First Year Program
We’re Here for You from Day One.
First Year Program Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR) At SOAR, parents and students live on campus and attend separate, but complementary information and development programs. An alternative registration program is available for transfer students. Visit www.wne.edu/firstyear for dates. All first year students are assigned a selected reading for summer study.
Transitions The first week of our Transitions program educates students about their responsibilities as members of the University community, while encouraging involvement in a range of social activities. The Bear Tracks program is a pre-orientation program that offers first year students the opportunity to connect with other students and build self-confidence before classes begin. You may choose an outdoor adventure or service learning experience. As the first semester begins, you’ll complete a Personal Success Plan—a framework for establishing measurable, realistic, and timely goals for the first semester. Throughout the semester, your goals are reviewed in meetings with your peer advisor.
Fall Convocation, held during Move-in Weekend, is an academic tradition focusing on the purpose of higher education and a forum for recognizing the academic achievement of sophomores inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. BearFest is a one-day team building adventure held opening weekend at an area camp. In addition to participation in fun activities such as archery and kayaking, students work collaboratively on project-based activities that help them to create a class identity while developing bonds of friendship. Our Amazing Experiences Program, offered as part of Transitions, includes rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and “flying� through treetop trails on a zip line.
First Year Seminar Typically taught by faculty advisors, the First Year Seminar course focuses on critical thinking, information literacy, oral communication, confirmation of academic interests, promotion of educational values, and development of success-building skills and attitudes.
Freshman Focus Program This program introduces you to many opportunities for personal growth. Programs range from the Student Activities Expo, where you can join clubs and organizations, to workshops on learning about cultural and ethnic diversity. Freshman Council provides students with an opportunity to program activities for their peers while learning about group dynamics and leadership. The Council also represents the Freshman Class within the campus community. Freshman Council members are selected by an application process in the fall semester.
Academic Support Supplemental Instruction (SI) is provided by upper-class students who sit in on classes and hold study sessions. Through the online Early Advisory System (EAS) students are offered individual support. In the Academic Progress Monitoring program, monitors work with students on a weekly basis. Peer Tutoring is available to all undergraduate students in most 100-200 level courses and through free tutoring centers. Class attendance is monitored throughout the first year.
Parents: Partners in First Year Transition Parents play an important role in the development and growth of students in the first year of college. Their influence, support, caring, and counsel are essential for the success of our students. Through their participation in the First Year Program, parents learn that this critical year is not a time of cutting ties, but one of transitioning into a new role of parent as coach. Working in partnership with parents, new students have the best possible start for a successful transition.
A successful transition to college life begins with a great first year!
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Your Network Your Peer Advisor (PA) is the most important person in the first year network, serving as a mentor and guide for the entire first year. Many students view their PAs as mentors, coaches, and trusted advisors, even maintaining connections to them long after their first year. These highly trained upper-class students serve as a resource of information, point of first contact, and link to programs and services. From simple gestures like offering congratulations for achievements, to lending a friendly ear during times of stress, you’ll find your PA genuinely committed to helping make your first year at Western New England one of your best years ever.
Allison Waterfield Senior, Marketing Communication/Advertising Orientation Group Leader/ Peer Advisor Tolland, CT
■ Academic Advisor is your principal resource for information on academic requirements and is consulted prior to completing course registration.
■ Course Instructor will help you make the shift to assuming personal responsibility for your academic success.
■ First Year Seminar Assistant (FSA) is an upper-class student mentor assigned to each First Year Seminar section.
■ Resident Advisor (RA) is an upper-class student living in each residence hall who helps students build community.
■ United & Mutually Equal Mentor is an upper-class peer mentor who assists students in United & Mutually Equal, the University’s diversity club.
■ Student-Athlete NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Mentor is an upper-class student mentor who provides special academic, time management, and life skills advisement specific to the freshman student-athlete experience.
■ Supplemental Instruction Leader is an upper-class student who models and fosters effective strategies for succeeding in challenging courses.
■ Peer Tutor is a student who provides assistance in a wide variety of subjects. Other tutors are available at the Writing, Math, and Science Centers.
■ Engineering Alumni Mentor is an Engineering graduate who is matched with a freshman to offer career advice.
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One of the main reasons I decided to attend Western New England University was because of the extensive First Year Program. I was nervous about meeting new people and finding my place on campus, but the First Year Program hosted various events such as Amazing Experiences, BearFest, and BEAR Olympics, which encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, learn new things, and meet new people. After experiencing all the great things the First Year Program has to offer, I wanted to pay it forward and get involved to ensure that all incoming students have an amazing experience as well.
“After a successful transition in my freshman and sophomore years, I decided to apply to become an Orientation Group Leader for SOAR. My experience as an Orientation Group Leader gave me the privilege to work with new students and help them in their transition into Western New England University. The experience also inspired me to become a better leader, which will help me in my life both inside and outside of the classroom.”
Circle of Support The First Year Program offers help in the following ways: ■ Building student confidence ■ Identifying a network of educational and emotional support ■ Determining specific goals for academic, physical, and personal accomplishment ■ Encouraging involvement and participation in campus life ■ Monitoring academic progress and encouraging academic engagement ■ Fostering awareness of the value of a college education ■ Creating a commitment to community While our program for first year students begins at Summer Orientation and Registration, it continues throughout the entire first year. The First Year Program will challenge you to realize your potential.
Smooth Transition A Positive Adjustment We help make your adjustment from high school to college a positive experience that will prepare you to excel in the college environment. At Western New England, our goal is to help you develop personally and socially in your quest to build a home away from home. We don’t just teach you how to make a living, we prepare you to make a life.
More Than an Orientation We offer one of the most comprehensive programs in the country for first year students. Whether living on campus or off, you will be welcomed and supported by our team of professors, administrators, and upper-class student mentors committed to helping you find academic and personal success.
Get Started at SOAR You and your parents are invited to take part in the two-day, SOAR program held on selected dates through the summer months. Nearly 95% of first year students, most with their parents, participate.
Setting the Bar High in Student Support A highly-trained team of student mentors provides the support you need to have a successful first year.
OFFICE OF FIRST YEAR STUDENTS & STUDENTS IN TRANSITION 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119-2684 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Ready for a great first year? FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
800-325-1122 or 413-782-1321 VISIT OUR WEBSITE!
www.wne.edu/firstyear Western New England University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetics, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.
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