit with the Career Center for guidance on next steps.
7. Start Planning for Internships Early
Do not wait until your junior or senior year to think about internships. Meet with your school or college, faculty advisor, or department leadership and discuss internship opportunities now. The best opportunities often require applications months in advance. Begin preparing early, and remember: we are here to help. Companies will soon make 2027 summer decisions well before your Spring 2027 Semester.
8. Make Sure Your Professional Attire Is Ready
Opportunities often arrive with little notice. Your future employer may be visiting campus, including graduate, governmental, and corporate visitors. If they see you and I make an introduction, will you be ready to make the best first impression possible? Don’t get ready…stay ready! Whether it is a career fair, interview, convocation, or networking event, ask yourself: Am I ready? If you need assistance acquiring professional clothing, visit the Career Center or the Golden Tiger Community Closet. We are ready to help.
9. Make Friends and Choose Them Wisely
Build healthy friendships, join organizations, and become engaged in campus life. College is an opportunity to build “chosen family,” close friendships you will cherish the rest of your lives. Choose companions who know and support your goals and encourage your success. Emotional challenges are real, and we encourage you to build a support system of new friends at Tuskegee. Asking them for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength and wisdom.
10. Pursue a Professional Certification
Take time to review the certifications available through the university and within your academic discipline. Identify at least one that complements your degree and develop a plan for completion before graduation. A degree opens doors; additional credentials help you stand out.
And finally, a bonus recommendation that is not on the list:
Have Fun!
College is serious business, but it should also be one of the most enjoyable and memorable periods of your life. The discipline you develop, the preparation you embrace, and the good habits you build actually reduce stress and create more opportunities to enjoy the experience. Attend events. Support Golden Tiger athletics. Make memories. Build lifelong friendships. Grow into the person you were meant to become.
You walk the same grounds as Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, the Tuskegee Airmen, and generations of graduates who transformed communities, industries, and nations. The First Lady and I are delighted to welcome you into this legacy. We believe in you. We are proud of you. And we look forward to seeing what you accomplish this year.
See you on the yard!
Dr. Mark A. Brown, ‘86
President and Chief Executive Officer
© 2026 Tuskegee University
