First Year Experience (FYE)
Aurora University's First Year Experience (FYE) is a program designed to facilitate a first year student's transition into college. It is the point where new AU students will begin the process of discovering what matters. The program is focused on:
- guiding students to identify their strengths, interests, and values
- orientating students to college life at AU
- engaging students in campus activities
- assisting students in the development of essential academic, college, and life skills.
The FYE Program is comprised of guided workshops, journaling activities, self-assessments, and participation in various campus events. The program is coordinated by a group of dedicated FYE Facilitators from the AU faculty and staff. Each of these facilitators has expertise in helping students find their passions and achieve success in college. These facilitators will be an important partner and point of contact for every new first year student at AU.
First Year students at AU will begin their FYE Experience at the AU4U Embark: Your Journey Awaits and Welcome U events, which occur during the summer before their first term. At these events, students will engage in workshops with their FYE facilitators. The program then extends until the end of that first term so that students will have access to their FYE Facilitator for guidance and advice throughout their transition to college.
During their time in FYE, students will complete several activities that are meant to encourage reflection on their sense of purpose and personal goals. Students will also complete the Focus 2 Career Assessment, which is a set of surveys that will help them identify their strengths, interests, and values. In addition, this assessment will provide suggestions for possible career paths and major programs at AU.
By the end of their experience in FYE, students will be aware of the critical personal skills and campus support resources that will help them meet success in college. They will also learn about opportunities to enhance the college experience outside of the classroom.
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As a freshman, when you take part in the First Year Experience at AU, you will discover how to make the transition from high school to college, as well as how to make decisions about your major and your career.