1. Freshman Intensive Studies "A Unique Freshman Experience for Motivated Students!" Information Session Information Session Winter 2008-2009

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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—students must have a strong work ethic. A program for students who are not fully committed to academic achievement and success—students must have a strong work ethic. 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 for students. A Pre-College program. The “FIS Difference” is in the additional support that the program provides for students.

5. 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

6. 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 Learning Communities Learning Communities

7. Additional Highlights of the FIS Program Summer Grant for Two (2) Tuition-Free courses (6 credits) during the 1 st Summer Session 2010 at FDU (Fees and housing not included) Summer Grant for Two (2) Tuition-Free courses (6 credits) during the 1 st Summer Session 2010 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

8. 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 Specialist Academic/Personal 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 Small class size Small class size

9. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between FIS and the Regional Center? FIS Regional Center One-Year Program Four-Year Program 90-100 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

10. 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 developmental course work in a specific area will receive it during their FIS year. Where remediation is not required, it is not given.

11. 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

12. 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 2.0 1. The student’s GPA in the FIS-supported classes falls below a 2.0 2. 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  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

13. What percentage of FIS students return the following year? Fall 2005 cohort (68.8%) Fall 2005 cohort (68.8%) Fall 2006 cohort (75%) Fall 2007 cohort (79%)* * 74% of non-FIS students returned in Fall 2008

14. Will FIS students be able to graduate in four years? Fall Semester WinterSession Spring Semester Summer 1 (optional) 10-14 credits earned * Not Permitted 12-16 credits earned ** 6 credits earned * Based upon the number of pre-requisite courses required, if any. Students can earn between 28-36 credits during their first year; students with 32 credits are considered sophomores. ** Credit limits determined based upon fall semester academic performance.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. What if I have questions…? Admissions 973-443-8907 (Ms. Paula Mensch) For questions related to Paperwork, Document Submission, Transcripts, Prior College Credits, Test Scores, Admissions Decision timeframes Student Life 973-443-8570 (Ms. Sarah Azavedo) For questions related to New Student Orientation during the summer FIS 973-443-8715 (Mr. Mark Sapara) For questions related to the FIS academic program and structure FIS Web site: http://view.fdu.edu/default.aspx?id=1061 http://view.fdu.edu/default.aspx?id=1061

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