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

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 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. A program for students who are not fully committed to academic achievement. 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. A Pre-College program. The “FIS Difference” is in the additional support that the program provides. A Pre-College program. The “FIS Difference” is in the additional support that the program provides.

History of FIS Began in 1984 at the College at Florham Began in 1984 at the College at Florham Over 1500 students have come through the FIS program in the past 25 years Over 1500 students have come through the FIS program in the past 25 years

The FIS Academic Program All students enter as Undeclared, regardless of their intended major at the time of application All students enter as Undeclared, regardless of their intended major at the time of application A reduced credit load during the first semester A reduced credit load during the first semester FIS-supported courses in disciplines such as English, Math, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and History FIS-supported courses in disciplines such as English, Math, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and History An additional hour of supplemental instruction weekly in FIS-supported courses An additional hour of supplemental instruction weekly in FIS-supported 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 Early Assessment and Midterm Grade Reporting Early Assessment and Midterm Grade Reporting

Additional Highlights of the FIS Program Summer Grant for Two (2) Tuition-Free courses (6 credits) during the 1 st Summer Session 2011 at FDU (Fees and housing not included) Summer Grant for Two (2) Tuition-Free courses (6 credits) during the 1 st Summer Session 2011 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

Special Features of the FIS Program Close collaboration between FIS faculty and staff Close collaboration between FIS faculty and staff Comprehensive Academic Advising Comprehensive Academic Advising Academic/Personal Skills Development and Study Strategies provided by the FIS Learning Specialists Academic/Personal Skills Development and Study Strategies provided by the FIS Learning Specialists 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 Small class size Small class size Learning Communities and Honors Opportunities Learning Communities and Honors Opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between FIS and the Regional Center? FIS Regional Center One-Year Program Four-Year Program 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 ~ 30:1 Student to Staff Ratio of 4:1 Students register with all other freshmen Students given priority registration

Is FIS strictly a remedial program? No. All FDU students (FIS and non-FIS) are placed into English, Math and Reading courses based upon university guidelines. Any student needing developmental course work in a specific area will receive it during their freshman year.

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.  Students are placed on FIS Academic Alert if: 1. The student’s GPA in the FIS-supported classes falls below a The student’s GPA in the FIS-supported classes falls below a The student has at least one failing grade in an FIS course 2. The student has at least one failing grade in an FIS course  Each semester, the college reviews the academic records of all students to ensure that students are meeting university guidelines for academic progress. 2.0

What is the retention rate of students in the FIS program? University retention rate (~74%) University retention rate (~74%) FIS retention rate since 2006 (75-79%) FIS retention rate since 2006 (75-79%)

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.

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 happens next? Results of today’s placement test will be reviewed by FIS faculty and staff FIS staff consults with Admissions to determine admission status—Regular Admit, FIS Admit, or Denied Within two weeks, students will receive an admissions decision via a letter from the Office of Admissions

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 (Mr. Jesse Swartz) For questions related to New Student Orientation during the summer FIS (Mr. Mark Sapara, Ms. Mary Ford, Mr. Gary Meyer) 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