The First Year Experience – Again Presented to The 16 th International Conference on the First Year Experience July 7-10, 2003 Vancouver, British Columbia CANADA by Carolyn Carter Collins, PhD Associate Vice Chancellor & Dean University College Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Introduction Previous History of Freshman Seminar Course at LSU

I. Impetus for Course Current national environment Positive feedback from students Support for faculty with experience with course at another institution

Need for a positive small group environment for freshmen Promote retention Interest from student leaders

II. Appointment of Task Force Composition Charge Issues

a)Value of the course to students & university b)Credit vs no credit c)Faculty d)Training e)Budget f)Coordinator/supervisor

g)Peer leaders role h)Course content Sub-committee Recommendations

III. Endorsement of the Course Academic Affairs Student Government Courses & Curricula

IV. Funding Budget generation Access to funds V. Recruitment of Faculty

VI. Publicity and Marketing the Course Peer leaders Orientation Parents

VII. Course Implementation Space Textbooks Themes Resources

VIII. Training of Faculty and Peer Leaders Philosophy Content Assessment

IX. Course Enrollment and Tracking Identification of completers Tracking progress and retention

X. Assessment Measures (University) Profiles of students GPA Retention Time to degree Campus Involvement

XI. Assessment Measures (students) Satisfaction with course Achievement of Goals Knowledge of University

XII. Assessment Measure (Peer Leader) XIII. Assessment Measure (Faculty) XIV. Impact and Planning for the Future