All members have been reading the text provided. We decided to begin by reviewing the FYE programs at the COPLAC and Morris 14 schools. Each member is responsible for researching the FYE program at a number of schools to compare practices. We will compile the information and share it with the full committee.

Discussion on foundation for a successful program:
• Successful programs have a clear mission, cohesive programming across departments, shared values and built on consensus of the community
• Strong leadership is required to get universal participation.

Additional observations for consideration:
• Must establish goals for the whole student body that begin in the first year.
• Develop core courses for first year students that include discussions to develop cohort identity and unity.
• Need something to pull first year elements together (a space or events) to create a more cohesive experience for everyone – to help single identity rather than looking at the first year students as segments of a population.
• What activities, discussion or events can anchor what is happening in the classroom –expectations and outcomes of what students do in the classroom needs to have meaning in a larger context.
• Develop a theme for whole student body – all activities should clearly be connected to the theme or goals established.
• Define and clarify outcomes and expectations for all students. Students need to understand them and why they are doing it.
• What is liberal arts? What is the message we articulate to students; how is it put into practice in courses and activities.
• Intrigued by the concept of a 2 week course prior to start of classes (Eckerd College model) – something like our Gateway program’s structure. This acknowledges entire student body’s transition to college level learning as well as changing demographics.
• Consider the message and structure of our current FYS course. What is the function of FYS: should it be academic focus or introduction to higher education? What action if any, should be taken?
• UMM appears to have many of the key elements of a successful FYE program but seems to lack cohesiveness and unity.

Race in home neighborhood:
Non white – 42% (n=38)
Mostly white – 32% (n=226)

Religious preference:
Catholic – 29% (n=65)
Lutheran – 32% (n=56)
Other Christian – 29% (n=69)
Other religion – 42% (n=26)
None – 47% (n=59)

Self rated academic ability
Upper 10% - 26% (n=55)
Not upper 10% - 36% (n=216)

Self rated emotional health:
Upper 10% - 28% (n=39)
Not upper 10% - 36% (n=233)

Self rated physical health:
Upper 10% - 45% (n=31)
Not upper 10% - 33% (n=242)

Self rated religiousness:
Upper 10% - 37% (n=27)
Not upper 10% - 34% (n=244)

Time spent partying:
Less than 1 hour – 31% (n=169)
1-5 hours – 41% (n=68)
6 or more hours – 38% (n=31)

Time spent in clubs/groups
Less than 1 hour – 39% (n=109)
1-5 hours – 32% (n=108)
6 or more hours – 31% (n=52)

Time spent watching TV
Less than 1 hour – 47% (n=55)
1-5 hours – 36% (n=138)
6 or more hours – 25% (n=76)

Time spent playing video games
Less than 1 hour – 40% (n=135)
1-5 hours – 30% (n=83)
6 or more hours – 29% (n=51)

This College is my:
First choice – 28% (n=200)
Second choice – 48% (n=54)
Third or lower choice – 66% (n=21)

Number of other colleges applied to:
0-2 – 29% (n=144)
3+ - 42% (n=130)

Reason for coming to UMM: Academic reputation:
Very important – 30% (n=205)
Not important – 49% (n=67)

Reason for coming to UMM: Social Activities/reputation
Very important – 28% (n=75)
Not important – 37% (n=198)

Reason for coming to UMM: could not afford 1st choice:
Very important – 48% (n=42)
Not important – 32% (n=228)

Reason for coming to UMM: size of this school
Very important – 23% (n=145)
Not important – 47% (n=127)

Reason for coming to UMM: ranking in national magazine
Very important – 26% (n=68
Not important – 37% (n=203)

Reason for coming to UMM: campus visit
Very important – 20% (n=110)
Not important – 45% (n=164)

Chance will change major before graduation
Not good chance – 32% (n=226)
Very good chance – 47% (n=49)

Chance will change career choice before graduation
Not good chance – 31% (n=213)
Very good chance – 48% (n=61)

Future goal to be successful in own business
Somewhat important goal – 28% (n=205)
Very important goal – 42% (n=38)