The First-Year Experience
The First-Year Experience Program assists students in making the transition to college life. Faculty, academic affairs staff, and student life staff, as well as upper class students, work together to ensure that first-time students become familiar with the academic culture at Keuka College; take advantage of opportunities to improve academic, psychological, and social aptitudes and skills; and become involved as active participants in curricular and out-of-class student life opportunities. Key components of the program include:
New Student Orientation (NSO) - Before classes begin, new students are invited to participate in Wolf Week, a week-long experience that prioritizes community building, information sourcing, and defining campus culture. From hands-on workshops to interactive learning sessions with campus resources, NSO is designed to support the transition to student life with plenty of fun and meaningful opportunities along the way.
First-Year Advising - See section on
Academic Advising.
Peer Mentoring - This program provides one-to-one support for newly enrolled students during their first year. The mentors facilitate opportunities for connection, starting at New Student Orientation (fall and spring), and provide guidance for navigating college and the community. Through intentional outreach & engagement over the academic year, our Peer Mentors build relationships with new students that encourage academic success at Keuka College.
Monitoring - Timely identification of potential problem areas is enhanced through monitoring by advisors and peer mentors. The College also utilizes an electronic alert system to identify early barriers to student success.
Coursework - Specially designed first-year courses such as
KC-101 and College Writing help students acclimate to college life and develop the cognitive abilities essential to learning.