Dear First-year Students:

Welcome to Middlebury! We, as student leaders, invite you to participate in a student-led retreat in September. Like many Middlebury students, we have had our share of transitioning ups and downs into a new environment. The aim of this retreat is to learn, from one another, ways to transition to life on Middlebury’s campus. The retreat will serve as a forum to discuss adjustment to college life and to explore anxieties, ambitions, and varied interests within a safe and positive atmosphere.

Our program was developed to:

·      foster group discussions about home, Middlebury, and the differences between the two in a safe, liberated space;

·      provide the social tools necessary to feel comfortable on campus, regardless of how you identify;

·      build a network of students who will help each other more effectively navigate Middlebury’s, somewhat unfamiliar, social and academic environments.

Over the course of the weekend, upper-class student facilitators from various backgrounds and experiences will lead activities that focus on ways to personally grow at Middlebury and how to make the most of your college experience.

We are looking for a group of students:

·           with a broad array of perspectives and experiences,

·           with an openness to making connections through honest dialogue,

·           with a willingness to discuss the many issues and anxieties involved with adjusting to Middlebury and college life.

We hope a diverse group of students who best exemplify these traits will emerge and benefit from this retreat.

We will be spending a weekend (September 27th-29th) off-campus at Windham Country House in Windham, VT. Transportation, meals and lodging will be provided free of charge. All you will need to bring is:

·      Toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, soap, etc.)

·      Sleeping bag (if one is available to you), pillow, towel

·      Warm comfortable clothes and shoes (dress for comfort and changeable weather)

·      Reusable water bottle and snacks (meals are provided)

If you are interested in participating, please fill out the MiddleburyStudentRetreatApp1 and send it back to tgarcia@middlebury.edu by Friday, September 20, 2013.

We look forward to meeting you, and hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

My Midd Retreat Fall 2013 Facilitators!