The Office of First Year Experience at Minnesota State University, Mankato is a dynamic office with a core mission of first year student success and retention. Through a variety of programs and services, the office is poised to have an impact on students at the time of entrance to the university, throughout the first year, and beyond.
For any concerns call the Office of First Year Experience. We will answer your questions or refer you to the individuals on campus that will meet your needs.
The Office of First Year Experience has a significant impact on first year student success and retention at Minnesota State University, Mankato! Data collected within the First Year Seminar and the Learning Communities program demonstrates that students participating in these programs achieve significantly higher grade point averages and retention rates during their first year than students not involved in either program.
First Year Seminar is a one-credit general education course specifically designed for first year students. This course allows first year students to examine transition and college academic success issues and become more familiar with campus resources and activities. This course is designed to develop student success skills including:
Good academic advising is the key to academic success and timely graduation. First Year Experience staff serve as academic advisors to students who have not yet decided on a major; offer support and referral to any student with academic or college transition difficulties, as well as answer general academic advising questions. Based on the high number of students using this service, we suggest pre-scheduling an appointment that meets individual scheduling needs. Appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes. The Office of First Year Experience is committed to:
Learning Communities are groups of first year students who take some of their courses together and live in the same residence hall. Each learning community has their own Learning Community Coordinator (LCC), an upper-class student who is dedicated to the academic success of every member as they transition to college life at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Learning Community Coordinator assists each student in setting and achieving academic goals, develops study groups for the community, and plans community events. Joining a learning community is an excellent way to make connections, get involved, and be successful. Learning Community highlights include:
Parent Services seeks to help parents and families assist their student in the college transition process. Parents and families can take advantage of important information to help their student during Parent/Family Orientation, through the Family Connections newsletter, by joining the Parent Services listserv or by participating or getting involved with the Family Association or Family Weekend.
Alpha Lambda Delta is an honor society for sophomore students who achieve a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher during their first year on campus. Staff members of the First Year Experience Office serve as advisors for Alpha Lambda Delta. Students who qualify are invited to join at the completion of their first year. On average, one hundred students join Alpha Lambda Delta each fall semester. The organization offers opportunities for social and community service opportunities, and provides leadership development for its membership.
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