Abstract

First-Year Seminar (FYS) is an introductory class offered to first-year students to help them acclimate to the college environment, develop effective strategies for studying, and learn techniques that will allow them to swiftly complete small assignments and sizable research projects. In 2014, approximately 80 percent of universities offered FYS, and students who took the course, on average, were less likely to transfer to another school and more likely to receive higher grades. The class allows students to learn more information about the college, select courses that are related to their majors and/or minors, effectively utilize resources while they are studying, cooperate with other students to complete projects, and appreciate the benefits of taking a particular course. FYS also enriches the experiences of first-year students by helping them find organizations of interest, understand university policies, and pursue hobbies while attending the college. At some colleges, students who have already taken a FYS course volunteer to become mentors who provide assistance to first-year students while they are taking the class. Analysis has shown that a high percentage of new enrollees indicated that mentors had a very positive impact on their overall experiences. Moreover, at many colleges and universities, there were increases in the retention rate.

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