The First Year Institute Seminar’s goal is to teach students “how to be a college student.” We examine factors that underlie learning, success, and personal development in higher education. Topics covered include information processing, memory, strategic learning, self-regulation, goal setting, motivation, educational and career planning, and learning styles. Techniques of study such as time management, listening and note taking, text marking, library, 0and research skills, preparing for examinations, and utilizing learning resources are covered. Includes courses in college orientation and developments of students’ academic skills that apply to all disciplines. All first semester freshmen must enroll in the course during their first semester of college. A final grade of C or higher is required, or the student must repeat the course. Our Learning Framework Capstone is meant to prepare students for transfer and or the workforce. This course includes 1) research and theory in the psychology of learning, cognition, and motivation; 2) factors that impact learning; and 3) application of learning strategies. Theoretical models of strategic learning, cognition, and motivation serve as the conceptual basis for the introduction of college-level student academic strategies. Students use assessment instruments (e.g., learning inventories) to help them identify their own strengths and weaknesses as strategic learners. Students are ultimately expected to integrate and apply the learning skills discussed across their own academic programs and become effective and efficient learners. Students developing these skills should be able to draw continually from the theoretical models they have learned. (Cross listed as PSYC 1100). (NOTE: While traditional study skills courses include some of the same learning strategies, e.g., note-taking, reading, test preparation as learning framework courses, the focus of study skills courses is solely or primarily on skill acquisition. Study skills courses, which are not under-girded by scholarly models of the learning process, are not considered college-level and therefore are distinguishable from Learning Framework courses.) Prerequisite: 30 hours of college-level credit.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: FYIS-Student Central Learning Frameworks- CAO

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Krista Wilson at kwilson@fpctx.edu or 806-457-4200

First-time-in-college students enroll a one-hour first year seminar course: UGST 1100: Applications of Learning. Students can enroll in special sections for Trailblazer Elite students or in a meta-major block of two other courses identified as relevant for a meta-major the students have identified. Enrollment in the first year seminar allows students a safe place to learn about their new academic environment, build community, explore career options, and skills to help them successfully adjust to college life.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants must apply to enroll in this program

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Office of the Provost

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Dr. Dawn Remmers at dawn.remmers@untdallas.edu or 972-338-1878

The First Year Seminar is a practical study designed to prepare the student for university life, aid in the development of skills for academic success, promote personal growth and responsibility, and encourage active involvement in the learning process from an individual college perspective.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants are automatically enrolled in this program if they meet eligibility requirements

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes have been internally collected in the past

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: University College

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Joanna Shaw at jshaw@tarleton.edu or 254-968-9087

For first-generation college students, adjusting to college can be difficult and may lead to lower graduation rates. Despite the availability of resources on-campus at St. Edward's University, there were obstacles that often prevented its first-generation college students from making the best use of resources. In response to this, in 2020, St. Edward's University implemented programming to remove barriers to success for students who are first in the family to go to college. Recognizing that there is financial need, little family background in higher education, and social and academic stress, First to GOat provides holistic programming that emphasizes mentoring, building community and belonging, leadership and character development, academic and career readiness, financial assistance and literacy, and personal health and wellness. First to GOat develops
and provides a supportive, inclusive community that values and celebrates their identity.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: The average one-year retention rate for first-generation students at St. Edward's University is 77.5% for 2020-2022, exceeding national and state averages. In addition, the average fall-to-spring first-generation college students persistence is 92.5% for 2020-2023.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success Center

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Sonia Briseno at sbriseno@stedwards.edu or 512-448-8625

Foster Homeless Adopted Resources (FHAR) is a component of UTEP's holistic advising model designed to provide comprehensive academic and social wellness services to students who were adopted or aged out of foster care or are experiencing housing insecurity.

FHAR staff members assess students needs for social wellness services, address basic needs insecurities (food, housing, and transportation), provide crisis intervention and connect students to appropriate resources on campus and in the community.

UTEP students in crisis must manage various challenges that conflict with academic responsibilities. The FHAR program facilitates immediate, holistic institutional support, to ensure these students persist through to degree completion.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 90

HOW TO ENROLL: All stakeholders have access to this program. As such, there is no enrollment process

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Advising and Student Services

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Heather Smith at hsmith@utep.edu or 9157475668

FLP is committed to developing the strengths of humble and ambitious first year students, so that they persist at the institution and in making a difference on campus and in the world. Students will deeply understand and explore The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership and the Social Change Model of Leadership. Students explore and analyze varying leadership behaviors and articulate their own values and vision. Student participants also employ an appreciation for other points of view, advancing their own views that guide relationships and decisions while at the university. Students apply observation, conflict management, dialogue and active listening techniques as a means of understanding and engaging with others. This semester-long exploratory cohort-based program consists of 14 workshops students attend as well as a day long leadership retreat. Students must attend the retreat as well as 5 of these core workshops in addition to 10 exploratory events outlined in the syllabus to expose them to the different co-curricular offerings at the institution. Students that successfully complete the program are honored at the end of the year.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Orientation, Leadership and Engagement

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Nicholas Hudson, Ed.D. at nicholas.hudson@tamiu.edu or 9563262280

Freshmen Leaders On Campus (FLOC) strives to promote freshmen involvement, community service, and campus pride and represent freshmen in Student Governance and other leadership roles at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). FLOC is open to all first-time-in-college first year students. The goals of FLOC are: to promote leadership development and skills building; to increase student confidence in themselves and their leadership abilities; to connect students to on-campus involvement opportunities; and to create camaraderie and strong relationships among participants to enhance social well-being.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 50

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants must apply to enroll in this program

WEBSITE TO APPLY: https://mavorgs.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/544292

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally and externally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Follett Student Leadership Center

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Becka Shetty at becka.shetty@uta.edu or 817-272-3211

Gator Gateway is an interactive multi-day interactive program held on-campus designed to help students become more comfortable with their transition to UHD. The campus community collectively develops programming that provides students with campus resources to ensure their first-year is successful. Students learn how to be successful, interact with faculty and staff from your intended major, hear more about student activities, connect with other new students, and engage in classroom activities. Additional programming includes:
-participate in interactive activities that will help them become acclimated to the university
-interact with a peer mentor that serves as their guide during the experience
-get an inside look at UHD classes through classroom experiences
-meet and interact with other new students as well as UHD faculty and staff
-hear from UHD leadership and alumni
-learn tips for success and see first-hand all of the academic support programs and services UHD provides; discover more about financial literacy and how to pay for college
-explore campus on student-led tours and activities
-participate in conference-style sessions where students can choose to attend presentations from departments they want to learn more about

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

HOW TO ENROLL: Students must attend Part one of Orientation, Gator Ready

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes have been internally collected in the past

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Transitions

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Courtney Lundgren at lundgrenc@uhd.edu or 713-221-8097

GenJacks is a program for first-generation college students, those whose parents or guardians didn't graduate from a four-year university. GenJacks is an extended learning community that provides support and resources to help first-generation students be successful and stay in college.

The GenJacks program provides mentorship, student success courses, academic support resources, career planning, and experiential learning beyond the classroom through internships and community-based projects.

Students who participate in the program have enhanced faculty and professional academic advisor support, higher GPAs, a cohesive curriculum with linked courses in the cohorts, a higher level of student engagement and social belonging, and higher satisfaction with their college experience.

Students in the GenJacks program must:

-attend the Summer Leadership Academy
-participate in the academic learning community and take SFAS 1101 (The New
Lumberjack Experience, a first-year experience course)
-complete career and professional development through SFAS 1110 and SFAS
2150
-and meet monthly with mentors.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Data shows that the GenJacks program increases retention and graduation rates by providing transformational experiences.

The one-year retention rate of GenJacks students is 87% compared to 72% for other first-gen students and 81% for students who are not first-generation.

The 6-year graduation rate of GenJacks students is 76% compared to 51% for first-generation students not supported by the program and 59% for students who are not first-generation.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success Center

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Raquel Skidmore at skidmorerr@sfasu.edu or 936-468-6232

This resource contains activity handouts and considerations for facilitators. This resource is part of the Teaching Excellence Toolkit to help accomplish the College Readiness Goal: I want students to feel like they belong in the course.Activity Description:Send a brief survey to students near the beginning of the term that asks them to share a little bit about past and current experiences, as well as their future aspirations. 

Our award winning global programs provide students with access to affordable education abroad opportunities in Cape Town, SA; Beijing, China; Mexico City, Mexico; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE. Over 80% of our students identify as Black (55%) and Latino (25%), thus creating an opportunity to engage international learning with other students of color in some of the most rapidly changing cities in the world.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 600

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants must apply to enroll in this program

WEBSITE TO APPLY: https://diversity.utexas.edu/globalleadership/

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes have been internally collected in the past

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Devin Walker at devinwalker@austin.utexas.edu

HSI L.E.A.D.S. Program is designed to provide support and encouragement for Hispanic and low-income students at Temple College (Temple) to pursue high-paying, high-demand, STEM careers in the central Texas region. The Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI)- Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and Articulation Programs, proposed to increase the number of Hispanic and other low-income students attaining STEM degrees and credentials using a two-pronged approach to create a culture of STEM that:

1. Starts students in Grades K-12 with STEM coursework and providing supports until degree completion at Temple and/or transfer to another degree-granting institution.

2. Creates a STEM workplace culture through enhanced hands-on STEM activities, increased professional development for Temple faculty, and STEM employer engagement.

Click on the “Learn More for Details” button on our webpage to visit our Google Site for additional information.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Academic Affairs

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Eva Margarita Mungui­a at eva.munguia@templejc.edu or 254-298-8591

Hand In Hand Support Program is a student success program designed to promote retention, persistence, academic performance, and holistic well-being for students who have experienced foster care and other out-of-home experiences by providing a continuous system of support and resources. The program is administered by a Senior Manager and 7 Program Advocates, who work with a network of internal and external champions to address students' complicated needs for financial security, academic coaching, and emotional support for students aging out of foster care. Participating scholars receive professional guidance, educational support, and mentoring to ensure their retention from connection to completion.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Small-scale (reaches fewer than 10 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 511

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants are automatically enrolled in this program if they meet eligibility requirements

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes have been internally collected in the past

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Dallas College

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Dina Sosa-Hegarty, Ed.D. at dsosa@dcccd.edu or 972-378-6398

The center is an innovative academic community consisting of professors, administrators, graduate, and undergraduate students committed to contributing to your academic success and acclimation to the University of Texas at Austin. As a part of this program, you will have access to an interconnected array of programs and services. Sweatt Center students are able to combine the best features of the university (world-class faculty, first-rate research facilities, competitive athletics) with the kind of small community that you would find at highly-competitive private colleges and HBCU’s. Students within the Sweatt Center are able to take advantage of the following:
-weekly empowerment meetings (“Power Hours”) with FREE FOOD
-Collegiate Black Male Retreat
-study abroad opportunities in Dubai/Abu Dhabi, Ghana, and South Africa
-paid summer internships with Sweatt Center partners
-free academic tutoring in popular courses; Wall Street exposure trip
-AMP’d Mentorship Program
-College For A Day event
-academic advising, resumes, mock interview, and career counseling
-Black Male Education Research Collection
-Black Student-Athlete Summit

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

HOW TO ENROLL: All stakeholders have access to this program. As such, there is no enrollment process

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes have been internally collected in the past

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: The Division of Diversity and Community Engagement

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Devin Walker at devinwalker@austin.utexas.edu or 323-309-2432

The Holistic Exploration of Careers by Hands-on Opportunities (HECHO) program is a comprehensive career preparedness initiative that includes hands-on learning opportunities for first generation and economically disadvantaged students. HECHO is a Spanish word meaning “made” or “done.” HECHO at TLU is designed to ensure first generation and economically disadvantaged students make progress toward career preparedness through personal exploration and experiential learning via an asset/strength-based program. This program is three-fold: 1) a focus on personal skills and strengths identification, followed by 2) hands-on career preparedness activities, and 3) faculty training on StrengthsFinder with course integration.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Division of DEI

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Dr. David A. Ortiz at dortiz@tlu.edu or 8303052412

The Honors Program at the University of Texas at Tyler provides specialized content and programming for high achieving and intellectually curious students at our university. Academically, the program emphasizes small, unique courses with engaged faculty and rigorous undergraduate research. The Honors Program is made up of a diverse, motivated community of students that reflect the population and people of the East Texas region. We seek out and encourage intellectual curiosity, academic opportunity, and community engagement.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 160

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants must apply to enroll in this program

WEBSITE TO APPLY: https://www.uttyler.edu/honors/apply/

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Academic Affairs

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Paul Streufert at pstreufert@uttyler.edu or (903) 565-5823

The Midland College Honors Program provides an enhanced creative and supportive learning environment and special recognition for talented students.

Currently the Honors Program has over 100 students, each of whom are working under the guidance of MC faculty toward project completion.

Delivery Format: The program is in-person only.

Program Scale: Medium-Scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

Department(s) Overseeing Program: Honors Program

Contact for More Info: Terri Gilmour, Ph.D. at tgilmour@midland.edu, (432) 685-6816

First-year students at Texas A&M participate in Hullabaloo U – Texas A&M’s first-year experience course. Participation in a Hullabaloo U section helps first-year students develop skills to achieve academic and personal goals, take advantage of campus resources, develop community and a sense of belonging, and be equipped to contribute to our respectful and inclusive Aggie community. Every Hullabaloo U section is led by a faculty or staff instructor and an undergraduate peer mentor. Sections are limited to less than 30 first-year students. While there are a number of courses certified as a Hullabaloo U course, all share overarching common outcomes and a common student success curriculum.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 12,000

HOW TO ENROLL: First-year students register for a Hullabaloo U course when they register for first semester courses.

EVALUATION STATUS: Data related to program outcomes are currently being internally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Office for Student Success

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Meredith Malnar at meredithm@tamu.edu or 9798451331

College of the Mainland's (COM) SSAP grant is a dedicated initiative aimed at recognizing and meeting the basic needs of students while equipping faculty and staff with the necessary skills to identify and support those in need. This grant focuses on enhancing the overall well-being and academic success of students, particularly those facing financial hardships or personal challenges that may hinder their learning experience.

Through the grant, COM can implement programs and services that address essential needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and mental health support. It also provides specialized training to faculty and staff to develop a better understanding of the signs and indicators of students in distress. With this training, educators can intervene early and provide appropriate assistance, ensuring student receive the necessary help and resources to overcome obstacles and achieve their educational goals.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Dean of Students Office

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Dr. Kris Kimbark at kkimbark@com.edu or 4099381211

The I’m First – UT Tyler program is a program that services the needs of first-generation college students on main campus as well as satellite campuses and those undertaking online coursework. This program understands that each first-generation college student experience is different from the next (and many of those experiences are based in intersectional identities), so our program is centered on information sharing, advocacy, and connections to UT Tyler students, faculty, and resources. We strive to provide a sense of belonging within our campus community, which is key to not only retention and completion but the success of each student’s journey with us. As such, one of our primary methods is advocacy on campus through open and accessible communication channels – we are the touchpoint for all first-gen student questions about anything UT Tyler or college related and direct them or take them to the appropriate office to aid them.

Every month we send out a checklist newsletter to all first-generation college students (including international students and non-degree seeking students) that highlights upcoming university deadlines, breaks, campus community events (like blood drives, game and movie nights, holiday celebrations, etc), and links to all resources like tutoring and supplemental instruction. In addition to the checklist, we have created a regularly-updated glossary of all university terms (with links to the appropriate contacts and webpages) that is posted on our website and circulated accordingly.

We also host our own events, such as scholarship application workshops in which students may come to learn how to find the best scholarships for their situations and demographics, how to write the best essay, and how to submit them. This is an all-day, 2-day service offered in-person, but online and distance students are free to make unlimited one-on-one appointments for the same purpose as well as for resume review. We also host come-and-go social events. Further, we honor these students by providing first-generation stoles at every graduation and present them at a free banquet for them and their families. They are also available for pickup at graduation check-in. We host tables at preview days and homeschool days with swag and information, and our newly formed student organization will have a presence at orientation as well as host their own peer-centered events.

Lastly, beginning in the 2022 fall semester, the first-generation living-learning community will open its first wing in an on-campus housing unit. It will have its own first-generation RA as well as weekly meetings with our office’s staff that serve to bring the university’s resources to the students directly, such as advising, tutoring, safe zone training, study halls, library liaison tutorials, and more. Further, these students will also participate in servant-leadership opportunities and get to experience the Tyler community on field trips.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 110

HOW TO ENROLL: Participants are automatically enrolled in this program if they meet eligibility requirements

EVALUATION STATUS: No data related to outcomes have been collected from this program

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: UT Tyler Office of Academic Success

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Sidney Wilson at sidneywilson@uttyler.edu or 903-565-5528