Carleton launches new program to support first-year students
The 10-week program focused on supporting first-year students in an unprecedented time offers live presentations each week covering a variety of support topics, as well as interactive presentations and activities.
Still battling a pandemic that has shifted the college experience in significant ways, Carleton launched a new 10-week program this winter focused on supporting first-year students in an unprecedented time. The First-year Success Series (FYSS) is an optional program for the Class of 2024 that offers live presentations each week covering a variety of support topics, as well as interactive presentations and activities.
Due to COVID-19, the Class of 2024 experienced a new student orientation like no other in Carleton’s 155-year history. While key learning outcomes generally remained the same, the overall student experience significantly changed. Presentations and activities traditionally done in-person had to be redesigned for remote engagement, changing the academic and social experience students would typically have in their first days on campus. With the FYSS program, the College hopes to provide an additional layer of support and interactivity for these students during the winter term.
“We heard that some first-year students—because of COVID-19-related limitations and/or studying remotely—found it challenging to connect with other students and learn about all the resources available to them,” said Lee Clark, director of student activities. “Our hope is to build upon what they experienced during New Student Week back in September and provide an additional layer of support needed to achieve academic success, experience social connectedness, and maintain mental wellbeing.”
Whether members of the Class of 2024 live on campus or study remotely, FYSS will provide weekly support sessions and engaging activities to help them connect and meet other Carls.
“We are really excited to launch this program and sincerely appreciate the support received from faculty, staff and students in its creation,” Clark said.
The new program was designed by the Student Activities Office and developed using feedback collected from parents, students, faculty and staff. It is offered via a hybrid of live, online discussions and pre-recorded presentations. All materials are made available online at the conclusion of each presentation.
The program began on Jan. 7. See the full schedule of events.