The First Year Institute

Courses and Workshops

The First Year Institute provides a variety of programs and support services for new and first-year continuing students during their first-year experience. All courses, instructional materials, and services are offered to eligible students at no tuition cost.

Summer and Winter Sessions:

see Schedule of Classes for Summer 09 (pdf)

The Summer and Winter sessions offer a comprehensive integrated program that is available to students who need to fulfill required upper-level developmental courses. First time entry criteria for all courses are required in order to participate in the program. Limited seating is available. Students may attend more than one course providing class is being offered.

· Summer (June, July, August) and Winter (January,   February) sessions.

· Developmental course offerings may include:

» Mathematics (MAT 095 and MAT 096)
» Writing (ENG 099)
» Reading (CSE 099)
» English as a Second Language (ESL 097, ESL 098, ESL 099)

· Integrated components may include: E-Portfolio, Critical Thinking, Math Anxiety, Leadership and Diversity, and Academic Advising sessions.

· Day and Evening classes available. Courses are scheduled in a two-week or three week calendar format. Day classes will run Monday through Friday and evening classes will include a Saturday or more than one Saturday.

Second Chance Program:

Second Chance classes are offered to students who are in need of additional academic support for a developmental course. The program is designed to help students pass the developmental course of study. Students are admitted into the program based on instructor’s recommendation. Second Chance classes are scheduled during intersession for a one-week (25 hour) class.

Prep Workshops:

Prep workshops are designed to prepare students for a developmental skills or introductory college-level course. Workshops are offered to students who are registered for the course. Prep workshops are scheduled before the beginning of the semester for a three-day (12 hour) period. Limited offerings for target groups.

Common Reading:

The common reading is a text that all first year students receive from the college to enhance their academic experience. The goals of having a common reading are to establish a greater sense of community among students and to provide an introduction to intellectual life at the college.. Common reading text is given out each semester to all new in-coming students during the registration process.

This year’s common reading text is “Dreams of My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance” by Barack Obama.

Opening Sessions:

All new students are invited to attend a special event that includes a theater presentation, student services fair, common reading session, workshops, academy orientation, college tour and refreshments. Opening sessions is held each semester for all new-in-coming students before the beginning of the semester.