Freshman Intensive Studies "A Unique Freshman Experience for Motivated Students!" Information Session Information Session Winter 2008

Goals of Today’s Program To learn about the FIS program and its academic requirements To learn about the FIS program and its academic requirements To answer questions about the program content and delivery To answer questions about the program content and delivery To help you determine if FIS is right for you To help you determine if FIS is right for you

What is FIS? A provisional admissions program for students with the potential to succeed in college, providing highly structured academic support during a student’s first year at FDU A provisional admissions program for students with the potential to succeed in college, providing highly structured academic support during a student’s first year at FDU

FIS Mission Statement FIS seeks to foster the intellectual and personal development of our students through a comprehensive array of advising and learning services designed to aid students as they make the transition from high school to college. Through a supportive network of faculty, staff and advisors, students are encouraged to become self-advocating, active learners able to adapt to the increasingly complex global marketplace. FIS seeks to foster the intellectual and personal development of our students through a comprehensive array of advising and learning services designed to aid students as they make the transition from high school to college. Through a supportive network of faculty, staff and advisors, students are encouraged to become self-advocating, active learners able to adapt to the increasingly complex global marketplace.

FIS is not…. A program for students whose learning disabilities require the specialized services provided by the Regional Center for LD students —(ex. Accommodations requiring more than extended time for tests) A program for students whose learning disabilities require the specialized services provided by the Regional Center for LD students —(ex. Accommodations requiring more than extended time for tests) A program for students who are not fully committed to academic achievement and success A program for students who are not fully committed to academic achievement and success A program with different academic standards and expectations than the rest of the university A program with different academic standards and expectations than the rest of the university

History of FIS Began in 1984 at the College at Florham Began in 1984 at the College at Florham Expanded to the Metropolitan campus in the 1990s Expanded to the Metropolitan campus in the 1990s Over 1500 students have come through the FIS program in the past 24 years Over 1500 students have come through the FIS program in the past 24 years

The FIS Academic Program All students enter as Undeclared majors All students enter as Undeclared majors A reduced credit load during the first semester A reduced credit load during the first semester FIS-only courses in disciplines such as English, Math, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology FIS-only courses in disciplines such as English, Math, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology An additional hour of instructional support weekly in FIS courses An additional hour of instructional support weekly in FIS courses Mandatory and Optional Individual and Group Learning Assistance, Study Groups and Academic Skills Workshops Mandatory and Optional Individual and Group Learning Assistance, Study Groups and Academic Skills Workshops Frequent Testing and Mid-Term Grade Reporting Frequent Testing and Mid-Term Grade Reporting

Special Features of the FIS Program Close collaboration and contact between FIS faculty and staff Close collaboration and contact between FIS faculty and staff Personalized Academic Advising Personalized Academic Advising Academic Skills Development and Study Strategies provided by the FIS Learning Specialist Academic Skills Development and Study Strategies provided by the FIS Learning Specialist One-on-one learning assistance, study groups, and workshops One-on-one learning assistance, study groups, and workshops FIS-only Freshman Seminars FIS-only Freshman Seminars

Additional Highlights of the FIS Program Two (2) Tuition-Free courses (6 credits) during the 1 st Summer Session 2009 at FDU (Fees and housing not included) Two (2) Tuition-Free courses (6 credits) during the 1 st Summer Session 2009 at FDU (Fees and housing not included) $2,000 annually renewable grant for students who successfully complete the FIS program $2,000 annually renewable grant for students who successfully complete the FIS program

Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between FIS and the Regional Center? FIS Regional Center One-Year Program Four-Year Program 80 new students each year 30 new students each year Support Services provided as needed; Learning Specialist provides general academic skills development (Learning HOW to be a college student) 4 hours of required structured support each week, including 30 minutes of academic counseling; Learning Disabilities Specialists provide strategies which directly address a diagnosed learning disability Student to Staff Ratio of ~ 25:1 Student to Staff Ratio of 4:1 Students register with all other freshmen Students given priority registration

FAQs Is FIS strictly a remedial program? Is FIS strictly a remedial program? No. All FDU students (FIS and non-FIS) are placed into English, Math and Reading courses based upon Placement Testing. Students needing remediation in a specific area will receive it during their FIS year. Where remediation is not required, it is not given.

FAQs What is the FIS Contract? What is the FIS Contract? The FIS contract formalizes a student’s agreement to abide by the terms of the FIS program and its expected standards of performance in and out of the classroom. The FIS contract formalizes a student’s agreement to abide by the terms of the FIS program and its expected standards of performance in and out of the classroom.

FAQs What grades must I earn to continue my studies at FDU? All FDU students are expected to earn at least a 2.0 grade point average ("C") each semester.  If the student’s GPA in their FIS-supported classes falls below a 2.0 at mid- term grade reporting, students are placed on FIS Academic Alert  If the cumulative GPA is below a 2.0 at the end of the freshman year, the student is subject to suspension from the University 2.0

FAQs Will FIS students be able to graduate in four years? Will FIS students be able to graduate in four years? Fall Semester WinterSession Spring Semester Summer 1 (optional) credits earned * Not Permitted credits earned ** 6 credits earned * Based upon the number of pre-requisite courses required, if any. Students can earn between credits during their first year; students with 32 credits are considered sophomores. ** Credit limits determined based upon fall semester academic performance.

FAQs Can I receive need-based financial aid as an FIS student? Can I receive need-based financial aid as an FIS student? YES! All courses taken during the FIS year meet federal and state guidelines for financial aid.

Additional Considerations…. Most FIS student schedules require 5 days per week of classroom attendance. Most FIS student schedules require 5 days per week of classroom attendance. We strongly encourage students to limit outside employment to no more than 15 hours per week. We strongly encourage students to limit outside employment to no more than 15 hours per week. If selected for FIS, students should deposit ASAP to ensure their place in the class. If selected for FIS, students should deposit ASAP to ensure their place in the class.

What if I have questions…? Admissions (Ms. Paula Mensch) For questions related to Paperwork, Document Submission, Transcripts, Prior College Credits, Test Scores, Admissions Decision Timeframes Student Life (Ms. Sarah Azavedo) For questions related to New Student Orientation during the summer FIS (Mr. Mark Sapara) For questions related to the FIS academic program and structure FIS Web site:

Final Thoughts…. “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” -Zig Ziglar, Motivational Speaker