The First-Year Experience program at Philadelphia University is designed to provide support and encouragement for new students and help ensure they succeed personally and academically. FYE acknowledges that the first year in college is a major life step during which students might face challenges in adjusting to a new place, managing time and workload, starting new relationships, clarifying values, establishing autonomy, and addressing a host of other developmental issues. Philadelphia University has committed an extensive amount of time and resources to provide a sound foundation for success for each student.

The First-Year Experience (FYE) program is coordinated through Student Development Programs, in cooperation with various student life partners and academic programs.

The central theme of the six FYE components is Finding Philadelphia, learning about the history, culture, diversity, and wealth of activities in the city, our extended campus.  Our comprehensive approach to your first-year experience begins with START and New Student Orientation, which includes the Summer Reading; integrates both your curricular and co-curricular experiences; includes faculty oriented academic advising; and is centered on your residential community.

FYE Learning Outcomes

In addition to achieving academic outcomes articulated by the College Studies program, by fully participating in the programs and services coordinated through the First Year Experience, students will:

• Be familiar with academic resources and student services on campus, and actively use those resources.
• Explore and utilize the resources provided by the city of Philadelphia – our extended campus - as an opportunity for cultural enrichment and professional networking.
• Engage with faculty in and outside of the classroom.
• Interact positively with peers in community building activities and educationally enriching programs.
• Achieve a higher competency in writing, note-taking, active reading, critical thinking and reasoning to be able to master college-level work.
• Expand knowledge of human diversity and cultural competence.
• Engage in activities leading to improved personal health and wellness; learn about making responsible decisions in a college environment.
• Be a positive and contributing member of the community by engaging in community service activities and leadership development programs.

The support of parents and families play an integral role in the successful transition of their son or daughter to college, and we offer several programs for family members to learn about Philadelphia University. Parents and families are encouraged to visit our PhilaU-Parent webpage.

Philadelphia University believes that community service initiatives are a central part of the undergraduate experience, and the office of community service works to increase student access to the community service opportunities, serve as an informational resource about community agencies, supports students' civic engagement, and promotes service as a tool for learning.

CONTACT US:

Student Development Programs
Division of Student Life
phone: (215) 951-2634
fax: (215) 951-2644

email: FYE@PhilaU.edu

Campus address:
The Kanbar Campus Center, Suite 317

Mailing address:

School House Lane and Henry Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19144-5497