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Division of Academic Affairs

For Counselors & Family

If your student or son/daughter is planning to attend Fresno State in the Fall of 2017, needs to fulfill remediation, and is a first-generation college student, they may be eligible for the First Year Experience Program.

  • The FYE program was developed at Fresno State to increase the retention rate among first-time freshman, as well as support first-time freshman needing to complete their English and Math remediation. The program is geared towards helping first-generation students stay in college and reduce the time it takes for them to graduate from the university.
  • FYE is set up so each student in the program is part of a learning community of peers, which provides them with social and academic support throughout their freshman experience.
  • Students within the FYE program will be enrolled in classes that fulfill either the remediation requirements for English and Math or General Education (GE) requirements. The class sizes are smaller, allowing for a closer relationship between instructors and students, and the faculty are student-focused

  • Proven fact that FYE students on average have a higher GPA than other first-time freshman students after the first semester.
  • Students in the FYE program receive extra support from both peers and instructors during their freshman year, aiding their success.
  • The required English and Math remediation courses are conveniently built into the program, keeping FYE students on track with their courses.
  • Each student is part of a learning community, so registration is made very simple because all classes are bundled together. Classes for FYE students are also guaranteed for both the Fall and Spring semesters.
  • FYE Program courses are usually scheduled in the mornings and early afternoon, allowing for ample study time or time for a part-time job if needed.

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What does the First Year Experience (FYE) program offer?
  • The FYE program was developed at Fresno State to increase the retention rate among first-time freshman, as well as support first-time freshman needing to complete their English and Math remediation. The program is geared towards helping first-generation students stay in college and reduce the time it takes for them to graduate from the university.
  • FYE is set up so each student in the program is part of a learning community of peers, which provides them with social and academic support throughout their freshman experience.
  • Students within the FYE program will be enrolled in classes that fulfill either the remediation requirements for English and Math or General Education (GE) requirements. The class sizes are smaller, allowing for a closer relationship between instructors and students, and the faculty are student-focused
Benefits of being a part of the FYE program
  • Proven fact that FYE students on average have a higher GPA than other first-time freshman students after the first semester.
  • Students in the FYE program receive extra support from both peers and instructors during their freshman year, aiding their success.
  • The required English and Math remediation courses are conveniently built into the program, keeping FYE students on track with their courses.
  • Each student is part of a learning community, so registration is made very simple because all classes are bundled together. Classes for FYE students are also guaranteed for both the Fall and Spring semesters.
  • FYE Program courses are usually scheduled in the mornings and early afternoon, allowing for ample study time or time for a part-time job if needed.
FYE program eligibility

Students are eligible for the First Year Experience program if they are first-generation Freshman who require remediation in English and Math. Eligible students will receive an invitation to apply to FYE. Selected students will be notified prior to Dog Days and will be automatically enrolled into their Fall 2016 courses. Students must also meet Early Start requirements before being admitted to the University. Failure to meet Early Start requirements will result in students being disenrolled from the university.

Classes offered in the FYE program

Fall 2017 Courses:

  • English 5A (remediation requirement)*
  • Math 4R lecture & activity (remediation requirement)*
  • Literacy & Early Education 80T (GE Area E1)
  • Political Science 2 (GE Area D2)
  • Communication 8 (GE Area A1)

Spring 2018 Courses:

  • English 5B (GE Area A2)*
  • History 12 (GE Area D1)
  • Biology 10 lecture & lab (GE Area B2)
  • Interdisciplinary 50 (GE Area A3)

 

The above courses total 28 units towards graduation and cover GE areas A1, A2, A3, B2, D1, D2, E, and the remediation requirements, while leaving room for either a major course or another GE course.

Other important information about the FYE program

Other Important Information About the FYE Program:

  • Students participating in the FYE program must participate in both the Fall and Spring semesters.
  • Students are required to take and remain in all 15 units in the Fall and 12-15 units in the Spring. Courses will be linked and selected courses cannot be dropped.
  • Concurrent enrollment in the FYE Program and the DISCOVERe Mobile Technology Program.
  • If you apply for the FYE program, acceptance is NOT guaranteed, so we encourage you to apply by the deadline date in your invitation letter.

Useful Resources:

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University Outreach Services

The University Outreach Services at Fresno State provide your son/daughter/student with many resources to learn more about the campus they may be attending. Some services include Campus Tours (either for you and your family or with a group), an Information Request Form that adds you to our information mailing list, and much more information regarding the campus and what is has to offer!

DISCOVERe Mobile Technology Program

Students who are enrolled in the First Year Experience Program are automatically signed up for Fresno State's DISCOVERe Mobile Technology Program! 

Financial Aid

Link to the Financial Aid Office, which can help you with any questions regarding your financial aid and/or student loans and other finance-related questions. 

The Kennel Bookstore

The Fresno State Kennel Bookstore is conveniently located on campus and provides students with a resourceful place for purchasing text books, books, school supplies, clothing, snacks, printing services, electronics (such as laptops, desktops, tablets, and accessories), gifts, and much more!

Early Start

The Early Start program was launched as an admission requirement at every California State University campus. Incoming freshman must meet Early Start requirements before beginning their first semester of college. Early Start participation is based on your English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) exam scores. For more information visit the Fresno State Early Start webpage.

Helpful Hints & Tips for the Students' Families:

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Get to Know the Campus

10 Things That Make Fresno State Unique!

Fast Facts About Fresno State

Interactive Campus Map: Fresno State

Printable Campus Map (Color, 8.5 x 11) PDF

Getting to Know the Campus & Parking

Campus Services

Campus Safety Information

Campus Tours

Accept Change

As your son or daughter moves into this next phase of life, he/she will develop more of an individual identity. This is very natural, but it doesn't mean you are loved less or the values you have taught them are being rejected. It simply means your son or daughter is becoming independent.

Be Supportive

Understand that while financial support is important, it is not the only type of support your son or daughter will need from you. Don't expect your son or daughter to work so many hours they never truly experience college. Try to find a balance.

Co-Curricular Activities

Encourage your son or daughter to get involved with some campus activities, clubs and/or organizations. Involvement helps them achieve a sense of ownership for the campus, as well as helping develop important skills which no classroom can provide. Research shows this kind of involvement is closely related to academic success in college. Down below is a link to our Fresno State Student Involvement Website, with more information.

Student Involvement at Fresno State

High Stress Times

Know when your son or daughter's high stress times occur. Midterms and finals are some of the times when your son or daughter will need your support. Try to be patient and understanding if some frustration is redirected to you. You may want to send a special email, text message, or care package to them to help ease their stress. Below are links to our current and next years' Instruction Days & Holidays, which includes a schedule of final exams.

2015-2016 Academic Year (Instruction Days & Holidays)

2016-2017 Academic Year (Instruction Days & Holidays)

Send Mail Quickly

If your son or daughter is using your home address as the mailing address to which campus correspondence is sent, it is imperative you forward this mail immediately. 

Your Involvement

Try not to become too involved in your son or daughter's college experience. Let them make informed decisions and accept the consequences.

Understanding Each Other's Perspective

This can be difficult but very necessary. A good example is a son or daughter who has moved away for college and lives on their own. When they come home to visit and a parent perhaps imposes a curfew, they generally feel they do not have a curfew at school, so why now? You may feel it is in your child's best interest or safety. This is one of those seemingly minor things, which left unresolved could potentially drive a wedge between you and your son or daughter.

Surprise Visits & Why They Aren't a Good Idea

Dropping in on your son or daughter unexpectedly could make for an uncomfortable situation. Although as parents you have the best of intentions, it is quite possible that your son or daughter may have plans. Often one phone call can make for a much more pleasant visit. This will give them ample time to plan activities for you to do together, and you will both enjoy the visit much more.

Parents of a Commuting Son or Daughter

With potential distractions, the home environment may not be the best place to study. Studying on campus could keep your son or daughter away from home longer during the day, but will likely provide them with a better working environment.

If Your Son/Daughter is Looking for a Job

Career Development Center - Job Search Preparation

Career Development Center - FAQ

Jobs on Campus

Jobs and Internships

HireTopDogs (formerly BulldogLink)