This fall semester, the Texas A&M Department of Poultry Science proudly welcomed 41 new undergraduate students to campus. This cohort represents a diverse group of learners, including 13 freshmen, 8 Gateway students, 13 community college transfers, 6 Blinn TEAM students, and 1 post-baccalaureate student.

poultry science student presenting to incoming students
Current students sharing their high-impact experiences

To help them feel at home on campus, the incoming students attended the Poultry Science New Student Orientation, held the week before classes began in August. Department-specific orientation is designed to introduce students to the many opportunities available in the department and to build a sense of community from day one.

Throughout the day, students heard from faculty and staff members about ways to get involved in undergraduate research, professional development experiences, and student organizations such as the Poultry Science Club and the Aggie Poultry Ambassadors. They also learned more about the department’s tradition of high-impact learning opportunities, which extend far beyond the classroom.

Poultry science faculty participated in a panel discussion offering their best advice to incoming students. While "read the syllabus" was echoed multiple times, they also provided lots of valuable information on studying techniques. Morgan Farnell, Ph.D. stressed the importance of note-taking in class. "Take notes in class, but then rewrite them and summarize them in your own words," Morgan shared.

Ziteng Xu, Ph.D., and Gregory Archer, Ph.D. emphasized keeping an open mind and participating in department and campus events. Archer shared, "Be a part of the department because you will get out of it what you put into it."

The orientation concluded with a Poultry Science Club cookie social, where new students had the chance to connect with current students and club officers in a relaxed, welcoming environment. This gathering not only introduced them to their peers but also provided an early glimpse of the camaraderie and spirit that define the Department of Poultry Science.

With this strong start, our newest Aggies are well on their way to building lifelong friendships, professional connections, and successful careers in the poultry industry.