Introduction to Course, Fordham and NYC Week 1 First Year Formation Introduction to Course, Fordham and NYC Week 1

Facilitators Jean Pak, Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs Krista Kohlmann, Graduate Intern for Commuter Student Services Ryan Harrington, FCLC ‘11

Course Description The First-Year Formation program is a one-credit symposium designed to assist new students with the adjustment to college life at Fordham University, the Jesuit University of New York. First-Year Formation promotes student involvement in the Fordham academic and co-curricular community and explores the University’s distinct Jesuit mission by engaging new students from their very first days on campus. The symposium meets weekly during the fall semester of the student’s first year and features modules that promote academic and career success, exploration of personal values, ethical decision-making and service in its many dimensions. The symposium consists of a small group of students, lead by a faculty or administrative facilitator who utilizes a variety of teaching techniques including discussion, weekly reflections, service learning, book club groups, and student portfolios.

Course Objectives The course will serve as an aide for first-year students’ transition into collegiate life. Students will engage in skills that will contribute to lifelong learning. Students will be encouraged to be active and responsible members of their community. Students will be encouraged to begin the process of determining personal values and ethics. Students will increase their communication skills through various writing assignments and oral presentations. Student will gain an understanding of their campus community and greater New York City community. Students will be able to identify Fordham University’s distinct mission as a Jesuit institution of higher learning. Students will gain a greater insight of themselves and others.

Assignments Reading/Video/Podcast/Website visit for each session as noted in the course schedule. Bi-Weekly Journals: Students are expected to prepare a two page journal reflection every other week. Office Hours: Students should meet with their symposium facilitators once within the first six weeks of class and at least twice during the semester.

New York is My Campus Excursions Each week a destination in New York City is linked to the session topic. On the first day of the symposium, students will sign up to present a brief five minute talk about one of the destinations and provide basic information on the history of the location, directions on how to get there, hours of operation, admission cost and other interesting facts about the destination. Each week, the New Student Orientation and First Year Formation program will plan a group outing to each destination. Students can sign up for the excursion by emailing their facilitator.

Excursion Sites Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Lincoln Center Campus United Nations Tweed Court House and Municipal Building Times Square New York Public Library Central Park Wall Street / New York Stock Exchange Ground Zero Harlem and Greenwich Village Service Project Grand Central Station

Office Hours Students should meet with their symposium facilitators once within the first six weeks of class and at least twice during the semester.

Grading The course is Pass/Fail Class participation: 25% (students may not miss more than two sessions) Journals: 25% Group Project : 20% Office Hours: 10% NYC Presentation: 20%

Topical Areas Week 1 – Intro to the Course, Fordham and NYC Week 2 – Fordham and Jesuit Tradition Week 3 – Relationships and Community Week 4 – Students’ Rights and Responsibilities Week 5 – Academic Success 1 Week 6 – Academic Success 2 Week 7 – Stress Management Week 8 – AODE and Personal Safety Week 9 – Money Management Week 10 – Values and Ethics Week 11 – Diversity Week 12 – Social Justice and Community Service Week 13 – Moving Ahead – End of Semester Project Presentations

Evaluation Students enrolled in the FYF symposium will be expected to evaluate the course at the conclusion of the semester.