If you miss Bobcat Life onboarding sessions, contact the onboarding coordinator to catch up on materials and resources.

Missed onboarding sessions happen to the best of us. Life has a funny way of squeezing in at the exact moment the welcome videos and campus tours are rolling. The good news? A quick, smart step can get you back on track without losing sight of what you were trying to achieve in the first place. When a few sessions slip by, the right move is clear: reach out to the onboarding coordinator to catch up on what you missed. No heroics required, just a little responsible hustle.

Let me set the scene. Onboarding isn’t one big lecture you sit through and forget. It’s the map, the glossary, the first handshakes with people who’ll become your go-to contacts. It introduces you to the culture, the policies, and the tiny habits that make getting oriented smoother. If you miss a session, the map can feel a little foggy. That fog isn’t permanent, though — not if you pick up the phone (or send the email) and ask for the route to the same destination.

Why contacting the onboarding coordinator is the right move

Here’s the thing: the onboarding coordinator isn’t just someone who schedules meetings. They’re the navigator for new students. They hold the materials, the recordings, and the tips that aren’t always captured in a slide deck. They know which sessions build on one another and where “critical details” live in the system. Reaching out is a sign of responsibility, not a sign of weakness. It shows you care about your own learning journey and you’re serious about integrating smoothly into the community.

Plus, contacting the coordinator is fast. You don’t have to guess what you missed. You don’t have to rely on a single classmate’s memory or a scribbled note that might miss a nuance. You’ll get direct access to the same resources everyone else uses — the handouts, the policy summaries, the contact lists, and any updated guidelines. When you’re new, that kind clarity is gold.

What to include when you reach out

If you’re wondering how to phrase the outreach, here’s a simple, effective template you can adapt:

• A short introduction: your name, program, and a quick mention that you missed several onboarding sessions.

• The specific sessions you missed (dates or topics).

• A clear request: access to recordings, slides, transcripts, or a quick catch-up meeting.

• A note about your plan to catch up and any deadlines you’re mindful of.

• Gratitude and a friendly closing.

If you’re sending a message, a few practical details help a lot:

• Include your student ID or identifier used in the campus system.

• Suggest a couple of time windows for a catch-up chat, but be flexible.

• Ask for any essential readings, glossary terms, or policy documents you should know first.

What happens after you reach out

Most onboarding teams are set up to respond quickly. Expect a reply that includes:

• Links to recordings or slides you can access right away.

• A recommended sequence for catching up (which materials to read first, what to prioritize).

• An invitation to a quick one-on-one check-in to answer questions and clarify next steps.

That check-in can be a 15-20 minute chat or a short Zoom/teams session. It’s not about grilling you; it’s about confirming you’ve got a solid footing. The coordinator will usually point you to high-value pieces: introductions to key offices, an overview of essential policies, and guidance on how to navigate the campus or digital platforms you’ll use daily.

A practical, simple catch-up plan you can follow

If you want a tangible path, here’s a straightforward plan you can adapt. It’s designed to be doable, even when you’re juggling other new-student duties.

• Step 1: Access the materials you missed. Check the campus portal or the LMS for recordings, slides, and any chat transcripts from the sessions.

• Step 2: Read the essential pieces. Start with the big-picture items: campus policies, key contacts, safety guidelines, and your department’s onboarding welcome notes.

• Step 3: Schedule a short follow-up. Book a 15-minute time slot with the onboarding coordinator to go over questions and confirm you’ve captured the core ideas.

• Step 4: Make a quick summary. Jot down a one-page recap of what you learned and what you still need to confirm. This makes future questions sharper.

• Step 5: Build your first-week checklist. Include tasks like setting up your campus email, joining the main department channel, and noting the locations of help desks.

• Step 6: Mark important dates. Put the next important onboarding milestones into your calendar so you don’t miss a beat.

What not to do when you miss sessions

Skipping sessions and then trying to wing it by asking classmates for notes can backfire. Here’s why and what to avoid:

• Don’t ignore the missed sessions. A few key points may slip through unnoticed, and you’ll hit a wall later when you encounter something that relies on those details.

• Don’t attend random sessions in the next term to “get caught up.” That approach can lead to confusion and a mismatch with what’s essential for your program.

• Don’t rely solely on classmates for notes. Some conversations include context that isn’t captured in notes, and missing that can leave gaps in your understanding.

• Don’t wait too long. A timely reach-out helps you preserve momentum and shows you’re serious about your onboarding.

Small human touches that make a big difference

When you’re new, little things matter. After you’ve connected with the coordinator, a few extra steps can help you feel more confident:

• Ask for a short glossary or a “who to contact” sheet. Knowing who handles what can save you hours of hunting later.

• Request a brief trail guide. A one-page map of all the relevant offices, services, and support channels makes the campus feel less intimidating.

• Find a buddy or peer mentor. A quick chat with a fellow student who’s a bit further along can make the landscape feel familiar faster.

A gentle reminder about culture and expectations

Onboarding isn’t only about paperwork; it’s about feeling welcomed and prepared. You’ll hear phrases like “team first,” “open doors,” and “we’re here to help.” If you missed sessions, your job is to reconnect in a way that respects the process. Reaching out to the coordinator sends a message: you’re taking ownership of your learning and you want to contribute to the community.

The bigger picture: resilience and momentum

Life throws curveballs, and that’s normal. The ability to rebound quickly is what makes the onboarding experience meaningful in the long run. When you contact the coordinator, you’re not just filling gaps in your schedule. You’re restoring momentum, clarifying expectations, and cementing a sense of belonging. That combination—clarity plus connection—helps you settle in faster and more confidently.

A few closing thoughts

If you’ve missed onboarding sessions, you’re not alone, and you’re not doomed to wander in a fog of uncertainty. The simplest, most effective move is to reach out to the onboarding coordinator and ask for the resources and guidance you need. With a clear plan, you’ll rebuild your footing in no time, and you’ll likely come away with a stronger sense of where to go next and whom to turn to when questions pop up.

So, what’s your first step? A short, friendly message to the onboarding coordinator, a quick review of the materials you’ve missed, and a compact catch-up plan. You’ll be surprised how quickly you start feeling integrated and in control again.

If you’re navigating the Bobcat Life onboarding, remember: you’re not stepping into the unknown alone. The onboarding team is there to help you, the resources are there to support you, and your readiness to engage is what will turn a stumble into a solid start. You’ve got this — one thoughtful step at a time.