Welcome to the

First-Year Experience Program Web site

Welcome to the First-Year Experience Program (FYEP) at Southern Connecticut State University!  This campus-wide initiative introduces first-year students to the rigors of academic and social engagement during the transition to college with the express intention of fostering intellectual and creative inquiry, encouraging community involvement,and lodging life-long learning into the hearts and minds of our students. 

At the heart of the FYE Program is the notion of Learning Communities.  All first-time, first-semester students take part in one of three learning communities during their first semester at the University: INQUIRY Learning Communities, LINKS Learning Communities, or for selected students, the Honors Program Learning Community.  Students move through two or three of their general education courses together in cohorts of 20, forming connections and friendships with their peers, as well as with the faculty who teach these courses and the staff who supports them.

Faculty teaching in the Learning Communities serve as first-year student advisors until students are ready to declare a major. Advisors discuss issues such as succeeding academically, developing educational goals, investigating majors, planning for careers, internships and study abroad, and meeting graduation requirements. Advisors also refer students to the many services available at Southern Connecticut State University.

These Learning Communities are designed to provide the collaboration necessary to student success at a large state university, where the possibilities for connections are endless, but can sometimes feel overwhelming and difficult to manage at this crucial time of change for students new to university culture.

FYEP Web site is meant to be a source of information and a point of inquiry for students, parents, faculty, staff, and administrators.  Currently the site offers answers to questions about the FYEP, listings of co-curricular SCSU events,workshops, and forums, and information about FYE faculty and the courses they teach. 

 

fye program administration

Academic Director:

Nicole Henderson, Associate Professor of English
Phone: (203) 392-6196
E-mail: hendersonn1@southernct.edu

 

Student Affairs Coordinator

Denise Bentley-Drobish, Director of Student Life
Phone: (203) 392-5782
E-mail: bentleydrod1@southernct.edu

 

assistant:

Jan Jones, University Assistant
Phone: (203) 392-6671
E-mail: jonesj37@southernct.edu

 

office:

Old Student Center, room 107