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

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 ing their facilitator.

7. 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

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

9. 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%

10. 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

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