Program Description

It's All About You

The First Year Experience initiative at Mount Union College is designed to bring first-year students together to create an enhanced intellectual atmosphere on campus through the development of a living-learning culture. This program breaks down some of the barriers that separate the classroom from the residence halls and provides greater integration of all aspects of college life for first-year students. Benefits to those who participate in the program include:

A newly remodeled living-learning environment

• Block scheduling of common first year classes
• A wellness challenge that encourages overall well-being
• A peer mentoring program where upper-class students serve as mentors to first-year students
• Informal, out-of-class contact with faculty and staff
• Meaningful involvement and leadership opportunities
• A strong community that will challenge and support.

Excel With Others in the Program

Block scheduling will provide more than just a friendly face in many of your classes. It will allow you to work side-by-side with students with similar, serious academic goals. Liberal Studies 100 (LS 100) will remain the shared experience for all new students, both in and out of the initiative, and participants of the First Year Experience will enroll in additional first-year courses together.

• Enrollment in groups of eight
• Fall semester group courses
• Reformation of groups in spring semester, sharing at least two more courses

Take Advantage of a Living-Learning Environment

Living Environment

A newly renovated Cunningham Residence Hall, co-ed by floor, will be home to the participants of the First Year Experience. This living environment will be combined with an intellectual component, allowing students to grow emotionally, socially and academically.

• Remodeled rooms featuring new carpet, furniture and closet space
• Laundry rooms on every floor
• Recreational area with comfortable furniture and a large screen TV
• A study lounge and computer lab
• Offices for faculty members teaching within the program

Learning Environment

One of the most important and exciting aspects of the FYE program is that faculty will be brought into the residence halls so they may share with students the goals and interests that led them to careers in higher education. Increased interaction with faculty and staff will be an important part of the FYE.

• Get to know faculty and staff in and out of the classroom
• Share common courses and professors with others in the program
• Benefit from members of the faculty and staff who hold office hours right in the residence halls
• Attend fireside chats and demonstrations presented by members of the faculty
• Join with faculty, staff and students at social events

Grow In All Aspects of Life

The cornerstone of a successful Mount Union experience is academics, but it is also important for students to grow into well-rounded individuals. That's why the First Year Experience includes a wellness challenge component. Wellness, a proactive approach to living an optimal lifestyle, is one of the underlying themes for furthering your education. What is education if it doesn't help to increase your personal wellness? The FYE's Wellness Challenge will allow you to think about your own personal levels of wellness. This will be a personal challenge and tracking system where students will make their own behavioral contracts and set individual criteria for completing wellness education and participation components along six dimensions of wellness: intellectual, occupational, emotional, spiritual, physical and social.

• Examine the facets of your life that are your personality
• Set your own goals about how to improve each aspect
• Learn about the tools and structures necessary to make choices that will positively impact your life
• Accomplish some of your personal goals

Benefit from Specific Programs Geared Toward Your Future Goals

At Mount Union, you will benefit from a well-balanced college experience combining academics with social, philanthropic and extracurricular opportunities, and the First Year Experience brings this philosophy into its living-learning environment. You will gain knowledge by participating in our extracurricular activities and grow academically, emotionally and socially through programs created just for you.

• Entertainment and social outings
• Sessions presented by various offices in the student service areas
• Study and review sessions within the study lounge

Learn From the Experiences of Upperclassmen

The voice of experience is invaluable, and as a member of the First Year Experience, you can benefit from those who have already been in your shoes. FYE advocates - or peer mentors - will work to facilitate positive relationships for first-year students entering Mount Union, help FYE students get to know one another and connect FYE students to the resources and opportunities of the campus community.

• Benefit from an experienced returning student who can provide insight and assistance
• Get tips on studying and preparing for final exams
• Receive guidance when registering for classes
• Get advice on balancing your academics and campus involvement
• Someone to answer your questions and provide guidance
• An individual to introduce you to campus life
• A friend and confidant, as well as a motivator and challenger