The Bauer Survival Guide
Bauer Community Shares Back-to-School Tips for Fall 2026
Welcome to a new semester at the C. T. Bauer College of Business.
For both new and returning students, the first day of school brings endless possibilities for how the year will go.
Melcher Hall becomes a home away from home, and the faculty and staff busy themselves with a calendar of events planned for the academic year.
Friendships are formed, assignments are due, and internships are secured.
Whether you're just starting your journey with us or a seasoned pro, the Bauer College community is offering their friendly advice on how to make this year one to remember.
What I'd Tell My Freshman Self
“Meet as many people as you can, balance your studies with friends and sports, and seize every opportunity. It's fine not to know what career you want yet — stay curious and keep asking questions, and the path will narrow down on its own.”
- Tristan Sakr, MS Finance Candidate
"Put yourself in places that give you the opportunity to discover who you are. You have to become comfortable with being uncomfortable before you can truly find where you belong. Learning what you don’t like is just as important as learning what you do."
- Jonah Ortiz, Finance and Accounting Senior
“If I could talk to my freshman self, I’d tell her not to be afraid of the unknown and to embrace every opportunity that comes her way. Step outside your comfort zone, get involved on campus, and don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles because those experiences will shape both your personal and professional growth. Build genuine relationships with professors, classmates, alumni and recruiters, as your network can open doors you never expected. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s, focus on your own growth, and trust your timeline. Most importantly, enjoy every moment because college goes by much faster than you think.”
- Samia Winfield, Finance and Accounting Senior
"Enjoy every moment because college goes by much faster than you think"
Samia Winfield, Finance and Accounting Senior
Top Tips to Start a New Semester
“Sync all important dates like assignments, projects and exams into your calendar. It can all be done easily through Canvas.”
- Jorge Arellano, Office of Undergraduate Business Programs Associate Director of Student Engagement
“Just show up! Show up to that event you're unsure about. Show up to be a part of that awesome program or organization. Show up to class, show up to tutoring, office hours — whatever 'showing up' looks like in that moment, just show up. There is an entire community of Bauer staff, faculty and peers who want to see you be successful — so just show up!”
- Whitney Johnson, Office of Undergraduate Business Programs Director of Student Success
“Make a commitment to say yes more than no. Yes, I will attend that coffee chat, event, student org meeting. Yes, I will volunteer to lead the presentation. Yes, I will go to the football game. Yes, I will try a new restaurant with my classmates. There are multiple reasons at any given time to stay in your routine, but the more you experience, the more enriching your time at Bauer and UH will be. Don't fear the unknown, embrace it!”
- Stacey Piefer, Rockwell Career Center Graduate and Alumni Career Services Director
“Graduate school is more than earning a degree — it’s an opportunity to build lifelong professional relationships. Get to know your classmates, introduce yourself to faculty, attend networking events and engage with alumni whenever possible. The people you meet during your time at Bauer may become future colleagues, business partners, mentors or hiring managers. Your network is one of the most valuable investments you’ll make during graduate school.”
- Hisham Talib, Office of Graduate & Professional Programs MBA and MS Student Experience Assistant Director
"Don't fear the unknown, embrace it!”
Stacey Piefer, Rockwell Career Center Graduate and Alumni Career Services Director
How to Be the Leader You Were Born to Be
“Welcome to Bauer! College life is exciting, yet at the beginning can be overwhelming — even for your dean when he was your age :) The good news is that you are joining a friendly and caring Bauer Family where your professors, your academic advisors and your peer students all root for your success! Make sure to attend orientation activities and don't hesitate to ask questions!”
- Xianjun Geng, Bauer College Dean
“You don't need to have everything figured out on day one. In fact, you're not supposed to. College is one of the few times in life when exploration is actually part of the assignment. Stay curious, try new things and give yourself permission to grow. When you need guidance, don't be afraid to ask for it. There are faculty, staff and peers all around you who want to help you succeed.”
- Kelly Collins, Rockwell Career Center Executive Director
“One of the best things I ever learned was the power of microhabits, or small actions that move you toward a bigger goal. Instead of telling yourself you're going to completely transform your study habits overnight, commit to something manageable: review your notes for five minutes after each class, spend 10 minutes getting started on an assignment, set aside time to check your calendar each morning. College is much less intimidating when you focus on the next small step instead of the entire journey ahead.”
- Jessica Navarro, Office of Communications Executive Director
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