The Fearless Leadership Institute (FLI), established at the University of Texas at Austin in 2013, is a holistic development initiative for Black and LatinX college women at UT-Austin, focusing on three core development areas: academic, personal, and professional development. The initiative provides services and hosts events that promote student engagement, sense of belonging, leadership development, and equips participants with the tools necessary for succeeding at the university and beyond. Participants can take advantage of weekly interest groups, exposure trips to Wall Street and Silicon Valley, international study abroad opportunities, graduate school preparation and mentorship from an upperclassmen, graduate students or professional women from the community. Part of FLI’s strategic plan includes extending programming and support to high school students. For the past two years, FLI has hosted a leadership conference for female high school students from around the state of Texas. To further impact high school students FLI will partner with She Needs To Know (SNTK), a local non-profit, to offer group and individual mentorship with the goal of impacting the postsecondary success for the high school participants of SNTK.

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: 442

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: Longhorn Center for Academic Equity

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Tiffany Lewis or Thais Moore at tiffany.tillis@austin.utexas.edu or 512-471-1205

Financial Literacy at Texas A&M University- San Antonio takes a multi-pronged approach to educating and equipping students as well as the general community with knowledge and skills in personal finance and financial management. Housed within the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement, Texas A&M University - San Antonio offers a Financial Literacy Fellows program with peer to peer education, one-on-one coaching, in-class presentations with a variety of topics, on and off campus outreach, and partnerships with entities both on and off campus. The goals of the program are to improve overall competency of personal finance, decrease finance-induced stress, career and economic development post-graduation, and improve retention rates. Major initiatives and programs include the Financial Literacy Fellows, a year-long program open to students majoring in finance or accounting at the undergraduate level, or are in the Masters of Public Accounting program. Students selected to serve as Financial Literacy Fellows are peer educators that advance financial literacy through campus presentations, community education, and creating individualized capstone projects to solve problems they see in the world. The Fellows help build capacity and reach, and improve relations with students. Another initiative are in-class presentations, which are incorporated into the First Year Seminar to acquaint new Jaguar students with Budgeting 101 and other financial education curriculum. Faculty in all departments and at all course levels can also request presentations on a variety of topics. For on-campus engagement Texas A&M University-San Antonio coordinates a variety of campus engagement events weekly throughout the academic year, and highlight a cluster of programs and workshops during the annual Financial Literacy Week (fall semester) and Money Smart Week (spring semester) in collaboration with several other campus departments. Money coaching appointments include one-on-one coaching which is wholly tailored to student needs and goals and is available free of charge to Jaguar students. Students meet with a trained money coach to strategize and implement a plan to help each student reach their financial goals. As a part of off-campus engagement, Texas A&M University-San Antonio also partners with community organizations such as Junior Achievement of South Texas to work with neighboring independent school districts so younger students can achieve financial literacy and capability before reaching higher education, as well as GEAR UP, a federal fund that helps low-income districts prepare students for higher education.

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: 750

HOW TO ENROLL: there are multiple parts- to be a Financial Literacy Fellow students must apply, other students always have access to all other programming

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

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Eliasz McCullen at emccullen@tamusa.edu or 210-784-1364

Financial Literacy Workshops
Goal: To increase students student success by implementing strategies to build students' financial understanding so that they can make smart decisions about their money.

Objectives:
Lamar State College Port Arthur seek to empower our diverse communities for financial success through strategies: (1) Classroom presentations focused on budgeting and credit; (2) Financial Empowerment Workshops that involves community volunteers from local financial institutions that has offered workshops throughout the academic year on topic to include: credit management, pre-employment retirement planning, and budgeting.

Career Coaching
Goal: To establish an effective on-ramp to college for Hispanic and low-income students by aligning instructional pathways with high school endorsements.

Objective(s):
1. Students will meet with Success Coaches, who will help students recognize and achieve their educational goals. They help students examine school programs, recognize their academic strengths, and assist in implementing strategies to enhance student retention.
2. Students will increase retention, success, and recognizing their career goals by taking career assessments.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 50;1500

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

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

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Trenida Lewis, Title V Pathway to Excellence Department, Lamar State College Port Arthur

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Trenida Lewis at lewistd@lamarpa.edu or 409-984-6235

First Flight Week is a mandatory 8-day extended orientation program at the University of North Texas (UNT). All new freshman students are required to participate in First Flight Week in addition to attending a 2-day, overnight orientation program in the summer. Students are divided into groups of approximately 25-60, based on their residence hall wing or commuter status. Each group is led by a First Flight Leader, who will lead students to their required sessions, facilitate small group discussions and activities, and help the students build community and connections among themselves. For the students living on campus in the residence halls, their First Flight Leader is also their Resident Assistant, and will continue to be available to them throughout their first year at UNT. Our commuter students, are led by upperclassmen who are hired by the Orientation and Transition Programs office to be First Flight Leaders. First Flight week takes place the week before classes start for students. During this this week students have a variety of sessions, activities, and events to attend to meet their requirements.

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: 4695

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: Orientation and Transition Programs

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Stephanie Brown at stephanie.brown@unt.edu or 940-565-3160

First Flight Week is a mandatory 8-day extended orientation program at the University of North Texas (UNT). All new freshman students are required to participate in First Flight Week in addition to attending a 2-day, overnight orientation program in the summer. Students are divided into groups of approximately 25-60, based on their residence hall wing or commuter status. Each group is led by a First Flight Leader, who will lead students to their required sessions, facilitate small group discussions and activities, and help the students build community and connections among themselves. For the students living on campus in the residence halls, their First Flight Leader is also their Resident Assistant, and will continue to be available to them throughout their first year at UNT. Our commuter students, are led by upperclassmen who are hired by the Orientation and Transition Programs office to be First Flight Leaders. First Flight week takes place the week before classes start for students. During this this week students have a variety of sessions, activities, and events to attend to meet their requirements.

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: 4695

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: Orientation and Transition Programs

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Stephanie Brown at stephanie.brown@unt.edu or 940-565-3160

First-Gen Longhorn is a term at the University of Texas that describes any student whose parent(s)/guardian(s) do not have a four-year degree or higher from an institution of higher learning in the United States. In the fall of 2021, first-generation college students at UT Austin accounted for 23% of the undergraduate student body. The mission of the First-Gen Equity program is to create a community on campus for first-generation students by providing them with a multi-tiered support network and an immersive layering of academic, social and professional experiences, workshops, resources, and events. First-Generation students at The University of Texas at Austin are able to opt-in to any of the following whole-person developmental services provided by First-Gen Equity, free of charge:
-Academic Coaching
-Free STEM Tutoring and Free Printing
-Transition & Success Coaching (mentorship program)
-Monthly First-Gen Social Connection, Future-Planning & Skill-building Events
-Accessing our Computers and Physical Space & Study Lounge in SSB 3.200
-Engaging with our Social Media Accounts and Canvas Page
-Subscribing to our First-Gen Weekly Navigator Newsletter
-Receiving Referrals to other Programs in the Longhorn Center for Academic Equity or Across Campus
-Participating in First-Gen Longhorn Signature Events Each Year

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: 697 routinely (year one this year)

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

WEBSITE TO APPLY: https://diversity.utexas.edu/academic-equity/first-gen-equity/

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

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Division of Diversity and Community Engagement's Longhorn Center for Academic Equity

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Michelle Shanks at michelle.shanks@austin.utexas.edu or 5126591587

The First-Gen Advisory Board collaborates to support first-gen students with programing and mentoring. The board members also provide feedback on first-gen initiatives. All colleges are represented by an advisory board member. The majority of advisory board members are first-gen.

During its first year in existence, the board provided first-gen students with the following:
- All colleges hosted a celebration during National First-Gen Week for its first-gen students that enabled students, faculty, and staff to engage in events that created a culture of awareness and understanding of the first-gen college student experience.
- Planned and executed the inaugural First-Gen to Grad School event. Board members supported with a first-gen panel and round-table events led by first-gen staff and faculty.
- Provided feedback on the First-Gen Center framework (mission, priorities, and vision), glide path for the next 3 years, and first-gen programming.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has both online and in-person components.

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

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Support 53% of students at SHSU who are first-generation.
2021 prior to the establishment of the Advisory Board
- 2 events hosted by SHSU (TRiO and COE).
2022 after the establishment of the Advisory Board
- 14 events hosted by SHSU to include all colleges celebrating its FG students.
- 678 FG students participated in National FG week.

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Joe Contreras at jxc200@shsu.edu or 9362943003

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) established its First-Generation Center (FGC) on June 6, 2022, as 53% of its students are first-generation students. An SHSU student is considered first-generation if neither parent nor guardian earned a bachelor’s degree in the United States. The SHSU FGC is dedicated to helping first-generation students and their families navigate their university experience.

The FGC operates on the following PRIORITIES, nested under the SHSU priorities of its strategic plan:
- Connect and engage the first-gen population to university resources and services.
- Enhance an inclusive environment that promotes a sense of belonging and empowers first-gen students to succeed (Proud to be First-Generation).
- Advance a culture of engagement and perseverance through first-gen programming.
- Known for its commitment to first-gen student success in the State of Texas.
- Identify, develop, and strengthen relationships with first-gen alumni, community group/organizations and other entities with a large first-gen focus to support first-gen students.

First-Generation students gain a community, have a transformative experience, and complete a bachelor’s degree.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has both online and in-person components.

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

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: SHSU was recognized nationally (First-Scholars Network) for its commitment to first-generation student success during the FGC’s first year in existence, by the Center for First-generation Student Success (NASPA). To be selected as a First Scholars Network member, SHSU displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation students.

- 1,165 one-on-one mentoring appointments with professional staff
- Personally connected with 49% of first-gen freshmen (1555)
- 32 first-gen programming events

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Joe Contreras at jxc200@shsu.edu or 9362943003

The families of first-generation college students play a key role in their students’ success. All incoming first-generation students and their families are invited to attend the UT Dallas First-Generation Family Orientation. To promote the orientation, UT Dallas mails postcard invitations and first-generation-specific new student guidebooks, that include access to an online Spanish language version, to invitees. The materials provide advice on how to interpret important dates on the academic calendar, descriptions of language found in course syllabi, and helpful tips for navigating resources, and a page of First-Generation Student Support Network member contacts in key campus departments. First-Generation Family Orientation content includes presentations by a variety of campus departments, a discussion regarding UT Dallas culture and insights about what their student can expect, greater explanations of some University policies and processes, more information about University resources with insights about why they matter and how to use them, and critical steps to ensure that students efficiently transition through each semester and maximize opportunities. Content is framed to reinforce the role of families in student academic and social success and their value in cultivating student belonging, wellbeing, and resilience. The First-Generation Family Orientation is hosted primarily via YouTube to ensure maximum accessibility with the multi-language closed captioning options. During the orientation, families can ask current first-generation students, parents of former UT Dallas students, and bilingual staff questions. The desired outcomes of First-Generation Family Orientation include attendees feeling better equipped to support their scholars, increased familiarity with campus resources, and increased comfort approaching the university for assistance.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format.

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

HOW TO ENROLL: We ask participants to express their intent to attend, but we distribute the link to join to all invitees.

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

PRELIMINARY OUTCOMES DATA: In August 2021, after viewing First-Generation Family Orientation, 100% of evaluation respondents reported that they agreed or strongly agreed that they felt better equipped to support their scholar and that they were more familiar with UT Dallas campus resources.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Office of Undergraduate Education

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Courtney Brecheen at courtneyb@utdallas.edu or 9728836788

The First-Generation Living Learning Community provides an inclusive and engaging living environment for new Longhorns, who identify as first-generation (first-gen) college students.This community is designed to build a support system among first-gen students, in addition to celebrating each student’s background and successes. Our goals are to: 1) build a community among first-generation students and celebrate student’s background and successes; 2) connect students with first-generation role models through peer and staff mentoring; 3) increase student’s understanding of personal first-generation identity; and 4) increase sense of belonging on UT’s campus.

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: 52

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

WEBSITE TO APPLY: https://newstudentservices.utexas.edu/content/first-generation-living-learning-community

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

PRELIMINARY OUTCOMES DATA: In the 2021-22 academic year, 95% of students met with their mentor at least once a semester, and 33% of students met with their mentor 3 or more times. When surveyed, 82% of students reported that the LLC helped them to connect with other first-gen students and 69% said it helped them understand how they belong at UT.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: New Student Services

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Kayleigh Damphousse at kayleigh.damphousse@austin.utexas.edu or 4058244277

First-Generation Student Orientation is designed for any student that identifies as first-generation. The goal is to provide each participant with necessary information to be successful in college. Time management, study skills, and goal setting skills are included in the orientation. We also go over key college terms and important offices and personnel that will be needed during matriculation.

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: 75

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

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

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Success, Retention, and TRIO-EOC

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Lee Williams III at lee.williams@texarkanacollege.edu or 9038233016

The Office of First-Year Experience (FYE) challenges and supports students across the first year to connect them with outstanding learning opportunities that help with the transition into university life and achieving both academic and personal goals. We offer guidance, advice, and support as students navigate their college experience on our campus. Through programs, resources, and services, we provide opportunities and information students need to help them meet fellow Jaguars and to view Texas A&M-San Antonio as home.

We promote a student-centered environment that supports all students during their transitions to discover, engage, and connect at A&M-San Antonio and we aspire to:
• Encourage students to be self-directed learners through a strengths-based mindset;
• Actively challenge students on a path of self-discovery to become lifelong learners;
• Foster an environment that allows students to cut across traditional boundaries and viewpoints through dialogue and innovative learning opportunities;
• Cultivate a foundation for student persistence through intentional and transformative experiences that support students’ personal growth and development.

The core values of the Office of First-Year Experience are:
• Discover: To provide pathways for students to discover success, a sense of self, and a healthy sense of adventure.
• Engage: To encourage students to become active participants in their journey through higher education by engaging in the learning process and participating in dialogue that pushes them out of their comfort zone.
• Connect: To connect students, through meaningful experiences, to the university and broader community.

Our program components consist of the following:
• First-Year Seminar (FYS): this is a three-credit hour, success seminar designed to help students discover their place on campus, in society, within their discipline, and their career. Each course also has an assigned peer leader who collaborates and provide instructional support alongside the instructor, plan/present curriculum and instructional activities, coordinate and assist with the planning of events/programs and have one-on-one personalized mentorship meetings with students.
• Learning Communities (LC): 2-4 linked courses that allow participants to partake in exclusive activities created to enhance their learning experience at A&M-San Antonio. We have major specific, themed and traditional communities. The faculty in each LC, team up to build connections amongst the linked courses through shared assignments and activities.
• Common Experience: This is a yearlong initiative designed to cultivate a common intellectual conversation on a theme and facilitate increased interactions among faculty, staff, and students. It provide participants an opportunity to deconstruct and explore a common subject through multidisciplinary lenses and apply academic thought towards finding meaningful solutions to discovered challenges. Throughout the year, various events and programs provide opportunities for engagement for the entire university community and beyond.
• Faculty Advising Program: We pair select first-year students with a faculty mentor who will be available to them throughout their entire first year on campus. Faculty are assigned four students each and are given $200 per mentee to be able to attend group mentoring social events either on- or off-campus.

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: 950

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: First-Year Experience

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Heather Olague at hmolague@tamusa.edu or 210-784-1399

The First-Year Experience (FYE) Office supports every first-year student as they make The University of Texas at Austin their new home. FYE engages all new Longhorns in mentorship and interdisciplinary, rigorous academic programs that cultivate connection to the UT community in order to build strong socio-academic foundations throughout their transition to UT Austin. Through first-year learning communities -- First-year Interest Groups (FIGs) and Transfer-year Interest Groups (TrIGs) -- and the Signature Course, a unique feature of UT Austin's core curriculum, FYE strives to set students on a strong academic trajectory toward earning their degree on time. These programs increase students' awareness and utilization of campus resources; teach university-level skill sets, such as time management, well-being practices, and study techniques; and build a sense of belong to the UT Austin community.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

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

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Undergraduate College

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Patty Moran at patty@austin.utexas.edu or 512.471.4421

FYE's Mission
The First-Year Experience Program (FYE) is committed to supporting first-year-in-college-students through peer mentorship as they transition into university life. FYE Peer Mentors meet with students one-on-one to provide academic, social, and personal support in order to enhance student success.

FYE's Goals
Connecting incoming first-year students with student leaders who can provide guidance from experience to make their first year a positive experience.

Equipping first-year-in-college students with knowledge and access to resources.

Facilitating first-year student exploration in their academic studies.

Fostering a sense of campus community and belonging for first-year students.

FYE's Values
Teamwork - supporting one another professionally and personally and student leaders in their growth

Collaboration - working with individuals and other campus programs to enhance the student experience

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

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

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Student Development, Leadership, Belonging, and Academic Support Programs

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Demetrius Johnson at demetrius.johnson@utsa.edu or 2104583072

The First Year Experience Course (NCTC 1001) is a free, required non-credit, 4-week course designed to provide students with tools and strategies to persist and succeed at North Central Texas College. Utilizing "just in time" teaching and learning strategies, the online orientation course is provided to FTIC students at NCTC, before they have earned 15 credit hours. Topics covered in the course include: NCTC technology and access, campus resources, college learning expectations, communication tools, academic success strategies, financial literacy, and campus safety resources. First time college students (excluding dual credit) are required to pass NCTC 1001.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is online only.

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

APPROXIMATE PARTICIPANTS SERVED IN 2021-22: 7243

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

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

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Completion Center

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Amy Klohn at aklohn@nctc.edu or 940-498-6416

The University College’s First Year course offerings assist students as they transition from high school to the university and have been tailored to assist students based on a number of criteria including, major, prior college hours, class rank and academic performance.The UNIV 1301 Learning Framework course is the most popular and widely taken first-year experience course offered. Here, students will learn about the psychology of learning and develop the skills that will enable them to be successful college students. The Learning Framework course is organized by college, so students will also learn about program specific requirements depending on their major. In addition to the Learning Framework course, UTRGV also offers, UNIV 1101: Self-Discovery for Academic and Career Success. This one-hour course connects students to university resources as they navigate their first year at UTRGV while also helping them identify and develop a plan to achieve their academic and professional goals. Finally, the UNIV 1001 and UNIV 1300: Living and Working by Design courses encourage new students to think about and build out multiple college experiences by incorporating design thinking principles. Here students are given a safe and supportive space to think about possible majors and careers without any fear of judgment or critique. Students then work through potential major/career pathways by thinking about the actions they need to take and the resources they need in order to make their pathway(s) a reality.

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: 3500

HOW TO ENROLL: We do not automatically enroll, however, it is a first-year requirement for students who meet the criteria.

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

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: University College

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Cynthia Saldivar at cynthia.saldivar@utrgv.edu or 956-882-7483

The First-Year Experience (FYE) program at El Paso Community College (EPCC) provides evidence based transformative holistic advising and wraparound services for First-Time in College students (FTICs). The FYE program integrates cohort instructional models, early alerts and retention collaboratives with high FTIC enrollment courses, peer academic and faculty coaching, ongoing workshops and seminars, case management holistic advising approach, and individualized educational plans. The FYE Program has reformed EPCC’s advising model from a one-size fits all approach to proactive case management. The primary goal is to increase students’ completion rates. The three main objectives are the following:
• To increase FTIC students’ retention rate (fall to fall enrollment),
• To increase the number of FTIC students in good academic standing, and
• To increase FTIC students’ three-year graduation rate.
The FYE Program, through its integrated advising model provides a safety net and a strong foundation for students transitioning to college.

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

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

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: On average, the First-Year Experience (FYE) Program serves approximately 5,500 students every fall semester. Students advised by the FYE Program have demonstrated a 10% improvement in retention. From fall 2017 to fall 2022, FYE Program advisees had higher rates than non-participants on the following performance indicators:
• 14% higher persistence rate;
• 5% higher percentage of students on good academic standing;
• 4% higher three-year graduation rates; and
• 5% more credit hours earned.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Instruction & Student Success Office

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Sandra Lujan at slujan9@epcc.edu or 915-831-2279

Our mission is to provide students FAMILIA – Family, Acceptance, Mentoring, Inspiration, Learning, Inclusion, and Advancement. We reach out to our students before their first day of class and provide an award winning website that includes a resource video library that is continuously improving and expanding. Our Peer Mentors call first time in college students to welcome them and answer any questions they may have from a fellow student’s perspective. The Peer Mentors continue their outreach throughout the students’ first year. The official induction into the SPC family is Tiger Nation Family Day (TNFD), which happens on the Friday before classes begin. TNFD is designed to introduce students to college leadership, highlight college programs, and services, and motivate students to BELIEVE * COMMIT* COMPLETE. During the first week of classes, students are welcomed with an assortment of campus activities, such as scavenger hunts and mixers, that allow them to build a social network and get connected with the campus community. The year-long programming includes workshops and activities facilitated by different departments such as Financial Literacy, The Tutoring and Technology Center, the Career Experience Team, and Advocacy Services. The year concludes with an End of the First Year Banquet, a time for students to celebrate the completion of their first year in college, their resilience, and all of their accomplishments. The First Year Experience program aims to launch students into their careers and/or second year of studies feeling resilient, confident, and like they belong.

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: 155

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: Educational Support Services

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Liz Castillo at ecastillo262@alamo.edu or 210-486-2473

This First-Year Experience Seminar is a two-credit course that prepares first-time-in-college students to succeed at UIW, get the most out of their college experience and graduate on time. In a small classroom setting, structured lessons tied to the 5 pillars of the University's core mission values (education, truth, faith, service and innovation) will encourage a sense of community, show new students how to use campus resources to ensure a positive transition to UIW, and introduce proven academic success skill development including financial literacy and personal wellness. FYES students participate in service learning to incorporate such experiences as part of their lives at UIW and beyond. Students will navigate the unwritten rules and expectations for success in college through close collaboration with peer mentors embedded in each FYES section. In addition, students will investigate career options and learn a variety of UIW technology tools commonly utilized to further their learning while at UIW.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is in-person only.

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

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Office of the Provost

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Kevin B. Vichcales at vichcales@uiwtx.edu or 2108292759

MCC’s Title V grant project, First Year Focus: Developing Academic and Co-Curricular Student Support Structures to Improve First Year Outcomes puts into place innovative support structures designed to create enriching academic opportunities that foster success for MCC’s diverse student population. These activities include restructuring the first year experience to address student resilience, integrating and building academic support structures to promote persistence, and cultivating student engagement and inclusiveness across campus. The project is (1) restructuring the Learning Frameworks courses and curriculum to better address student resilience through cohort reorganization, the integration of cultural competency, career planning, and financial literacy into all Learning Frameworks (LF) courses, and bringing the College’s Peer Leadership Initiative (PLI) to scale as part of the LF course, (2) enhancing academic support structures by centralizing academic support into a cohesive Learning Commons, implementing SI for developmental education and gateway courses, and language support for ELL students, (3) better engaging students, including Hispanic and low-income students at the beginning of their academic careers, increasing Spanish language engagement from orientation to graduation, and compelling student programming for Hispanic and low- income MCC students.

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: 3575

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 and externally collected

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: President's Office

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Paula Barfield Unger at punger@mclennan.edu or 254-299-8494