The first year of college can be difficult and stressful. The First-Year Program at Eastern brings freshmen together in small classes designed to foster the development of a strong and supportive community of faculty and students. The program promotes academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration while helping first-year students adjust to the rigors of college life. A two-semester program, first-year students enroll in a fall semester course cluster and a spring semester liberal arts colloquium.

By participating in both components of the First-Year Program, students gain the necessary skills of good scholarship, satisfy core (or sometimes major) requirements, participate in small classes, and work closely and interactively with faculty members, a peer mentor and fellow classmates. They are also introduced to resources and services on campus, as well as the many clubs, activities, and programs that are a vital part of the Eastern community.

First-Year Program Goals and Outcomes

The overriding objective of the First-Year Program is to help students make a successful transition from high school to college.  This objective is supported by the following:

Develop Intellectual and Academic Confidences

• Understand what it means to think critically
• Be able to apply knowledge to solving problems
• Practice effective college level skills in reading, writing, studying, library research and presenting oral reports
• Learn to reach out to the Academic Services Center for academic support
• Understand that there can be interconnections between all academic disciplines
• Practice academic honesty and exhibit ethical conduct

Establish and Maintain Interpersonal Relationships

• To be able to work closely with fellow students, faculty and a FYP Peer Mentor in small learning communities
• Work collaboratively with fellow students and faculty, both in and out of the classroom

Develop Multicultural Awareness

• Appreciate cultural, religious, racial and sexual orientation differences
• Learn to tolerate and affirm differences among all people
• Understand how a person’s culture influences his/her view of the world

Develop College/Campus Survival Skills

• Practice good time management
• Learn about the advising and registration process
• Learn where to go for help

Increase Involvement and Time on Campus and the Community

• Participate in co-curricular activities such as University Hour, the Arts and Lecture Series, musical and theatrical productions, sports events
• Become familiar with the Windham/Willimantic community, perform volunteer community work
• Learn about and become active in student organizations