FYE: For Faculty

First Year Experience provides common educational experiences and a special venue to support entering students. The program has several core components; faculty participation is welcomed in all of them.

Common reading
The First Year Experience Committee selects a a general-interest book related to the University Theme; all incoming students read it in the summer before they begin attending Western.
FYE courses
First year students take one FYE course in both their first and second semesters—general education or introductory courses in a specific major. FYE courses are smaller (with maximum enrollments of 20), to encourage more student-faculty contact. Course activity funds support co-curricular activities or other enriching experiences.
Peer mentors
Every FYE course is assigned a peer mentor, a junior or senior student who provides support to FYE students in course activities and co-curricular events. Faculty have wide latitude in working with their peer mentors, though we suggest best practices.
Co-curricular events
In every FYE course, faculty select public lectures, plays, or films relevant to course material, integrating them into courses (perhaps with the help of peer mentors). These events help students build connections between classroom learning and real-world experiences.
Residence hall communities
University Housing and Dining Services provides extensive programs which complement other FYE activities, and encourage students to participate in living and learning communities.

FYE is administered by Assistant Provost Dr. Judith Dallinger, Dr. Dr. Robert J. Hironimus-Wendt, Associate Professor of Sociology, and the FYE Committee.