Advice for Incoming Freshman Directly from the Departments

As an incoming freshman, it can be difficult to know what to expect academically. Below is advice from various departments at Cumberlands. Though not all departments are represented on this blog, hopefully, this will give you a better idea of what to expect overall or even help you decide what major is best for you! 

English
“For students interested in an English major, they should explore the three English options and tailor their program to meet their interest:  Secondary Education, Literary Studies, Creative Writing.  Students should put on a metaphorical "critical reading, thinking, and writing" hat and be open to all types of literature.  Also, students should develop a good relationship with their English advisor so they will stay on track with scheduling since some classes are taught only once a year or on a rotation system.”- Dr. Jolly Sharp 

Education
“Here are a few tips that I think would benefit future students in the major:

1. Prioritize Field Experiences Early: Engage in classroom observations and field experiences as soon as possible. These hands-on opportunities will help you connect theory to practice and build confidence in your teaching abilities.

2. Master Time Management: Balancing coursework, field experiences, and personal life is crucial. Develop a schedule that allows for study, self-care, and involvement in the campus community.

3. Prepare for Certification Exams: Begin familiarizing yourself with the Praxis exams and other certification requirements early. Utilize available resources and study opportunities provided by the School of Education.

4. Build Relationships with Faculty and Peers: Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors and fellow education majors. These connections can provide mentorship, collaborative opportunities, and professional networking that will support your academic journey and future career.

5. Embrace Lifelong Learning: education is constantly evolving. Stay curious and open to learning new teaching strategies, technologies, and educational trends throughout your studies and career.

6. Reflect on Your “Why”: Regularly revisit why you chose to pursue education. This reflection will help you stay motivated and resilient during challenging times in your academic and professional path.” - Dr. Shannon Deaton

Nursing: 
“For students who want to go in to the nursing major, it is imperative that they keep a high GPA. A 3.0 is the minimum requirement for admission. It is also important that they take at least one, but preferably two, of their foundational sciences and achieve a grade of B or above. These courses would be BIO 240, 243, and 244. It is also recommended that students take NURS 100 plus either NURS 101 or NURS 231 prior to applying to the program.” - Dr. Cailen Baker

Health, Exercise and Sport Science
“Some thoughts to help freshmen better understand that this is the best next 4-6 years of their life … 

- get involved in on-campus activities (they really are fun) 

- Meet new people (they really can be lifelong friends) 

- participate in class activities to meet new people with similar interests (they can not only be friends for life but help with job networking)  

- ask questions in class about content or assignments (to get the most out of your money), turn work in on time (use that great time management, and you’ll be more likely to finish in 4 years vs. 6 years) and ask for help if you need it (UC really is One Big Team) 

- follow department social media pages (to get updates about campus calendars and maybe even see your friends in a post) 

- Your HESS professors are actually really fun people, so get to know them and their HESS interests! Sometimes it will get you semi-off topic in class, but it can be for the better!” -  Dr. Sarah Sabon

World Languages and Cultures: Laura Dennis
“Consider joining us in the Department of World Languages & Cultures, even if you have never studied another language. We have courses ranging from absolute beginners in French and Spanish to advanced courses in Spanish to courses taught in English and to study abroad opportunities in Spain, France, and Costa Rica. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, I have three main pieces of advice: 

1. If you have studied French or Spanish before, or if you’re a native speaker, sign up for the Prior Knowledge Exam in that language ASAP. You could get up to 4 semesters of credit toward your major or minor.  

2. Start early, preferably in your first year. Many of our courses are skill-based, which means you have to take them in order, especially at the lower levels. 

3. Don’t be nervous about trying a language, even if it’s totally new. We have small, supportive classes with experienced instructors, along with opportunities for tutoring and practice outside of class. You can do this, I promise! 

Hope to see you soon!” - Dr. Laura Dennis

Physical Therapy
Embarking on the journey toward earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is an exciting and challenging step for aspiring physical therapists. Here are some practical tips for undergraduates looking to prepare for graduate school and a successful career in physical therapy:

1. Excel in Academics: Graduate programs in physical therapy are competitive. Focus on maintaining a strong GPA, particularly in prerequisite courses like anatomy, physiology, biology, and physics. Take advantage of resources such as tutoring, study groups, and office hours to master challenging material.

2. Gain Clinical Experience: Shadowing physical therapists in various settings (e.g., outpatient clinics, hospitals, or schools) will give you valuable insights into the profession and help you confirm your passion for the field. Many DPT programs require a certain number of observation hours, so document your experiences carefully.

3. Build Relationships with Mentors: Develop strong relationships with professors, supervisors, and physical therapists you shadow. These connections can provide valuable advice and write strong letters of recommendation for your graduate applications.

4. Develop 'Soft' (Employability) Skills: Physical therapy is as much about connecting with patients as it is about clinical expertise. Hone skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving through volunteer work, part-time jobs, or leadership roles in student organizations.

5. Research DPT Programs Early: Each program has unique prerequisites, application timelines, and admission requirements. Start researching programs early to ensure you’re on track. Familiarize yourself with the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) and its deadlines.

6. Get Involved: Engaging in extracurricular activities such as health-related clubs, sports, or community service demonstrates your commitment to holistic development. These experiences also make your application stand out.

7. Plan Financially: Graduate school is a significant investment. Explore scholarships, assistantships, and loan repayment options. Begin budgeting early to prepare for application fees and tuition costs.

8. Stay Informed About the Profession: Stay current on trends in physical therapy by talking to PTs and exploring the website for the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Understanding the field will help you articulate your career goals during interviews.

9. Take Care of Yourself: The journey to becoming a physical therapist is demanding. Prioritize self-care, manage stress, and maintain a healthy balance between academics and personal life to avoid burnout.

By taking these steps, you’ll not only enhance your chances of gaining admission to a top DPT program but also lay a strong foundation for a fulfilling career in physical therapy. Your future patients will thank you for the dedication and preparation you invest now!” - Dr. Vicki LaFay

Human Services and Social Work
“Students will find that social work is a profession that combines passion with practicality. While the challenges can be significant, the rewards of making a tangible difference in people’s lives are immeasurable. Students need to develop strong listening and empathy skills. They need to focus on understanding clients by actively listening and responding with compassion. Empathy is at the core of effective social work. 

Social work can be emotionally draining, so take care of your mental and physical health. Set boundaries and seek support when needed to prevent burnout. Students will want to discover their best self-care technics and use them often. Social workers must be lifelong learners. It is important for students and professionals to stay informed about new research, policies, and best practices in the field. Working continuously to improve their knowledge and skills will make them better practitioners. 

Knowledge related to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion will be used with each client. Social workers assist people from diverse backgrounds and must strive to understand their unique cultural, social, and personal perspectives. Advocacy is important to clients. It means social work students must learn to be confident and advocate for clients who are unable to be heard by those who can have influence on their behalf. Finally, students must learn to follow ethical guidelines and stay informed about legal requirements related to social work. Remaining ethical and professional will set students apart and set them up for success. 

Students who place emphasis on learning these concepts will be better equipped to succeed in social work while maintaining your passion for helping others.” - Dr. Jennifer Knuckles

Biology
“In terms of advice I would give a freshman, it would be two main pieces, first talk to your professors, getting to know them will be great for finding an advisor, picking classes, and later, letters of recommendation. The second piece of advice is to plan your major as quickly as possible; some classes are only offered every other year, so it's good to make sure you can fit them in.” - Dr. Andrew Hockert.

Criminal Justice
“I would give incoming students the following advice:
Show up, whether it’s for class, meetings, work, or whatever. Just showing up and being on time will put you ahead of many others.
Read the assignments. As my dad once said to me, “You would be surprised what’s in those books if you read them.”
Take notes. Your retention and understanding will be significantly improved.
Be careful with your social media postings. That cute, funny post now might come back to haunt you in the future.
Look at your dream job requirements now. Don’t wait until you graduate to look at your prospective employer’s web page. Now is the time to start making yourself their ideal employee.” - Dr. John Knox Mills

Missions and Ministries 
“One piece of advice I would give is to be present. You have the opportunity to sit under the teaching of professors who have dedicated their lives to teaching God's Word. Soak it all in, have fun with your assignments, and use them as opportunities for spiritual and personal growth. Get to know your classmates and lean on one another through these four years. It is a short amount of time, make it count.” - Skylar Plementosh

Communications
Get to know our faculty.  They are more than teachers. We are collaborators, encouragers, and mentors. Drop by our offices, hang out after classes, and join one of our many departmental activities. Before you know it, you could be writing a feature newspaper story, operating the camera for a basketball game, hosting your own studio podcast, or competing against teams from other universities in academic debate. We are excited to welcome you to UC and look forward to learning with you during your time here." - Dr. Jay Bourne