First-Year Experience Program

FYE is an integral part of every new Stag’s transition to Fairfield. Each student will be assigned a New Student Leader (NSL) and a Community Associate (CA), who serve as mentors and support new students through their transition into the Fairfield community. All new-to-Fairfield students are assigned a FYE seminar, facilitated by their NSL and CA, which meets weekly throughout their first semester. In addition to exploring common transitional topics such as academic planning, time management, homesickness, developing resiliency, and getting involved, students have numerous opportunities to attend virtual and on-campus engagement events to help them be further acclimated to campus.

The goal of the First Year Experience program is to CONNECT students with each other, faculty, staff, and the University; to INSPIRE excellence; and for students to THRIVE holistically. FYE empowers students to take advantage of all Fairfield has to offer.

FYE Themed Sections

Students will have the unique opportunity to indicate their interests in a variety of themed seminars. These sections allow students to hone in on a specific passion or immerse themselves in a new topic, as well as to meet other new students who share similar interests. Themed sections include Civic Engagement, Global Citizenship, Health and Wellness, Leadership Exploration, Ignatian Spirituality, Community Engaged Learning, and more. A complete list of and descriptions for the themes being offered this year can be found on your Orientation Registration Form on the First-Year Student Checklist.

FYE Events

Events for the First Year Experience (FYE) are added throughout the academic year. First-year students will be asked to check for a complete event listing

New Student Leaders

New Student Leaders mentor new students throughout their first semester. They help develop community, facilitate the First Year Experience program, and serve as peer mentors.

Along with leading Orientation and Fall Welcome, NSLs plan and co-facilitate the FYE seminar once a week, have one-on-one meetings with their students to talk about challenges that arise, answer any questions, and share their personal experiences, tips and advice on how to get involved in the Fairfield community.

Community Associates

Community Associates (CAs) are a faculty/staff member who co-facilitates the First Year Experience seminar. They bring professional experience, wisdom, and guidance to the group.

Working closely with the NSLs as leadership mentors and guides, the CAs engage and assist the first-year students. Throughout the first year, CAs also meet with students one-on-one inside and outside of the classroom.

First-Year Academic Gathering

The First-Year Academic Gathering traditionally marks the start of the academic year commemorated by a coming together of the ��ý��Ƶ��ƹۿ� community. In addition to welcoming new students, it is a time set aside for the community as a whole to reflect on not only academic pursuits but also the larger mission and values of the institution. Finally, the incoming class will receive their class gift.

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