Teaching FYE:  One Faculty Member’s Experience
by Holly Hoffman, Instructor of Counseling and Special Education, Central Michigan University

As I begin my third year of teaching FYE 101, I stop to reflect on the many benefits I have received as a CMU faculty member from this positive experience. While FYE has offered opportunities to connect with incoming students, it has also allowed me to grow as a professional in numerous ways.

What is FYE? First Year Experience is a unique opportunity that allows faculty/staff to connect with freshmen and transfer students. This one credit course is co-taught with a student mentor and includes creative learning experiences that equip first year students with the tools necessary to succeed in college and life. Classes are small and highlight active learning approaches that connect students and engage them in critical thinking.

Since joining the FYE team, I have become much more aware of the opportunities available, not only through Central Michigan University, but in the community. I believe I am more student-focused, as well as more up to date in many arenas. My knowledge of issues facing freshmen and transfer students, as well as the resources to support students has increased dramatically. I also have the advantage of co-teaching with student mentors, attending FYE trainings and workshops, and learning a tremendous amount through Jason Bentley’s strong and creative leadership.

As a faculty member, I believe there are also remarkable benefits for the students in the course. I have observed as they nervously enter the classroom, connect with other students, and build both their knowledge and comfort level at CMU. They have also learned prevention techniques to avoid pitfalls during the first year, and engaged in important networking opportunities to build relationships with other students.

In FYE, students have the opportunity to learn more about not only the campus and community, but also about themselves.  Many of the students participate in the essay competition, attend new and interesting events, join student organizations, connect with individual faculty members, take on leadership roles, and conduct student research projects. Through the engagement in research, students often discover answers to important questions, dispel myths about the negatives of the research process, and gain essential skills that benefit them throughout their college career.

In addition, I believe FYE assists students in building their confidence about success at the college level. Through the various learning experiences and classroom communities within FYE, many students find their voice, their passion, and build vital skills to support them in reaching their dreams. What a gift to witness such as transformation in students!

I look forward to many years of teaching FYE and recommend this excellent opportunity to my CMU colleagues!