The First Year Experience

Andy Cinoman, Ph.D.; Director, New Student Programs Allison Dieppa, Composition Instructor & OBOC Ambassador Cindy Lyons/Julie Gleason; Asst. Dean of Students Jameson Moschella, Assoc. Director, Housing & Residence Life Stacey Parker, Director, Center for Academic Achievement Eagle View Orientation 2015 Florida Gulf Coast University

The Dean of Students’ Office Staff

Welcomes you to FGCU!

Does this sound familiar?

Transitions

It’s all about YOU!

The Ultimate Goal!

Campus Resources

Brandon Washington, Director and Title IX Coordinator Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance Edwards Hall 114 10501 University Blvd. S.

Fort Myers, FL 33965 Phone: (239) 745-4366 Email: [email protected]

Know the Code!

1. You belong here!

2. Engage in campus life.

3. Focus on academics.

4. Take care of yourself.

5. Make the most of your experience!

Joining the Academic Community at FGCU – It’s a Partnership!

o Faculty expectations of students: o o o o o Be prompt, prepared and respectful; Each course syllabus is like a contract – read them carefully! Be familiar with policies and expectations outlined on the syllabus; Seek assistance…sooner rather than later. Your professors are there to help.

Visit office hours.

The Classroom Community

o To get the most out of each class: o Engage with the material and ideas.

o Participate in class activities and discussions. o Take part in your own LEARNING. o Put your cell phones away unless you are invited to use them in class. o Connect with the students who are also in your courses. Share the experience!

Proper Email Etiquette

o o o o o Use titles (Dr., Professor, etc.) when addressing your professors.

Make your purpose for writing clear.

Write professionally and revise! You only get one chance to make a strong first impression.

Be patient when waiting for a reply.

Be polite: please and thank you go a long way!

Making the Grade

o o o o o Grades are earned.

To earn an “A” , you have to submit outstanding work consistently.

Manage your time! Have honesty and integrity in your work.

Schoolwork comes first, always.

One Book, One Campus Reading Project 2015

o o o o o What : Read The Circle, by Dave Eggers Who: ENC 1101 students (Fall semester) Why: ahead To help First Year Students prepare intellectually for the academic journey When: Read the book this summer, prior to the start of the Fall semester What Else: Review the Study Guide

About the Study Guide…

o Go to A-Z index on the FGCU website o Go to “O” o Click on One Book, One Campus o Pull up study guide o Read questions o Think critically

Getting Engaged Academically

o o First year students at FGCU have reported two main academic concerns as they enter college: o Being academically successful o Managing their time Engaging in academic endeavors outside of the classroom allows students to: o Meet other FGCU students (i.e. study groups) o Build relationships with faculty and staff o Establish habits of academic success

… Success Matters!

o o Academic Retention Program: o Eagle Success Program o Student Success Workshops o Individualized Academic Coaching Instructional Support Program: o Instructional Support Tutoring Labs o Supplemental Instruction

First Year Residential Experience o Living On-Campus may be your first independent living experience, so… o Be intentional about expectations when you complete your roommate agreement form; o Be open to the various backgrounds of your roommates and hall-mates; o Communicate with your roommate/s so small problems don’t turn into big ones; o Respect one another.

First Year Residential Experience o Getting involved in your first 6 weeks on campus is really important!

o Meet your Resident Assistant: They are one of your greatest resources; o Attend a WOW program, a FYRE Friday program, an RA Program, or an Area Council program; o Attend an Area Council meeting and run for an officer position.

First Year Residential Experience o Support Services are right at your fingertips: o Visit our First Year Advising Office in Eagle Hall; o Take a class in South Village; o Meet with a faculty member; o Attend an Academic Skills Workshop; o Attend a tutoring session.

…some things to remember:

o Attending college brings new FREEDOM, but with freedom…comes RESPONSIBILITY.

o You create your own FGCU experience!

o You are NOT the only one who… o When things get stressful, remind yourself that YOU CAN DO THIS!