The first year of college is one of the most critical times for students and a significant factor in persistence and success. Research indicates that when first-year students live in a residence hall, they are more likely to persist to their sophomore year and eventually finish college than students who live elsewhere (Upcraft, Gardner, et. al., 2005). As such, first-year experience programs are integral in providing support and opportunities for students to make a successful transition to NDSU. Considering this need, the Divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs are committed to developing and sustaining programs to support first-year students.
The First Year Experience Program provides a living environment in which first-year students have the resources and support to successfully transition from high school to college. This culture provides a solid foundation from which students will grow, learn, and progress toward successful completion of the baccalaureate degree.
The FYE Program is located in the following residence halls:
First-year students who do not live in designated First Year Experience halls also receive substantial support through their Hall Director, residence hall staff, specific hall programs and available campus resources. Supportive programming in all residence halls focuses on providing all students with programming and support in the areas of leadership, academics, wellness and building and becoming part of the community. For more details about the curriculum implemented in all the halls, click here.
Providing first-year students with community, academic and transition assistance is the primary goal of the Learning Team. Learning Teams consist of two or three Resident Assistants (RA's) and one or two faculty mentors. Using this model, the staff to student ratio is about 1:25. This lower ratio helps to ensure students are not lost in the shuffle and receive the support and interaction similar to the size of a high school classroom throughout their first year in college. Faculty mentors also enhance the personal and intellectual experience for first-year students. They focus on bridging the experience both in and outside the classroom.
North Dakota State University Student Success Initiative (SSI) is the foundational umbrella program for NDSU's First-Year Experience (FYE) communities. Research by Chickering and Reisser (1993) notes the importance of student development in relation to student success. They note that greater levels of student development can and do occur when students are encouraged to form friendships and actively participate in meaningful communities. Living in a residence hall provides an excellent environment for developing community. It is the mission of the FYE Program to develop positive academic communities which promote learning, develop collaboration, and foster personal growth. Building on the FYE mission, first-year students will gain a greater understanding of themselves, the university and the world around them.
In order to help first-year students be successful, NDSU Residence Life has developed the Student Success Initiative, a process which involves a series of intentional discussions between the Resident Assistant and first-year students living in designated First Year Experience halls. The intentional interactions between staff and students are designed to provide support and build community.
Offering tutoring opportunities for students in the residence halls is a collaborative effort between the Department of Residence Life and the Office of Orientation and Student Success. The Academic Collegiate Enhancement (ACE) Program offers subject-specific tutoring sessions in the residence halls, based on the needs of the students. Maintaining a regular academic presence in conjunction with our faculty partners enhances the academic skill, ability, success, and motivation in the first-year population. For more information about the ACE Program, click here.
Residence Life participates with the Office of Orientation and Student Success, along with others, to develop Welcome Week. To expand on the orientation that occurs in the summer, a concentrated set of programs is offered for students in the fall. Not only does this give an opportunity for intentional socialization, but it also fosters a sense of pride in NDSU and creates traditions that will continue each year. Beyond the socialization, there are academic-focused sessions to make sure students get started on the right foot. For more information about NDSU's Welcome Week, click here.