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First Year Experience

About

First year experience courses are academic courses designed to support student learning and development in the critical first semester of college. Currently, over 94% of the nation’s colleges and universities have implemented such courses to ease the transition of students into the college environment while over 41% require this course for “all” students.

In the First Year Experience (PEAW 1300) course, a discussion/seminar format encourages students to explore the issues that are critical to their goals and objectives such as: academic success, educational and career planning, personal wellness, and the value of an education. Speaking and written assignments boost students’ self-confidence and help them to become college-level communicators of their ideas. Personalized interaction with faculty, staff, and other students help freshmen understand the responsibilities and rewards that are part of the University education.

Research data indicates that the course is an effective tool for preparing students for success in college. Students report that this course assisted them in making a successful transition to college and completing their degrees. The 2001 FYI Benchmarking Survey conducted by EBI found that over 35,000 first-year students at 62 four-year institutions rated 1-credit first-year seminars as “less effective” overall than 2- or 3-credit. UALR’s course is a graded, three-credit hour course.

UALR’s First year experience course was first introduced in 1977. Since then, the Personal Awareness (PEAW) courses have continued to evolve. Curriculum review and assessment of learning objectives have been a critical part of this evolution.

Course Objectives

The six learning objectives forming the paradigmatic vision of UALR’s First Year Experience initiative are:

  1. Awareness of the University
  2. Awareness of the learning partnership
  3. Active involvement in the community
  4. Strategic planning for personal development and growth
  5. Sense of academic community and sense of belonging because of an awareness of and how to use:
  6. Preparation for the future

National Recognition

UALR’s First Year Experience course is recognized as a national model in preparing students to be successful in college and the community. The course has been recognized by the prestigious Templeton Foundation and included in The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character.

Updated 1.25.2009