Through collective efforts, First Year Experience (FYE) has increased students' awareness of educational support services, thus increasing the likelihood that students will utilize those services which directly impacts GPA.
FYE has built meaningful relationships with first-year students through the use of New Student Orientation (NSO) Leaders that are each responsible for a small group of students (approximately 20). NSO Leaders aid students in a smooth social transition, while making referrals to the appropriate office(s) and staff as necessary.
“New Student Orientation” is designed to introduce new students and their families to KSU. This summer’s orientation was different in format, as it was student-led and student-centered. Students met their NSO Leaders during Orientation and once students arrived in the fall semester, these familiar faces greeted them again to aid in their transition into college. All newly admitted students are required to attend.
“Welcome Week” is designed as a retention initiative to acclimate new students to KSU and is filled with a variety of fun and engaging academic and social activities. All first-year students were required to participate. Welcome Week is planned in collaboration with Student Affairs.
“No Boys Allowed” & “Man Up” are group mentoring sessions designed for first-year students where conversations are co-facilitated by students. Men and women separately discussed gender-specific issues. Sessions were held on a monthly basis and participation was voluntary.
| Date | “No Boys Allowed” Attendance | “Man Up” Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| September 22nd | 8 | 16 |
| October 20th | 11 | 15 |
| November 17th | 13 | 18 |
“Class of 2020 Community Meeting,” held on November 1st, was designed to bring together the 2020 cohort to communicate pertinent information. All first-year students were required to attend. 90% of new students attended.
“Birth of a Nation Movie Viewing” was a cultural enrichment activity that aligned with the course material from the accelerated reading courses. Seventy-nine first-year students viewed the movie and participated a post-movie discussion.
“ The Reality Store" was a collaboration between the FYE, KSU's Office of Regional Stewardship & Community Engagement, and the Frankfort Area Chamber of Commerce. This financial simulation was designed to allow students to make decisions about their budgets and lifestyles. All students that were enrolled in University Orientation 101 were required to participate.
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