First Year Experience
First Year Freshmen: You have been invited to apply for a new and exciting program...
FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE: Foundation for Academic Success at Fresno State
Become one of only 200 students chosen to participate in a new approach for a successful Freshman year of college and beyond.
Questions and Answers
These questions will be refined and added to as questions come in. We encourage you to please check this page often.
What is the purpose of FYE?
*CSU Fresno is one of fifteen (15) universities nationwide selected by the Wal-Mart Foundation to receive a grant to develop a program to support first-time freshmen needing to take English and math remediation, and who are the first generation in their family to attend college.
*There are no wasted classes, no additional classes. Every class you take will fulfill either the remediation for English and math, or general education requirements.
*Many general education courses on campus have class sizes of 200 or more, making a one-to-one relationship with the teacher difficult.
Why should I apply to FYE?
*Extra support during your freshman year
*Required English and Math classes built into your program
*Easy registration – all classes bundled
*Classes in the morning (M-F)
*Faculty chosen to work together to support the 200 students
*Make friends, study-pals with the 199 other students
*Special support services provided
*Classes guaranteed both semesters
How was I selected to apply?
All those asked to apply are freshman of promise who have met Fresno State admissions requirements and need to complete remediation courses in English and Math while beginning their college experience.
Can my friend apply?
Only if they received an email asking them to apply.
What are the classes?
CLASSES for fall: English 5A, Math 4R, Literacy & Early Education 80T, History 12
CLASSES for spring: English 5B, Pol Sci 2, Comm 3 or 8, Biology 10, Critical Thinking courses
Can I take other classes?
YES. You can take a course in the afternoon or evening such as a major prerequisite, performance, or activity class. To assist your success in this first year, It is NOT recommended that you take more than one other academic class without special advising.
Will this work with my major?
YES. All students asked to apply need the English and Math course and all other courses apply to the required GE program needed for all majors.
What classes will fulfill the math and English requirements I need?
The English 5A and 5B meet the English requirement. Math 4R meets the Math requirement. You must successfully complete the courses.
Can I just participate in the Fall semester?
NO. If you apply you will participate for both semesters (fall and spring).
How many units will I earn?
You have the opportunity to earn 24-30 units toward graduation.
How many General Education (GE) units will I earn?
You can earn 21 units of GE. You will meet the areas of A1, A2, A3, B2, D1, D2, & E.
Can I Drop Courses?
Students will be required to take and remain in all 12 units in the fall, and 15 units in the spring. Courses will be linked and selected courses cannot be dropped.
Will this program allow me to work?
YES. You have the afternoon and evening for employment. Remember that you need to allow for study time each day while in college.
What is a mentor?
A mentor is a volunteer faculty member, staff, or former FYE student who provides guidance, friendship and support and serves as a role model to students. A mentor gives personal attention, help, advice, information and encouragement and provides students with the essential tools needed to graduate from college and pursue graduate work.
What is service-learning?
Fresno State is an engaged university; providing services to our region and community. As a cohort your faculty will link course conversations with services and issues in our community.
If I apply is admission to this program guaranteed?
NO. We anticipate that this program will be popular due to the support offered and the guaranteed courses once accepted. We would encourage you to apply today.
If admitted to this program is course registration guaranteed?
YES. Once you have been selected you will be provided the course registration numbers for a ‘no sweat’ registration. You will not have the experience of closed courses or taking classes at times that you do not prefer.
When is the application due?
FRIDAY, JUNE 3, 2011
When will I be notified of my acceptance into FYE?
Students selected will be notified by FRIDAY, JUNE 10th. Please watch your CSU email for the message. Alternates will be notified if a space opens up during the summer.
How will I know what classes to register for?
You will be provided the registration numbers. Remember – once selected your spot will be saved for you to enroll.
If selected how much time do I have to decide?
You will have two weeks after your Dog Days to enroll in the courses. If you have not enrolled by then your spot in the program will be offered to an alternate.
What else do I need to know?
The main form of communication at Fresno State is Fresno State e-mail. If you have not already done so, it is HIGHLY recommended that you access your Fresno State e-mail account (go to 'Settings' and then 'Accounts') and list your personal e-mail address so a copy of everything sent to your Fresno State e-mail automatically forwards to your personal e-mail account. By doing this, you only need to check your personal e-mail and will not be left out of important notices, announcements, etc.
First-time freshmen are often unaware that they are held accountable for the information that is sent to their Fresno State e-mail by the various offices on campus (eg., Admissions, Financial Aid, Dean of Undergraduate Studies, etc.)
May 13, 2011