About FYE

In Fall 2013, the Council of Provosts charged an Ad Hoc Work Group representing UC San Diego’s colleges to examine the theoretical and practical elements of a First Year Experience (FYE) class. The FYE proposal drew on faculty, staff, and student perspectives and gave significant consideration to how this course could support students’ transition to UC San Diego. In Fall 2014, we launched our first FYE course.

Why are we offering a First Year Experience Course?

First Year Experience (FYE) courses are well established as a best practice on college campuses across the country.  Research indicates that students who complete a First Year Experience course are more positively challenged academically, more likely to engage in collaborative learning activities, interact more frequently and confidently with faculty, and perceive their campus environment as being more supportive.

Our FYE course will align UC San Diego with what the Association for American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) identify as a “High Impact Practice” in higher education.  An FYE course is one marker of a student-centered university. Learn more about our first-year and transfer courses here.

UC San Diego’s First Year Experience Program is committed to preparing students for a successful transition and integration into a large research university. 

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