First Year Experience
The transition into college life, including meeting new expectations, becoming involved on campus and feeling connected to your new environment, is one of the most challenging aspects of any college career. For that reason, the University of West Georgia has implemented a set of programs to assist students in that transition.
Components
- First Year Programs – UWG's First-Year programs provide a foundational experience that meets the diverse needs of our students. The First-Year for Everyone allows students to choose a program that best fits their needs while maintaining a high level of engagement. All incoming first-year students enroll in one of these programs. We have found that these programs consistently improve student performance, graduation rates and connection to UWG, helping to create successful university students.
- Orientation – The mission of UWG’s Orientation is to provide services and assistance that will
- Aid new students in their transition to UWG.
- Expose new students to the broad educational opportunities at UWG.
- Integrate new students into the life of the University.
- Introduce family members to University resources and areas of support for their students.
- Assure students and parents that they made the right choice choosing UWG.
- Provide support for commuter students through communications and programming.
- Commuter Services – Commuter students make up about 75% of the undergraduate UWG student body (about 35% of the freshman class are commuters). These students are a special population because they typically balance home, social and academic responsibilities. Our office assists these students through programming and services; such as, the Commuter Lounge and the Commuter Student Association.
- Parent Programs – The First Year Experience office serves as liaison for parents on the UWG campus. Our office helps parents navigate the campus and assists in answering general questions or concerns. We communicate with parents through an email listserv and quarterly newsletters.
Contact
Helen Diamond Steele, Director | hsteele@westga.edu | 678-839-5227 | www.westga.edu/fye