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Developing a First Year Experience at a Research University

This presentation by Dr. Marilyn Kurata, Director of Core Curriculum Enhancement at UAB, explores the various strategies implemented to enrich the First-Year Experience (FYE) for students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The session highlights discussion book programs, academic support mechanisms, advising systems, and fresh learning communities designed to engage students in a meaningful transition to university life. It also covers the impact of these initiatives on student success and explores lessons learned for future improvements to the FYE.

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Developing a First Year Experience at a Research University

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  1. Developing a First Year Experience at a Research University Marilyn Kurata, Ph.D. Director of Core Curriculum Enhancement 2011 Annual FYE Conference February 8, 2011 1

  2. UAB Profile • Part of UA system with UA and UAH • 17, 543 students • 12% live on campus, including 65% of freshmen • 2,067 FT faculty and 16,372 other work force • Schools of Dentistry, Medicine, Optometry, & Public Health • College of Arts & Sciences and Schools of Business, Engineering, Health Professions, & Nursing • Highest Carnegie Foundation tier in both research activity and community engagement categories

  3. Our First Year Experience • Discussion Book program • First Year Experience course • Support Mechanisms • Advising Curriculum • Early Alert System • Supplemental Instruction

  4. Discussion Books at UAB 2005 The Spirit Catches You & You Fall Down 2006 The Kite Runner 2007 All Over but the Shoutin’ 2008 Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change 2009 Mountains Beyond Mountains 2010 Outcasts United 4

  5. Discussion Book Success Factors • Presidential endorsement • Faculty and staff-driven • Link to undergraduate learning outcomes • Range of support activities • Community partnerships • Assessment & feedback

  6. Discussion Book Impact

  7. The First FYE Courses: Freshman Learning Communities • LCNU 101 Body and Brain Power • EH 101 Freshman Composition I • PY 101 Intro to Psychology • LCS 101 Exploring Birmingham • EH 101 Freshman Composition I • SOC 100 Intro to Sociology • LCEG Accepting the Engineering Challenge • EH 101 Freshman Composition I • MA 125 Calculus • CH 115/116 General Chemistry I and Lab

  8. Challenges On- and off-campus unfamiliarity w/ FLCs No student incentives Changing student demographics Competing departmental imperatives Economic downturn 8

  9. FYE Options Expanded • Freshman Learning Communities • Proposed by faculty • Proposed by department or school • Stand Alone FYE courses • U101 The University Experience • FYE developed by school or department

  10. How All FYE Options are Alike Training workshops for faculty Participation in Early Alert System Assessment via EBI First Year Initiative Survey Coverage of 10 mandated FYE topics 4 specific required assignments

  11. Mandated FYE Topics Structure and Mission of UAB Faculty Expectations and student responsibilities Academic Policies, including the Academic Honor Code Academic advising & career planning Academic survival skills Time management Financial management Maintaining a healthy lifestyle Library research resources Campus involvement opportunities 11

  12. How FYE Options Differ • Number of credit hours & instructors • Course format • Course emphasis or focus • Restricted or unrestricted enrollment • Maximum enrollment • Level of out-of-class engagement • Effectiveness in achieving FYE objectives

  13. ----- Course improved Satisfaction with College or University -----Course improved Knowledge of Academic Services -----Course improved Knowledge of Campus Policies -----Course improved Managing Time & Priorities ----- Course increased Out-of-Class Engagement FYI data on FYE Impact

  14. Lessons Learned • Establish a FYE Coordinating Committee • Require FYE faculty development workshops • Collect and share assessment data • to revise FYEs • to improve faculty development • to demonstrate effectiveness of FYEs • Be flexible • Be persistent

  15. Contact Information Marilyn Kurata, Ph.D. Core Curriculum Enhancement (205) 996-6420 mkurata@uab.edu

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