“Our First Year Experience is a campus-wide effort across many areas to make the transition to campus easy and fun” said director of New Student Programs Katie Krodinger. “Starting college can be intimidating, but we feel that SEMO offers an experience that helps everyone find something to connect with and get excited about once they arrive.”

Now that students have chosen Southeast, Krodinger says her team works on helping them make the transition to college. Through the summer, New Student Programs does a “Countdown to College” email series, sending weekly updates on timely issues while also trying to prepare new students for things they may not have considered yet. This can include topics like nice places to spend time between classes for commuter students, parking information with new residential students, or a glossary of words and terms that will be new for all students .

Once admitted and enrolled, students start with First STEP Orientation. This all-day event helps students meet their advisor, create their schedules, see campus again, and meet other new students. 

The “Engage in 8!”  is a series of events means that students don't have to look far for events to kick off the school year. The program gives students non-stop chances to meet other students, get to know campus, and discover their interests in the first eight weeks.  The calendar contains new student-specific events like Convocation and Academic Meetings before classes start, but also annual events that welcome all students like the Welcome Back Picnic. Students can look forward to Speed Friending, trivia, the Ice Cream Pig Out, and the Involvement Fair.

 There’s also the First Year Seminar, U100. This class focuses on transitioning to college life and building skills and strategies to be successful in college. It introduces the demands of college coursework and the resources Southeast provides to students to help navigate the academic system.

For students ready to explore their individual leadership style, the First Year Leadership Program (called FLyP) is open to all new students. It is an excellent way to connect with upperclassmen who are in leadership roles on campus and gain insight into personality types and character strengths. 

“There really is something for everyone,” Krodinger said. “We understand that not everyone loves ice breakers and crowds, so the team in Campus Life has worked hard to provide options that are low-key for students who may feel overwhelmed by the energy of the start of the semester.”

Campus staff continue to stay in contact with students throughout the first semester with an email series that shares timely reminders while they get accustomed to when certain events and activities occur, and provides ways to get connected to resources and services. Krodinger says a reminder about tutoring goes out right after most students have taken their first test, along with study strategies and open study labs closer to finals.

More information, including resources for first-year students, can be found on the Southeast First Year Experience website, along with updated event listings.