Faculty and Staff

Wildcat Welcome is Northern Michigan University's coordinated effort to help new students feel connected, supported, and prepared for success during their transition to campus. While students attend programs and activities throughout the semester, their day-to-day interactions with faculty and staff have the greatest impact on helping them feel like they belong. This page provides resources, information, and tools to help you support students during their first weeks at NMU.

Students are more likely to persist when they feel connected.
Small interactions can have a lasting impact.
Faculty and staff are often the first to notice when a student may be struggling.
Referring students early helps connect them with the right support.

Faculty and staff can support students by:

Welcoming students and helping them feel connected to NMU.
Encouraging participation in Wildcat Welcome events and campus activities.
Referring students to campus resources when they need support.
Checking in with students who may be struggling academically or personally.
Completing student success surveys and responding to outreach requests.
Referring students to the CARE Team, if a student is struggling with any of the eight WellBeing dimensions.

Wildcat Welcome Areas

Areas	Faculty & Staff Role
Connect	Help students build relationships and feel like they belong.
Academic Success	Reinforce academic expectations and connect students to tutoring, advising, and support services.
Thrive	Encourage healthy habits and awareness of wellness resources.
Sense of Purpose	Help students explore goals, majors, careers, and campus involvement.

Supporting students does not end after the first four weeks. Continued connection, encouragement, and referrals throughout the semester help students stay engaged and successful.