If we can start students off on the right foot here, we help them establish a pattern that we hope will endure throughout their careers and lives. Szarlan, Singha and their colleagues must be doing something right. Participation in the optional course, which is open to all freshmen, is growing dramatically. Support, says Szarlan, is a key to the program's success. But, he quickly adds, so is challenge.
College can be an overwhelming experience.
Most students experience a variety of problems and challenges and one of the important points of the program is to help them address those problems. Common topics in First Year Experience include study skills, time and stress management, University resources, computer and library tools, and the dynamics of networking. Every student in each section is required to accept the responsibility of being a resource for the others, says Szarlan. When a student reports having problems with a math class, for instance, Szarlan encourages him or her to turn to others in the group, as well as using University resources such as tutoring or speaking with the instructor. But Szarlan is quick to add that students also need challenge.