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> First Year Initiative
What is FYI?
First Year Initiative (FYI)
The First Year Initiative (FYI) Program is a retention initiative for both students and families. FYI strives to makes contact with all first year students through orientation info sessions, one-on-one advising meetings, in-class workshops, residence hall programs, and several grand scale campus events. The program is housed in two locations on campus, the SUB and South Hedges, making it easy for students to visit with our advisors at their convenience. We have also expanded our hours in South Hedges to include several late nights to accommodate busy student schedules. Our office will meet with any MSU student or prospective MSU students regardless of age or year in school.
FYI has four primary vehicles for helping students achieve success:
The College Student Inventory (CSI) This survey, taken at Orientation, is interpreted by our advisors on an individual basis. The CSI is a way for a student to further understand his or her personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and obstacles that may come into play during a career in higher education. Our advisors will sit down with each student on a one-on-one basis to consider which resources on campus would be most effective to a student, based on his or her concerns or questions. This meeting is recommended for all first-year students.
D and F Meetings FYI works with faculty on campus to create an early warning system if a student is in danger of receiving a D or an F in a course. Our advisors will provide students with options and help formulate a success plan for the semester. Advisors can also answer questions about how academic performance may affect financial aid, living arrangements, and academic standing.
Mid-year Retention Intervention (MRI) The MRI meeting is a great option for students on academic probation. FYI advisors can create an individualized strategy for students based on current class load, work or activity schedules, learning styles, and personal motivations. FYI guides students through the probationary process by explaining what probation is, but what performance is required to return to good academic standing.
Academic Workshops The FYI program hosts one-on-one, small group, in-class, and residence hall workshops. Our advisors will create a customized meeting for a student or faculty requesting a new workshop or may select one from our established collection of workshops. These workshops include:
College Expectations
Test Taking
Overview of Study Skills
Time Management
How to Take Better Notes
Test Anxiety
How to Read Textbooks More Efficiently
Events
FYI wants students to excel both in and out of the classroom. As a result, FYI coordinates Catapalooza and Study Breaks. Catapalooza is our multi-day welcome event at the beginning of each fall semester, bringing hundreds of businesses and groups to campus. It is a unique opportunity to score freebies and find out about available student opportunities. Meanwhile, our study breaks provide a venue for stress relief, free entertainment, activities, and free food at the close of each semester.
FYI Helpline
Questions? FYI also hosts the Helpline, making MSU’s best resource for student success only a phone call away. Parents, family members, and students are welcome to call (406) 994 – 7359 for questions about courses, living options, curriculums, programs, resources, and any of the other confusing logistics of college!
Students and parents are also invited to email, chat, or instant message our advisors. Please email retent@montana.edu for more information. Our parent site is available at www.montana.edu/parents.
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