First Year Seminar Success

First Year Seminars (FYS) are introductory level courses FYS SUCCESS: designed specifically for freshmen that help them adjust to the I college environment and provide them with the tools they need to succeed over their next four years. However, only a WHY FIRST YEAR SEMINARS IMPROVE STUDENT small portion of new students actually take advantage of RETENTION AND GRADUATION RATES these classes. This lack of participation can have a negative impact on grades, skills and drive to continue college. THE PROBLEM OF STUDENT RETENTION CURRENTLY, DROP OUT !! 1 in 4 RATES About 1 in every 4 freshmen does not return for their sophomore year. ARE A BIG PROBLEM AT 4-YEAR COLLEGES: 50% Furthermore, only 50% of students enrolled in a 4-year degree program graduate within 6 years. WHAT TO EXPECT IN FIRST YEAR SEMINAR HOW ACCESSIBLE ARE FIRST YEAR SEMINAR PROGRAMS? FYS is an important step that every incoming freshman should consider to help improve their chance of college success. Depending on the college, these courses can focus on a particular subject or cover all the basics in one. FYS courses typically include: 94.1% Writing skills and plagiarism laws Small class sizes consisting only of new Around 94.1% of American colleges and universities offer some form of first year seminar to their incoming freshman classes. students 58.6% FYS Critical thinking Discussions and However, FYS is a requirement at only 58.6% of institutions that offer the program. exercises debates Of those: Tips Overview of college policies and 29.3% Tips for successful studying offer just one class campus rules 26.7% offer two or more Book-reading and 2.6% discussion exercises offer all freshman classes as FYS curriculum Institutions vary the structure and content of FYS courses, but the aim is always the same: to arm students with the tools necessary to excel within the college system. Among schools that offer FYS but do not make it required, 43% report that less than half of their freshman class participates. FIRST YEAR SEMINAR’S IMPACT ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE Further research has shown 5%-15% Peer Connection that specific topics covered in FYS can have varying impacts on student retention: +4.4% (Percent change in student intent to return.) Study Skills Campus Policies Students who take a +15.7% -3.1% FYS are 5%-15% more likely to return for sophomore year. Health Information Campus Engagement +13.6% -6.7% - While knowing your college campus' policies and opportunities should correlate with a sense of comfort, these may not be enough to overcome problems students encounter later in their college years. First year seminars have also been shown to improve student grades: 2.60 O 2.48 +4.83% Average GPA of students who take FYS Average GPA of students who do not take FYS This represents a 4.38% improvement just from taking the course HOW FYS CAN HELP KEEP STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM FYS classes help increase student retention by creating connections between new freshmen and their classmates and faculty. The classes also teach students how to excel in a college atmosphere so that they do not get discouraged by work they are unprepared to handle. The following common reasons why students drop out of college are all addressed by FYS curriculum: Choice of Wrong Major Lack of Advising or Guidance MATF HOW FYS CAN HELP: FYS HOW FYS CAN HELP: Unlike high classes cover a diverse set of school, the college path isn't set out for students upon their arrival. Things can get confusing, overwhelming and, often times, discouraging as students try to make sense of the multitude of options before subject matter. This system exposes students to different majors and allows them to gain a sense of the nature of the work involved before dedicating themselves to a major they may not like. them. FYS classes introduce students to faculty members who can answer questions and provide necessary guidance to navigate the college landscape. Academically Unprepared A Sense of Not Belonging/Isolation/Homesickness HOW FYS CAN HELP: College HOW FYS CAN HELP: Freshman requires advanced study skills year can be scary as many that not all freshman have students are far from home and on their own for the first time. mastered coming out of high school. FYS classes teach students study tips, writing skills and test taking strategies to prepare them for the higher By bringing new students together, FYS classes help freshmen connect and build relationships with their level courses to come. classmates, easing the transition into their new environment. Sources: brighthub.com, aei.org, stephenporter.org, Course Hero www.jngi.org/uploads/File/2002_2nd_Nat_Survey_Responses_ALL.pdf, Learn. Share. Teach. Achieve. www.costsforcollege.com/top-10-reasons-people-drop-out-of-college CLUB PYSCH ENG LIT MICRO First Year Seminars (FYS) are introductory level courses FYS SUCCESS: designed specifically for freshmen that help them adjust to the I college environment and provide them with the tools they need to succeed over their next four years. However, only a WHY FIRST YEAR SEMINARS IMPROVE STUDENT small portion of new students actually take advantage of RETENTION AND GRADUATION RATES these classes. This lack of participation can have a negative impact on grades, skills and drive to continue college. THE PROBLEM OF STUDENT RETENTION CURRENTLY, DROP OUT !! 1 in 4 RATES About 1 in every 4 freshmen does not return for their sophomore year. ARE A BIG PROBLEM AT 4-YEAR COLLEGES: 50% Furthermore, only 50% of students enrolled in a 4-year degree program graduate within 6 years. WHAT TO EXPECT IN FIRST YEAR SEMINAR HOW ACCESSIBLE ARE FIRST YEAR SEMINAR PROGRAMS? FYS is an important step that every incoming freshman should consider to help improve their chance of college success. Depending on the college, these courses can focus on a particular subject or cover all the basics in one. FYS courses typically include: 94.1% Writing skills and plagiarism laws Small class sizes consisting only of new Around 94.1% of American colleges and universities offer some form of first year seminar to their incoming freshman classes. students 58.6% FYS Critical thinking Discussions and However, FYS is a requirement at only 58.6% of institutions that offer the program. exercises debates Of those: Tips Overview of college policies and 29.3% Tips for successful studying offer just one class campus rules 26.7% offer two or more Book-reading and 2.6% discussion exercises offer all freshman classes as FYS curriculum Institutions vary the structure and content of FYS courses, but the aim is always the same: to arm students with the tools necessary to excel within the college system. Among schools that offer FYS but do not make it required, 43% report that less than half of their freshman class participates. FIRST YEAR SEMINAR’S IMPACT ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE Further research has shown 5%-15% Peer Connection that specific topics covered in FYS can have varying impacts on student retention: +4.4% (Percent change in student intent to return.) Study Skills Campus Policies Students who take a +15.7% -3.1% FYS are 5%-15% more likely to return for sophomore year. Health Information Campus Engagement +13.6% -6.7% - While knowing your college campus' policies and opportunities should correlate with a sense of comfort, these may not be enough to overcome problems students encounter later in their college years. First year seminars have also been shown to improve student grades: 2.60 O 2.48 +4.83% Average GPA of students who take FYS Average GPA of students who do not take FYS This represents a 4.38% improvement just from taking the course HOW FYS CAN HELP KEEP STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM FYS classes help increase student retention by creating connections between new freshmen and their classmates and faculty. The classes also teach students how to excel in a college atmosphere so that they do not get discouraged by work they are unprepared to handle. The following common reasons why students drop out of college are all addressed by FYS curriculum: Choice of Wrong Major Lack of Advising or Guidance МАTH HOW FYS CAN HELP: FYS HOW FYS CAN HELP: Unlike high classes cover a diverse set of school, the college path isn't set out for students upon their arrival. Things can get confusing, overwhelming and, often times, discouraging as students try to make sense of the multitude of options before subject matter. This system exposes students to different majors and allows them to gain a sense of the nature of the work involved before dedicating themselves to a major they may not like. them. FYS classes introduce students to faculty members who can answer questions and provide necessary guidance to navigate the college landscape. Academically Unprepared A Sense of Not Belonging/Isolation/Homesickness HOW FYS CAN HELP: College HOW FYS CAN HELP: Freshman requires advanced study skills year can be scary as many that not all freshman have students are far from home and on their own for the first time. mastered coming out of high school. FYS classes teach students study tips, writing skills and test taking strategies to prepare them for the higher By bringing new students together, FYS classes help freshmen connect and build relationships with their level courses to come. classmates, easing the transition into their new environment. Sources: brighthub.com, aei.org, stephenporter.org, Course Hero www.jngi.org/uploads/File/2002_2nd_Nat_Survey_Responses_ALL.pdf, Learn. Share. Teach. Achieve. www.costsforcollege.com/top-10-reasons-people-drop-out-of-college CLUB PYSCH ENG LIT MICRO First Year Seminars (FYS) are introductory level courses FYS SUCCESS: designed specifically for freshmen that help them adjust to the I college environment and provide them with the tools they need to succeed over their next four years. However, only a WHY FIRST YEAR SEMINARS IMPROVE STUDENT small portion of new students actually take advantage of RETENTION AND GRADUATION RATES these classes. This lack of participation can have a negative impact on grades, skills and drive to continue college. THE PROBLEM OF STUDENT RETENTION CURRENTLY, DROP OUT !! 1 in 4 RATES About 1 in every 4 freshmen does not return for their sophomore year. ARE A BIG PROBLEM AT 4-YEAR COLLEGES: 50% Furthermore, only 50% of students enrolled in a 4-year degree program graduate within 6 years. WHAT TO EXPECT IN FIRST YEAR SEMINAR HOW ACCESSIBLE ARE FIRST YEAR SEMINAR PROGRAMS? FYS is an important step that every incoming freshman should consider to help improve their chance of college success. Depending on the college, these courses can focus on a particular subject or cover all the basics in one. FYS courses typically include: 94.1% Writing skills and plagiarism laws Small class sizes consisting only of new Around 94.1% of American colleges and universities offer some form of first year seminar to their incoming freshman classes. students 58.6% FYS Critical thinking Discussions and However, FYS is a requirement at only 58.6% of institutions that offer the program. exercises debates Of those: Tips Overview of college policies and 29.3% Tips for successful studying offer just one class campus rules 26.7% offer two or more Book-reading and 2.6% discussion exercises offer all freshman classes as FYS curriculum Institutions vary the structure and content of FYS courses, but the aim is always the same: to arm students with the tools necessary to excel within the college system. Among schools that offer FYS but do not make it required, 43% report that less than half of their freshman class participates. FIRST YEAR SEMINAR’S IMPACT ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE Further research has shown 5%-15% Peer Connection that specific topics covered in FYS can have varying impacts on student retention: +4.4% (Percent change in student intent to return.) Study Skills Campus Policies Students who take a +15.7% -3.1% FYS are 5%-15% more likely to return for sophomore year. Health Information Campus Engagement +13.6% -6.7% - While knowing your college campus' policies and opportunities should correlate with a sense of comfort, these may not be enough to overcome problems students encounter later in their college years. First year seminars have also been shown to improve student grades: 2.60 O 2.48 +4.83% Average GPA of students who take FYS Average GPA of students who do not take FYS This represents a 4.38% improvement just from taking the course HOW FYS CAN HELP KEEP STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM FYS classes help increase student retention by creating connections between new freshmen and their classmates and faculty. The classes also teach students how to excel in a college atmosphere so that they do not get discouraged by work they are unprepared to handle. The following common reasons why students drop out of college are all addressed by FYS curriculum: Choice of Wrong Major Lack of Advising or Guidance МАTH HOW FYS CAN HELP: FYS HOW FYS CAN HELP: Unlike high classes cover a diverse set of school, the college path isn't set out for students upon their arrival. Things can get confusing, overwhelming and, often times, discouraging as students try to make sense of the multitude of options before subject matter. This system exposes students to different majors and allows them to gain a sense of the nature of the work involved before dedicating themselves to a major they may not like. them. FYS classes introduce students to faculty members who can answer questions and provide necessary guidance to navigate the college landscape. Academically Unprepared A Sense of Not Belonging/Isolation/Homesickness HOW FYS CAN HELP: College HOW FYS CAN HELP: Freshman requires advanced study skills year can be scary as many that not all freshman have students are far from home and on their own for the first time. mastered coming out of high school. FYS classes teach students study tips, writing skills and test taking strategies to prepare them for the higher By bringing new students together, FYS classes help freshmen connect and build relationships with their level courses to come. classmates, easing the transition into their new environment. Sources: brighthub.com, aei.org, stephenporter.org, Course Hero www.jngi.org/uploads/File/2002_2nd_Nat_Survey_Responses_ALL.pdf, Learn. Share. Teach. Achieve. www.costsforcollege.com/top-10-reasons-people-drop-out-of-college CLUB PYSCH ENG LIT MICRO First Year Seminars (FYS) are introductory level courses FYS SUCCESS: designed specifically for freshmen that help them adjust to the I college environment and provide them with the tools they need to succeed over their next four years. However, only a WHY FIRST YEAR SEMINARS IMPROVE STUDENT small portion of new students actually take advantage of RETENTION AND GRADUATION RATES these classes. This lack of participation can have a negative impact on grades, skills and drive to continue college. THE PROBLEM OF STUDENT RETENTION CURRENTLY, DROP OUT !! 1 in 4 RATES About 1 in every 4 freshmen does not return for their sophomore year. ARE A BIG PROBLEM AT 4-YEAR COLLEGES: 50% Furthermore, only 50% of students enrolled in a 4-year degree program graduate within 6 years. WHAT TO EXPECT IN FIRST YEAR SEMINAR HOW ACCESSIBLE ARE FIRST YEAR SEMINAR PROGRAMS? FYS is an important step that every incoming freshman should consider to help improve their chance of college success. Depending on the college, these courses can focus on a particular subject or cover all the basics in one. FYS courses typically include: 94.1% Writing skills and plagiarism laws Small class sizes consisting only of new Around 94.1% of American colleges and universities offer some form of first year seminar to their incoming freshman classes. students 58.6% FYS Critical thinking Discussions and However, FYS is a requirement at only 58.6% of institutions that offer the program. exercises debates Of those: Tips Overview of college policies and 29.3% Tips for successful studying offer just one class campus rules 26.7% offer two or more Book-reading and 2.6% discussion exercises offer all freshman classes as FYS curriculum Institutions vary the structure and content of FYS courses, but the aim is always the same: to arm students with the tools necessary to excel within the college system. Among schools that offer FYS but do not make it required, 43% report that less than half of their freshman class participates. FIRST YEAR SEMINAR’S IMPACT ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE Further research has shown 5%-15% Peer Connection that specific topics covered in FYS can have varying impacts on student retention: +4.4% (Percent change in student intent to return.) Study Skills Campus Policies Students who take a +15.7% -3.1% FYS are 5%-15% more likely to return for sophomore year. Health Information Campus Engagement +13.6% -6.7% - While knowing your college campus' policies and opportunities should correlate with a sense of comfort, these may not be enough to overcome problems students encounter later in their college years. First year seminars have also been shown to improve student grades: 2.60 O 2.48 +4.83% Average GPA of students who take FYS Average GPA of students who do not take FYS This represents a 4.38% improvement just from taking the course HOW FYS CAN HELP KEEP STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM FYS classes help increase student retention by creating connections between new freshmen and their classmates and faculty. The classes also teach students how to excel in a college atmosphere so that they do not get discouraged by work they are unprepared to handle. The following common reasons why students drop out of college are all addressed by FYS curriculum: Choice of Wrong Major Lack of Advising or Guidance МАTH HOW FYS CAN HELP: FYS HOW FYS CAN HELP: Unlike high classes cover a diverse set of school, the college path isn't set out for students upon their arrival. Things can get confusing, overwhelming and, often times, discouraging as students try to make sense of the multitude of options before subject matter. This system exposes students to different majors and allows them to gain a sense of the nature of the work involved before dedicating themselves to a major they may not like. them. FYS classes introduce students to faculty members who can answer questions and provide necessary guidance to navigate the college landscape. Academically Unprepared A Sense of Not Belonging/Isolation/Homesickness HOW FYS CAN HELP: College HOW FYS CAN HELP: Freshman requires advanced study skills year can be scary as many that not all freshman have students are far from home and on their own for the first time. mastered coming out of high school. FYS classes teach students study tips, writing skills and test taking strategies to prepare them for the higher By bringing new students together, FYS classes help freshmen connect and build relationships with their level courses to come. classmates, easing the transition into their new environment. Sources: brighthub.com, aei.org, stephenporter.org, Course Hero www.jngi.org/uploads/File/2002_2nd_Nat_Survey_Responses_ALL.pdf, Learn. Share. Teach. Achieve. www.costsforcollege.com/top-10-reasons-people-drop-out-of-college CLUB PYSCH ENG LIT MICRO First Year Seminars (FYS) are introductory level courses FYS SUCCESS: designed specifically for freshmen that help them adjust to the I college environment and provide them with the tools they need to succeed over their next four years. However, only a WHY FIRST YEAR SEMINARS IMPROVE STUDENT small portion of new students actually take advantage of RETENTION AND GRADUATION RATES these classes. This lack of participation can have a negative impact on grades, skills and drive to continue college. THE PROBLEM OF STUDENT RETENTION CURRENTLY, DROP OUT !! 1 in 4 RATES About 1 in every 4 freshmen does not return for their sophomore year. ARE A BIG PROBLEM AT 4-YEAR COLLEGES: 50% Furthermore, only 50% of students enrolled in a 4-year degree program graduate within 6 years. WHAT TO EXPECT IN FIRST YEAR SEMINAR HOW ACCESSIBLE ARE FIRST YEAR SEMINAR PROGRAMS? FYS is an important step that every incoming freshman should consider to help improve their chance of college success. Depending on the college, these courses can focus on a particular subject or cover all the basics in one. FYS courses typically include: 94.1% Writing skills and plagiarism laws Small class sizes consisting only of new Around 94.1% of American colleges and universities offer some form of first year seminar to their incoming freshman classes. students 58.6% FYS Critical thinking Discussions and However, FYS is a requirement at only 58.6% of institutions that offer the program. exercises debates Of those: Tips Overview of college policies and 29.3% Tips for successful studying offer just one class campus rules 26.7% offer two or more Book-reading and 2.6% discussion exercises offer all freshman classes as FYS curriculum Institutions vary the structure and content of FYS courses, but the aim is always the same: to arm students with the tools necessary to excel within the college system. Among schools that offer FYS but do not make it required, 43% report that less than half of their freshman class participates. FIRST YEAR SEMINAR’S IMPACT ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE Further research has shown 5%-15% Peer Connection that specific topics covered in FYS can have varying impacts on student retention: +4.4% (Percent change in student intent to return.) Study Skills Campus Policies Students who take a +15.7% -3.1% FYS are 5%-15% more likely to return for sophomore year. Health Information Campus Engagement +13.6% -6.7% - While knowing your college campus' policies and opportunities should correlate with a sense of comfort, these may not be enough to overcome problems students encounter later in their college years. First year seminars have also been shown to improve student grades: 2.60 O 2.48 +4.83% Average GPA of students who take FYS Average GPA of students who do not take FYS This represents a 4.38% improvement just from taking the course HOW FYS CAN HELP KEEP STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM FYS classes help increase student retention by creating connections between new freshmen and their classmates and faculty. The classes also teach students how to excel in a college atmosphere so that they do not get discouraged by work they are unprepared to handle. The following common reasons why students drop out of college are all addressed by FYS curriculum: Choice of Wrong Major Lack of Advising or Guidance МАTH HOW FYS CAN HELP: FYS HOW FYS CAN HELP: Unlike high classes cover a diverse set of school, the college path isn't set out for students upon their arrival. Things can get confusing, overwhelming and, often times, discouraging as students try to make sense of the multitude of options before subject matter. This system exposes students to different majors and allows them to gain a sense of the nature of the work involved before dedicating themselves to a major they may not like. them. FYS classes introduce students to faculty members who can answer questions and provide necessary guidance to navigate the college landscape. Academically Unprepared A Sense of Not Belonging/Isolation/Homesickness HOW FYS CAN HELP: College HOW FYS CAN HELP: Freshman requires advanced study skills year can be scary as many that not all freshman have students are far from home and on their own for the first time. mastered coming out of high school. FYS classes teach students study tips, writing skills and test taking strategies to prepare them for the higher By bringing new students together, FYS classes help freshmen connect and build relationships with their level courses to come. classmates, easing the transition into their new environment. Sources: brighthub.com, aei.org, stephenporter.org, Course Hero www.jngi.org/uploads/File/2002_2nd_Nat_Survey_Responses_ALL.pdf, Learn. Share. Teach. Achieve. www.costsforcollege.com/top-10-reasons-people-drop-out-of-college CLUB PYSCH ENG LIT MICRO First Year Seminars (FYS) are introductory level courses FYS SUCCESS: designed specifically for freshmen that help them adjust to the I college environment and provide them with the tools they need to succeed over their next four years. However, only a WHY FIRST YEAR SEMINARS IMPROVE STUDENT small portion of new students actually take advantage of RETENTION AND GRADUATION RATES these classes. This lack of participation can have a negative impact on grades, skills and drive to continue college. THE PROBLEM OF STUDENT RETENTION CURRENTLY, DROP OUT !! 1 in 4 RATES About 1 in every 4 freshmen does not return for their sophomore year. ARE A BIG PROBLEM AT 4-YEAR COLLEGES: 50% Furthermore, only 50% of students enrolled in a 4-year degree program graduate within 6 years. WHAT TO EXPECT IN FIRST YEAR SEMINAR HOW ACCESSIBLE ARE FIRST YEAR SEMINAR PROGRAMS? FYS is an important step that every incoming freshman should consider to help improve their chance of college success. Depending on the college, these courses can focus on a particular subject or cover all the basics in one. FYS courses typically include: 94.1% Writing skills and plagiarism laws Small class sizes consisting only of new Around 94.1% of American colleges and universities offer some form of first year seminar to their incoming freshman classes. students 58.6% FYS Critical thinking Discussions and However, FYS is a requirement at only 58.6% of institutions that offer the program. exercises debates Of those: Tips Overview of college policies and 29.3% Tips for successful studying offer just one class campus rules 26.7% offer two or more Book-reading and 2.6% discussion exercises offer all freshman classes as FYS curriculum Institutions vary the structure and content of FYS courses, but the aim is always the same: to arm students with the tools necessary to excel within the college system. Among schools that offer FYS but do not make it required, 43% report that less than half of their freshman class participates. FIRST YEAR SEMINAR’S IMPACT ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE Further research has shown 5%-15% Peer Connection that specific topics covered in FYS can have varying impacts on student retention: +4.4% (Percent change in student intent to return.) Study Skills Campus Policies Students who take a +15.7% -3.1% FYS are 5%-15% more likely to return for sophomore year. Health Information Campus Engagement +13.6% -6.7% - While knowing your college campus' policies and opportunities should correlate with a sense of comfort, these may not be enough to overcome problems students encounter later in their college years. First year seminars have also been shown to improve student grades: 2.60 O 2.48 +4.83% Average GPA of students who take FYS Average GPA of students who do not take FYS This represents a 4.38% improvement just from taking the course HOW FYS CAN HELP KEEP STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM FYS classes help increase student retention by creating connections between new freshmen and their classmates and faculty. The classes also teach students how to excel in a college atmosphere so that they do not get discouraged by work they are unprepared to handle. The following common reasons why students drop out of college are all addressed by FYS curriculum: Choice of Wrong Major Lack of Advising or Guidance МАTH HOW FYS CAN HELP: FYS HOW FYS CAN HELP: Unlike high classes cover a diverse set of school, the college path isn't set out for students upon their arrival. Things can get confusing, overwhelming and, often times, discouraging as students try to make sense of the multitude of options before subject matter. This system exposes students to different majors and allows them to gain a sense of the nature of the work involved before dedicating themselves to a major they may not like. them. FYS classes introduce students to faculty members who can answer questions and provide necessary guidance to navigate the college landscape. Academically Unprepared A Sense of Not Belonging/Isolation/Homesickness HOW FYS CAN HELP: College HOW FYS CAN HELP: Freshman requires advanced study skills year can be scary as many that not all freshman have students are far from home and on their own for the first time. mastered coming out of high school. FYS classes teach students study tips, writing skills and test taking strategies to prepare them for the higher By bringing new students together, FYS classes help freshmen connect and build relationships with their level courses to come. classmates, easing the transition into their new environment. Sources: brighthub.com, aei.org, stephenporter.org, Course Hero www.jngi.org/uploads/File/2002_2nd_Nat_Survey_Responses_ALL.pdf, Learn. Share. Teach. Achieve. www.costsforcollege.com/top-10-reasons-people-drop-out-of-college CLUB PYSCH ENG LIT MICRO First Year Seminars (FYS) are introductory level courses FYS SUCCESS: designed specifically for freshmen that help them adjust to the I college environment and provide them with the tools they need to succeed over their next four years. However, only a WHY FIRST YEAR SEMINARS IMPROVE STUDENT small portion of new students actually take advantage of RETENTION AND GRADUATION RATES these classes. This lack of participation can have a negative impact on grades, skills and drive to continue college. THE PROBLEM OF STUDENT RETENTION CURRENTLY, DROP OUT !! 1 in 4 RATES About 1 in every 4 freshmen does not return for their sophomore year. ARE A BIG PROBLEM AT 4-YEAR COLLEGES: 50% Furthermore, only 50% of students enrolled in a 4-year degree program graduate within 6 years. WHAT TO EXPECT IN FIRST YEAR SEMINAR HOW ACCESSIBLE ARE FIRST YEAR SEMINAR PROGRAMS? FYS is an important step that every incoming freshman should consider to help improve their chance of college success. Depending on the college, these courses can focus on a particular subject or cover all the basics in one. FYS courses typically include: 94.1% Writing skills and plagiarism laws Small class sizes consisting only of new Around 94.1% of American colleges and universities offer some form of first year seminar to their incoming freshman classes. students 58.6% FYS Critical thinking Discussions and However, FYS is a requirement at only 58.6% of institutions that offer the program. exercises debates Of those: Tips Overview of college policies and 29.3% Tips for successful studying offer just one class campus rules 26.7% offer two or more Book-reading and 2.6% discussion exercises offer all freshman classes as FYS curriculum Institutions vary the structure and content of FYS courses, but the aim is always the same: to arm students with the tools necessary to excel within the college system. Among schools that offer FYS but do not make it required, 43% report that less than half of their freshman class participates. FIRST YEAR SEMINAR’S IMPACT ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE Further research has shown 5%-15% Peer Connection that specific topics covered in FYS can have varying impacts on student retention: +4.4% (Percent change in student intent to return.) Study Skills Campus Policies Students who take a +15.7% -3.1% FYS are 5%-15% more likely to return for sophomore year. Health Information Campus Engagement +13.6% -6.7% - While knowing your college campus' policies and opportunities should correlate with a sense of comfort, these may not be enough to overcome problems students encounter later in their college years. First year seminars have also been shown to improve student grades: 2.60 O 2.48 +4.83% Average GPA of students who take FYS Average GPA of students who do not take FYS This represents a 4.38% improvement just from taking the course HOW FYS CAN HELP KEEP STUDENTS IN THE CLASSROOM FYS classes help increase student retention by creating connections between new freshmen and their classmates and faculty. The classes also teach students how to excel in a college atmosphere so that they do not get discouraged by work they are unprepared to handle. The following common reasons why students drop out of college are all addressed by FYS curriculum: Choice of Wrong Major Lack of Advising or Guidance МАTH HOW FYS CAN HELP: FYS HOW FYS CAN HELP: Unlike high classes cover a diverse set of school, the college path isn't set out for students upon their arrival. Things can get confusing, overwhelming and, often times, discouraging as students try to make sense of the multitude of options before subject matter. This system exposes students to different majors and allows them to gain a sense of the nature of the work involved before dedicating themselves to a major they may not like. them. FYS classes introduce students to faculty members who can answer questions and provide necessary guidance to navigate the college landscape. Academically Unprepared A Sense of Not Belonging/Isolation/Homesickness HOW FYS CAN HELP: College HOW FYS CAN HELP: Freshman requires advanced study skills year can be scary as many that not all freshman have students are far from home and on their own for the first time. mastered coming out of high school. FYS classes teach students study tips, writing skills and test taking strategies to prepare them for the higher By bringing new students together, FYS classes help freshmen connect and build relationships with their level courses to come. classmates, easing the transition into their new environment. Sources: brighthub.com, aei.org, stephenporter.org, Course Hero www.jngi.org/uploads/File/2002_2nd_Nat_Survey_Responses_ALL.pdf, Learn. Share. Teach. Achieve. www.costsforcollege.com/top-10-reasons-people-drop-out-of-college CLUB PYSCH ENG LIT MICRO