First-Year Experience
What is First-Year Experience (FYE)?
FYE-2100 is an intensive, highly interactive two-credit hour course that introduces Â鶹´«Ã½s to the excitement of intellectual inquiry, personal discovery, and the university campus culture as they make the transition from high school to college. Facilitated by both an instructor and a Â鶹´«Ã½ leader, it is designed to unite a new community of WMU Â鶹´«Ã½s through shared experiences that support holistic wellness. Talk to your academic advisor to register for FYE 2100 this fall!
Why take FYE?
Working with your peers, an instructor, and a Â鶹´«Ã½ leader, you’ll engage in meaningful activities that help you grow as a person and as a member of the university community during your first semester at WMU. You’ll learn how to pursue your intellectual and personal interests, as well as figure out how to make the most of the many resources on campus available to support you!
Benefits of taking FYE:
- Build positive relationships with peers, staff, and faculty to create a sense of belonging.
- Become familiar with campus resources and how to use them.
- Develop strategies for academic success.
- Explore your own strengths and goals and learn how you can pursue them at WMU.
FAQs
FYE Awards
Each year, the WMU Office of Student Transitions recognizes outstanding work in the classroom for both FYE Instructors and Â鶹´«Ã½ leaders. Instructors and co-facilitators are nominated by Â鶹´«Ã½s participating in an FYE 2100 course or by one another. The recipients for fall 2024 are:
Instructor of the Year
Tim Smolenski, Navigation Specialist, Multicultural Affairs for Students
Tim's nominators commented on his empathy and positive energy, which creates a welcoming and supportive classroom environment. He helped Â鶹´«Ã½s navigate personal challenges, secure work-study jobs, and stay motivated in their studies. One of his nominators said "The classroom environment is very lively and fun. Even though the class starts at 9:30 a.m., he makes class feel like you want to be there and not miss out." Another said "Personally, I always come to class in a good mood because I know that he will too. He inspires me to wake up everyday and put a smile on my face no matter what is happening. He wants us to succeed and will not allow us to fail."
Co-facilitator of the Year
Audrey Nonte, Sophomore
As the Co-facilitator of the Year recipient, Audrey will receive a $500 scholarship to be used in spring 2025. Audrey's nominators commented on her genuine care and effort to make an impact on her FYE Â鶹´«Ã½s, from walking them to vote or helping them build a course schedule to sharing personal experiences that make the challenges of college feel more manageable. She is committed to her Â鶹´«Ã½s' success and the Â鶹´«Ã½s see it every day. One nominator said "She is so honest about what has helped her in college and anytime she offers advice I know it's going to be truly helpful." The instructor Audrey works with said "Our Â鶹´«Ã½s react to her easily and those reactions seem so smooth that the Â鶹´«Ã½s hardly realize they are developing skills and perspectives and attitudes of successful college Â鶹´«Ã½s."
What are Â鶹´«Ã½s saying about FYE?
My instructor always answers my emails in a timely manner and is able to answer literally any question I have about campus, classes, sporting events and more. He helps to fill in the gaps, helps me figure out what to do with my schedule, and is able to connect and help me focus.
My instructor has created such a well-working environment. The constant encouragement to engage in classroom discussions has allowed me to break out of my shell more. By doing so, I have been able to speak up in other classes and gain a better understanding of my courses.
FYE gave me an open, inviting setting to talk to other first-year Â鶹´«Ã½s in a similar position that I am in. It made me feel less stressed knowing that I was not alone and had resources that I could use to my advantage to achieve academically and socially.
FYE is a great class for starting college Â鶹´«Ã½s because it shows you not only what the academic side of things is going to look like, but also builds strong social foundations and teaches you life lessons.
My co-facilitator helped me with the bus system, physically walked me through my schedule on day one, and assisted me in getting contact information of important places around campus. She asks us what we need clarification on and makes sure to cover those topics in the next class session which is always helpful.
FYE has assisted me in my social transition to WMU because it has allowed me to meet some great people and I can recognize familiar faces around campus. It really boosts my mood when I am able to wave or say hi to people I know around campus and FYE has definitely helped with that. FYE has assisted me in my academic transition to WMU because I've learned about various resources around campus and I've gotten to meet supportive people such as my instructor, who I know are there for me if I need it.