Freshman Programs
DIRECTOR, FRESHMAN PROGRAMS
Nancy Page Fernandez
COORDINATOR, FRESHMAN PROGRAMS
Maruth Figueroa
FRESHMAN PROGRAMS OFFICE
657-278-3709
DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
www.fullerton.edu/freshmanprograms
INTRODUCTION
Supported jointly by the Divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, Freshman Programs promotes college success by providing learning communities designed to ensure first-year students’ successful transition from high school to the university. Freshman Programs offers curriculum and services that lead to academic achievement, campus involvement and community engagement.
Freshman Programs first-year learning communities seek to:
During the spring prior to starting at Cal State Fullerton, incoming freshman students may apply to participate in one of five different learning communities offered by Freshman Programs. While each learning community has a distinct theme, they all share the same goal: to help first year students make the most of the first year in college, both academically and socially.
Freshman Programs students enroll in UNIV 100 Introduction to University Studies, a small freshman success seminar. The seminar is facilitated collaboratively by a team composed of a faculty member, a student affairs professional and a peer mentor. Students make new friends, develop close relationships with professors and professional staff, and learn from the example of a successful 3rd or 4th year undergraduate. UNIV 100 coursework includes critical thinking, time management, library competence, introduction to campus resources, and other topics necessary for academic success.
Freshman Programs students also benefit from pre-reserved seats in English, human communications, mathematics and other required general education courses. In addition Freshman Programs offers student participants general advising, study space and computers in our Lava Lounge, academic field trips, early probation alert intervention, graduation roadmap planning, community-based learning, and membership and leadership opportunities in the Freshman Programs Student Association (FPSA).
Freshman Programs Student Association
All first-year students who are enrolled in a Freshman Programs learning community are automatically members of the Freshman Programs Student Association. Officers and governing members represent each of the separate communities. They assist in outreach events, provide input and consultation on curricular and co-curricular events to the Freshman Programs office staff, and organize social activities for students in Freshman Programs.
Freshman Programs Advisory Board
The director of Freshman Programs reports to the associate vice president of Undergraduate Programs and is advised by a diverse constituency of campus leaders and first-year students. Advisory Board members include assistant deans from each of the eight colleges, along with directors of campus programs that promote college success, institutional effectiveness and the assessment of learning community programs. The board meets three times per year.
FRESHMAN PROGRAMS LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Fullerton First Year (FFY) focuses on developing personal leadership skills as well as campus and community engagement. Students in this community learn about university resources and opportunities while they develop the skills necessary for college success. 3 units fall semester.
Compass is designed for students looking for a major or those seeking a better understanding of the careers available to them in a chosen major. Students in this learning community explore their academic strengths and personal goals, and learn about the major and career opportunities available to them while they develop the skills necessary for college success. 3 units fall semester.
Live’n’Learn assists first-time freshmen students living in university housing or off-campus residences to make the successful transition to college life and living on their own. Students in this community learn time management, budget planning and other independent living habits as they develop the academic skills necessary for college success. 3 units fall semester.
Freshman Future Teachers is a learning community for students interested in a career teaching elementary, middle or high school or special education. Students meet and take classes with others who have similar interests, receive regular advising for both a major and the subject matter courses recommended to become a credentialed teacher, have opportunities for field experience in local classrooms, and learn about the Streamlined Teacher Preparation Program (STEP) to help them decide if the program is right for them. 1 unit fall semester/2 units spring semester.
Freshman Future Nurses is a learning community for pre-nursing students, and features integrated, comprehensive coursework with intensive supplemental instruction, advising and career exploration. Students meet and take classes with others who have similar interests and have opportunities for field experience at health care sites. 1 unit fall semester/2 units spring semester.
Application Process
To participate in any ONE of the Freshman Programs learning communities, students must:
COURSES
UNIV 100 Introduction To University Studies (1-3 units)
Designed for first-time freshmen in learning communities. Provides support in transition from high school to university study. Introduction to higher education structure and expectations, general education, roles and responsibilities of university students. The seminar is offered for 1, 2 or 3 units in the fall and/or spring semesters. Extensive reading and writing assignments related to the first year college experience are required. Three units maximum.
UNIV 499 Independent Study (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and approved learning plan. Independent research or applied project, under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for a maximum of six total units of credit.
