First Year Success Series:
A Campus-Wide Approach to
Educational
Programming
Jodi Webb
Director, Orientation & First Year Programs
Bowling Green State University
First Year Success Series:
A Campus-Wide Approach to
Educational
Provide an overview ofProgramming
the First Year Success Series
at Bowling Green State University
Identify opportunities for collaborative
programming
Highlight program advantages for the first year
students and departments involved
in this initiative
Program Components
Orientation & First Year Programs

UNIV 100 - University
Success course

First Year Success Series

FYI - First Year Insight
magazine

Orientation & Registration

Welcome Programs

Connections newsletter

New Student Convocation

BGeXperience
First Year Success Series
Overview

One-hour workshops address, both in and out of the
classroom, transition topics that are relevant to first year
students.

Over 275 workshops occur throughout the year and are
open to all first year students.
First Year Success Series
Intended Learning Outcomes
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Engage in discussions and activities that assist with the
transition to college life.
Learn how to effectively use campus resources and
services.
Introduce in-class and out-of-class involvement
opportunities.
Investigate transition issues throughout the first year in
order to positively impact student success and retention.
Frequent Program Themes
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Academic Opportunities
Academic Success Skills
Campus Involvement Opportunities
Career & Major Exploration
Communication Skills
Diversity Awareness
Values Exploration
Wellness Issues
Program Development &
Expansion

First Year Success Series began in 2003 as a
programming partnership between Orientation & First
Year Programs and the Office of Residence Life.

Over the past two years, the FYSS has been expanded to
include numerous departments within Student Affairs and
Academic Affairs.
Program Presenters
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Academic Support
Services
Campus Involvement
Career Center
City of Bowling Green

International Programs

Library

Multicultural Initiatives

Recreational Sports
Residence Life
Student Health &
Wellness

Counseling Center

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Greek Affairs

Course Links
UNIV 100 - University Success Course
Every student must attend at least two sessions
Springboard Program
Every student must attend at least one session with their
“coach”
BGeXperience
First year general education course that integrates critical
thinking about values
Program Evaluation &
Assessment

Session evaluation & reflection

Student mid-semester survey

Student end of semester survey

Presenter feedback survey
Program Feedback

Students found the information presented very useful

Students responded that the workshops made them even
more excited about being at BGSU and the opportunities
available to them

The majority felt comfort in knowing that other first year
students were facing similar adjustment issues
1-Minute Reflections
Values Workshop “…Made me really think about why I’m here at school.”
Diversity Workshop “…This presentation just made it clearer and easier to
understand and care about all the people around us.”
Relationships Workshop “…It helped me know how to resolve issues with my
roommate in a positive way.”
Lessons Learned
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Start with departments that offer campus presentations
Identify funding sources
Evaluate space and technical needs
If instructors require participation, stagger completion
deadlines
Address the needs and limitations of commuter students
Establish a reservation system, but allow some flexibility
Anticipate low attendance at certain points of the
semester
Idea Sharing

What is working well on your campus related to out-ofclass programming for first year students?

What challenges have you faced in provided educational
programming throughout the year for first year students?
Contact Information
Jodi Webb, Director
Orientation & First Year Programs
301 Bowen-Thompson Student Union
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(419) 372-9646
[email protected]
www.bgsu.edu/offices/sa/oreg/