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FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE
DIRECTOR: Keri L. Rogers, Ph.D. The First-Year Experience Program includes a variety of courses and support services designed to help first year students make a successful transition to the demands of university life. The program is of a volunteer nature providing students academic and selected non-academic support services dedicated to addressing issues common to first year students. The program is comprised of the following options.
Sam Houston State University’s faculty, staff and administrators truly value students and want each of them to be successful. The University has developed a comprehensive, coordinated approach toward the first year experience including a freshman seminar, additional freshman learning communities, new student orientation schedules for both parents and students, new advising approaches, and a comprehensive listing of academic support services offered for students at SHSU. New student orientations strive to familiarize both students and parents with Sam Houston State University. During the summer, several two-day sessions provide freshmen with an opportunity to interact and engage with university representatives to familiarize them with the university and its services. During these sessions, students can meet with an academic advisor and register for fall classes, secure on-campus housing, and pay all of their fees for the semester. SAM 136 – Introduction to Collegiate Studies – is a three-hour elective freshman seminar. Class size is approximately 25 students. Students read and write extensively on experiences and challenges that are common among first year students. This seminar is designed to provide students with essential strategies and information to enhance the likelihood of their retention and academic/social success. The Bearkat Learning Community provides incoming freshman students the opportunity to take classes with other students who live in the same residence hall. This group of students also has a planned program of activities designed to enhance academics as well as provide a positive social atmosphere. The Freshman Learning Community (FLC) is an enhanced educational experience specifically designed to foster the intellectual development of students through increased interaction with fellow students, faculty and staff. FLC offers first year freshmen who do not live in a residence hall a unique opportunity to become intimately familiar with the necessary academic and social skills that will be a first step toward not only a dynamic undergraduate experience, but one that will proved invaluable in either the work place or post-baccalaureate education. Academic Support Services include the Reading Center, Writing Center and Math Center. Other support services and tutorial sessions are also available. Mentoring programs are available for first year students. Mentors welcome students to campus and help them with academic, social and personal concerns. Sam Houston State University is dedicated to helping students make the transition to university life. The University encourages students to be active in and out of the classroom in order to enjoy the benefits of what SHSU has to offer. Students taking advantage of the First Year Experience Program enhance their educational experience while enjoying the opportunity to build a solid foundation of skills needed for success. For further information call (936)294-3422; e-mail fye@shsu.edu; or visit www.shsu.edu/~fye_www. SAM 136 is a freshman orientation seminar designed to enhance the first year experience for beginning college students and to increase student success in college. The varied content of the course will facilitate a smoother transition into the college culture. Content areas include: locating and utilizing campus resources, goal setting and time management skills, writing skills, test preparation and taking skills, critical thinking skills, career exploration, diversity exercises, personal health and well-being strategies, money management, and leadership/civic service training. Credit 3. |