FYEs provide you the opportunity to work closely with faculty and a cohort of peers in an academic experience that is limited to 25 students per class. FYEs will introduce you to theme-based academics and EWU success skills. In the future all first year students will be in rolled in a FYE, but this year space is limited.
First Year Experience at EWU
At EWU the First Year Experience is based on a set of purposeful learning experiences that have been shown to:
- Deepen student learning and engagement
- Raise levels of performance, retention and success for students
- Invoke intellectually engaging and effective educational practices
Description of FYE
- FYE courses are 5-credit, theme-based and focus on research, creative work, or service learning within an embedded experience within the course.
- The FYE course will help introduce students to EWU facilities, and will focus on integration into the EWU community.
FYE Accelerator (Bridge)
A possible addition to the General Education Program will allow for a jumpstart on classes and to lighten a full Fall load for students and faculty. This two-week course will start prior to normal Fall classes and consist of all day course work, introduction to EWU facilities, and allow for a more in-depth experience.
A Sustainable and Reproducible FYE Model
- FYE courses will be proposed as single stand-alone courses, but integrated pairs are still possible.
- An FYE course can be taught and taken any quarter, Fall being the highest demand.
- A possible collaborative seminar will integrate the college experience with the Center for Academic Advising and Retention.
- A special FYE portion of the EWU Research and Creative Works Symposium will highlight student and faculty projects.
Criteria for First Year Experience Courses
Students who successfully complete one or two FYE courses will meet the General Education Program requirement for the selected Breadth Area(s). Up to two FYE course(s) will fulfill the criteria for an equal number of the selected Breadth Courses. For example: an FYE with the focus on Social Science can be completed to fulfill one Social Science Breadth area requirement.
In addition to meeting the selected General Education core Learning Outcomes, the FYE course will provide instruction in EWU Success Skills, with evolving objectives to meet student and community needs. FYE courses are limited to 25 students and are taught in the Fall quarter. Sequenced courses may include a second course in the winter (for quarter-based campuses and programs).
