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Special Video: First-years talk about the transition to Colgate
Brittany Messenger '10 interviews first-years about what they learned during their first semester on campus. Fellow student Sam Zuhlke taped and edited the clip. Full story here.
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Colgate welcomes incoming students with a comprehensive First-Year Experience program that eases the transition to higher education and independent living within a community.
Coordinated by Beverly Low, dean of first-year students, the program has received nationwide attention for its innovation and success.
Students develop important values in their first year: respect and willingness to listen to different opinions, an expectation for engagement on campus and in the community, and the desire and ability to walk across difference.
Among the topics discussed are diversity and pluralism, sexual identity, civic engagement, and alcohol and other drugs.
Part of the university’s New Vision for Residential Education, the First-Year Experience includes:
• First-Year Seminars (FSEMs) – FSEMs introduce students to a variety of liberal arts topics and ways of learning. The courses often fulfill either a CORE curriculum or distribution requirement. The student’s FSEM instructor serves as his or her academic adviser until the student declares an academic major. Each FSEM has a student peer adviser, or “Link,” who mentors new students.
• Life Skills Program Tracks (fall) – These courses allow first-year students to explore an area of interest while fulfilling one physical education requirement. Topics include: diversity and social justice, living a meaningful life, career exploration, and Gate 101, for students interested in accelerating their college leadership track.
• Think Tank Lunch Conversations – Every Monday, students are invited to meet with classmates and one faculty member for open conversation. Faculty guests and topics are posted on the first-year students’ website.
• Life Skills Workshops (spring) – Coordinated by the Center for Career Services, these sessions help students develop important life skills such as business etiquette, time management, critical thinking, and conflict resolution.
All first-year students live together in designated residence halls, where they develop friendships and support systems that last for four years and far into the future.
They also can take advantage of residential life programs such as Leadership Options for Tomorrow (LOFT) and Community Action Outreach Opportunity (CAndOO).
Before arriving at Colgate, a comprehensive pre-orientation program includes summer mailings, required summer reading, and an optional wilderness adventure through the university’s outdoor education program.
Campus orientation takes place over four days prior to the start of fall term classes. At that time, students meet with their faculty advisers, FSEM classmates, and their Links – as well as their residence advisers and other people on campus who will be valuable resources. The period ends with a class dinner and convocation.