Student Handbook

University Support Services

First Year Experience Programs

The mission of the First Year Programs office is to assist students with their transition from high school to college and aid in the retention of students at the University of Connecticut. They provide guidance, opportunities, and resources for students to successfully engage with the University and become learners with a purpose. Through programs and courses like First Year Experience, Peer Education, and UConn Connects, this office will help students discover the value of the intellectual, social, and cultural dimensions of the University of Connecticut. Programs include:

• First Year Experience (FYE): http://www.fye.uconn.edu
  
  • INTD 180 University Learning Skills course - this is a one credit course designed to assist students with their transition from high school to college. Each week, students gather to interact and adjust to the new expectations they face. A range of topics are covered on common first-year student issues and a flexible syllabus allows faculty to address pertinent topics as they arise. As part of this course, you will discuss topics such as campus resources and facilities, time management, advising and career choices, technology, problem solving, and study skills.
  • INTD 182 Faculty/Student Seminars – these one-credit seminars offer a unique opportunity to experience small, interactive, discussion-oriented classes with a senior faculty member at UConn in your first (or second) year. Unlike the more general INTD180 courses, Faculty-Student Seminars are highly focused and are great if you might be unsure of a major or if you just want to explore a creative and interesting topic.
• Peer Education: http://www.peered.uconn.edu
  There are over 30 peer education programs available at the University of Connecticut (please visit the website for a complete listing of each program). Each program functions as its own entity, yet unites in the common goal of providing an opportunity for students to gain experience by reaching out to help their peers. Peer educators are student paraprofessionals who have been selected and trained to offer direct services to their peers. These services are intentionally designed to facilitate academic, social and personal growth.
• UConn Connects: http://www.uconnconnects.uconn.edu
  The University of Connecticut created the UConn Connects Program to serve as an intervention program to help students be more successful academically. Students at the University may participate in the UConn Connects program on a semester by semester basis.
  
  The UConn Connects program pairs each student with a staff or peer facilitator who will guide them through the semester. At the very beginning of the semester, and two times a month thereafter, the student and facilitator meet to go over course work and academic progress. The facilitator provides the student with a program guide and lists of academic resources and study skills workshops. The facilitators are highly knowledgeable about the University and are trained to help the student with specific problems or issues that may arise during the semester.
• Tutoring Information: http://www.uconnconnects.uconn.edu/tutor.htm
  The University of Connecticut and its schools and colleges coordinate many types of tutoring for students. Some areas of study have dedicated tutoring centers available while others set aside hours for tutoring of all kinds. Please visit the website for a complete listing of tutoring options available to all UConn students.