Albany State University (ASU) kicked off its signature student success initiative, RAM Success Week (RSW), one week before the start of the fall 2025 semester. This immersive orientation experience is designed to prepare first-year students for a seamless transition into college life at ASU.

Held annually since the 1990s under various names, RSW has evolved into a robust and strategically structured program that introduces new students to ASU’s academic expectations, vibrant campus culture, and the powerful legacy of the HBCU experience.

RSW isn’t just a welcome week—it’s a high-impact student development experience. Through a combination of academic workshops, campus tours, themed social events, and peer-led sessions, the program aims to build students’ confidence, knowledge, and connection to the RAM community before classes even begin.

“RAM Success Week is more than orientation—it’s where students first see what academic excellence, community, and pride look like at Albany State,” said Jeremiah Mullins, New Student and Family Programs Coordinator. “We intentionally design this week to empower students with the skills, support, and relationships they need to thrive throughout their college journey.”

Each day of RAM Success Week offers a balanced schedule featuring major-specific academic sessions in the morning, campus life panels and resource workshops in the afternoon, and social mixers and spirit events in the evening. Students engage with faculty, staff, alumni, and student orientation leaders throughout the week. These leaders serve as mentors, guides, and motivators—reinforcing a strong support network from the start. Past RSW participants have gone on to become orientation leaders, Holley Ambassadors, and even members of the Royal Court, a testament to the program’s long-term impact.

The week ended with the Freshman Induction Ceremony, one of ASU’s proudest traditions. This formal event marks the beginning of our newest students’ journey and welcomes them into the RAMily in a meaningful and memorable way. The keynote speaker was Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr. (Class of ’97 and ’98). Dr. Todd is a two-time graduate of Albany State University, holding a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Education in English Education. He earned his Ph.D. in English from Georgia State University. A native of West Point, Georgia, Dr. Todd is an accomplished leader in higher education. He now serves as the 22nd president of Talladega College in Alabama, following a transformational tenure as president of Denmark Technical College in South Carolina.

Feedback from students and parents continues to affirm the program’s value and effectiveness. In recent years, 97% of students reported feeling prepared to begin the semester, while 92% shared that they enjoyed their RAM Success Week experience. Students who participate in RSW not only begin their college journey with increased confidence and connection, but they also tend to remain enrolled at higher rates and perform better academically.

What sets RAM Success Week apart from traditional orientation models is its deep integration of ASU’s values and cultural identity. Students are introduced to the HBCU experience, engage in conversations around academic excellence and service, and begin building networks that last beyond graduation.

As Mullins emphasized, “We don’t just tell students they belong—we show them. From day one, they’re part of the Ramily.”

For more information about RAM Success Week and New Student Orientation at Albany State University, visit www.asurams.edu.