NIU departments and units that want to reach out to first- and second-year students next year are invited to collaborate with First- and Second-Year Experience to offer a program through the First- and Second-Year Success Series (FSYSS).
The series will begin the third week of the fall semester, and will extend through the Spring 2015 semester.
“The FSYSS is an easy way for students to access NIU resources; make connections with other students, faculty, and staff; and make an effective transition to the college academic environment,” said Denise Rode, director of First- and Second-Year Experience.
The sessions are brief (no more than 75 minutes) and oriented to discussion and answering students’ questions. Although targeted for first- and second-year students, they are open to anyone in the NIU community. Past topics have included finding a campus job, learning to live with a roommate, managing time and money, and coping with pre-finals stress.
In 2014-2015, the Student Success Team at First- and Second-Year Experience will offer some peer-led sessions on topics such as using social media appropriately, finding an internship and utilizing community advisers. They will also sponsor a “crash course” in making the most of campus resources, and a refresher on course registration via MyNIU.
Denise Rode
Adam McNeil, a junior communication major, said that attending a FSYSS event his first year at NIU helped him connect with campus resources and get involved. As a result, he became a student orientation leader and UNIV peer instructor. He also was a co-founder of the NIU men’s a capella group, the Huskie Hunks.
“This series is a great way to see the programs that NIU has to offer and to learn skills that can help students be successful here,” McNeil said.
Departments interested in submitting a proposal for next year’s First- and Second-Year Success Series should contact FSYE. First- and Second-Year Experience will assist units with scheduling, room reservations, set up and marketing the programs.
For more information, contact Andre Crayton at (815) 753-0028 or email firstconn@niu.edu.
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