As the university welcomes the Class of 2016, the Chronicle asked several Stephen H. Weiss Presidential Fellows (faculty recognized for their scholarly career and record of distinguished teaching of undergraduates) and graduate student mentors to share some advice for new students.

"Get to know your professors" was on many faculty members' lists.

"Cornell's reputation is built on the scholarship of the professors, so talk to them," said Ravi Ramakrishna, professor of mathematics.

Here's more expert advice on how to make the most of your time at Cornell:

Ross Brann, the Milton Konvitz Professor of Judeo-Islamic Studies:

Whether you are embarking on a pre-professional or liberal arts program at Cornell, you would do well to challenge yourself to expand your intellectual, cultural and social horizons -- a university education and living in a university community provide a truly unique set of opportunities to do so.

Chavez Carter, Ph.D. candidate, immunology:

Give serious consideration to what academic goals you would like to accomplish and then construct a plan on how you will go about doing so. Do a self-assessment to identify your personal strengths and weaknesses, [so] you can better understand how to adapt your study habits to the new demands of college course work.

T. Michael Duncan, the Raymond G. Thorpe Teaching Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering:

I provide FAQs to my incoming freshman advisees. One piece of advice: Must I finalize my course selections before the first day of classes? No. You should compose a tentative schedule, but you should be prepared to change your schedule after you arrive at Cornell. There are advantages to keeping your schedule fluid, to explore options and adjust your course selection during the first few weeks of the semester.

Ronald Ehrenberg, the Irving M. Ives Professor of Industrial and Labor Relations and Economics:

I give my first-year advisees copies of Richard Light's "Making the Most of College: Students Speak Their Minds," which contains many important lessons. Some are obvious: form study groups, take time to get to know at least one professor each semester, be involved in activities outside of the classroom, form communities, experiment with new subject matter. All of his conclusions are based upon literally thousands of interviews with students.

David Feldshuh, professor of theater; 2011-12 Menschel Distinguished Teaching Fellow:

Professors are not ogres. Class participation is always valued. Go to office hours even when you don't have specific questions. Enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity will create a relationship with your teacher and new opportunities for learning.

Bruce Ganem, the Franz and Elisabeth Roessler Professor of Chemistry; the J. Thomas Clark Professor of Entrepreneurship:

Learn how to introduce yourself properly, and do it frequently enough that it becomes second nature -- it could be your secret weapon to professional advancement. Start with the shot-across-the-bow -- "I'd like to introduce myself" -- then say your whole name, slowly and clearly. Now the hard part -- you extend your right hand.

Enongo Lumumba-Kasongo, Ph.D. candidate, science and technology studies:

The people that get the most out of their experience here are those who carve out their own path. Take classes outside of your area of interest; make an effort to engage with students outside of your dorm; venture off campus and into the Ithaca community occasionally. In four years you'll realize that the most important lessons you learned were those that came from challenging yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.

Mary Beth Norton, the Mary Donlon Alger Professor of American History:

During your freshman year, and preferably your first semester, take at least one course that has absolutely nothing to do with your intended major. You will have lots of time to focus on a major later on. Now is when you should explore a wide variety of topics.

Ravi Ramakrishna '88, professor of mathematics:

Learning to make candid self-assessments of where you are and what you [can] pull off when things get busy is one of the things that will benefit you most.

Daniel R. Schwarz, the Frederic J. Whiton Professor of English:

Remember the three R's: resilience (falling down and getting up are one motion); resourcefulness (use your skills and intelligence) and resolve (the determination and persistence to pursue goals). And find comfortable and quiet study places on campus, where you [can] work effectively and are not easily distracted.