Familiarize, Affirm, and Matter (FAM) Program
Our students want to succeed in college.
The problem is that they don’t arrive knowing how, where, or who can help them.
Our plan is to help them transition to college, create a strong peer community, and find resources that can help them succeed in the classroom.
Through participating in the F.A.M program, we create opportunities to share experiences, introduce them to campus resources, and encourage them to take advantage of what Eastern Washington University has to offer all while feeling affirmed, connected, and engaged.
We do this through community building, peer relationships, education, community engagement, and personalized support from staff. This program is open to all students, regardless of class standing, with a special focus on first time in college and transfer students. The FAM program is meant to enhance your college experience and compliment your other interests and commitments.
Sign up to be a part of a welcoming community, enjoying shared meals at the JLRMC, getting connected to opportunities and services on campus, and learning from peers through a shared experience – join the FAM!
FAM Sign Up Form- To sign up for the FAM Program, please click here
Summer LAUNCH Program
LAUNCH is an early move-in experience as part of the FAM program for new students at EWU (First time in College & Transfers).
It takes place in mid-September before the start of Fall quarter. LAUNCH encourages you to (1) Familiarize yourself with campus and all of the things you didn’t know you didn’t know, (2) Affirm your dedication to your education and your reason for pursuing a degree, increasing your motivation to be successful, and (3) recognize that you Matter– your needs, your aspirations, your skills and talents all matter at EWU. Students living off campus are welcome to participate.
When is it?
Summer LAUNCH begins a few days before on-campus housing move-in days. This means Summer LAUNCH students get to move-in to their campus residence hall early- Wednesday, September 16 and the programs ends September 19, 2026. Over the next 3 days, students will do peer community building and personal development activities, learn about campus resources, explore the local area, and meet with faculty/staff champions. Participating in Summer LAUNCH automatically signs you up for the FAM program, which runs through the school year.
How much does it cost?
Thanks to generous donors, volunteers, and campus partners, Summer LAUNCH 2026 is FREE OF CHARGE! Summer LAUNCH is hosted by the JLR Multicultural Center and is supported by many campus partners in order to subsidize the cost of early move-in, meals, swag items, outdoor activities, travel, and all supplies (all together, the cost of attendance per student is approx. $800).
To apply for the Summer Launch Program, please click here.
Questions?
- Please contact the JLRMC Staff to get more information about these programs.
Participants said the most beneficial part of FAM was:
“I was able to meet new people and feel like I have a support system. This is the most impactful because I feel like I belong here.”
“It helps to know that there are people here to help when I need it.”
“It helped me make friends and be able to open up about my concerns.”
