FYE seeks to retain new students

The First Year Experience has launched its new program at Southern University to help new students succeed academically and improve retention.
Through the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, the program assists students in getting acclimated with the SU atmosphere as they transition from high school to college.
Jil Massucco, coordinator for FYE, said that the program demonstrates concerted efforts and a commitment to make the experience at SU successful, memorable and rewarding.
“We want to reach out not only to students who live on campus but freshmen commuters and transfer students so that they are given the opportunity to participate in FYE,” said Massucco.
The FYE program is seeking an experience that students can positively and purposefully interact with other students, faculty and campus programs and organizations.
“We must learn to pass the torch and motive and inspire our students to be at the helm of campus programs and activities while striving for excellence,” said Massucco.
Massucco said one of the critical factors for their program to ensure is to broaden student success and deepen their commitment to learning by getting freshmen involved in programs, activities and events.
“Students are in a much better position to thrive by involving themselves in programs such as Freshmen Convocation,” said Massucco.
As the organizer at this year’s convocation ceremony, Massucco said she was thrilled to work with the campus youth leaders who took the stage to participate in the program.
“Teaching youth to value public speaking has always been on the forefront for me and it will definitely continue,” Massucco said.
The program is under development and in its beginning stages according to Massucco.
“We’re still trying to get it off the ground and make sure that we have our students in the right direction,” said Massacco.
Although the FYE program is not an extension of the Center for Student Success, FYE program will be working closely with that program.
“Center for Student Success will be one of the catalyst and main resources that will keep students connected to success,” said Massacco.
According to Massacco’s reports, SU has nearly first time freshmen on campus.
She also said because of so many students, there are over 15 freshmen seminar classes and 10 instructors.
Massacco said that the launching of FYE introduced new learning outcomes and the replacement of learning materials that had been used for more than a decade.
Brandon Parker, assistant project director of CTLE, said his students learn time management skills, themselves, library visits and different resources on campus.
“We are retention, retention, retention,” said Parker.  “We are trying to retain students and increase the retention rates.”
Alberta Robertson, instructor of FYE, said she teaches her students about the many resources on campus.
“To me, that’s what we’re suppose to do,” said Robertson.  “They are our customers and we’re suppose to take care of them.”