Welcome to FYI: A First Year Introduction

FYI was a great way to meet people and really special because it is unique to Wofford. When I met one of my good friends now for the first time, I remembered reading his FYI profile and knew where he got his nickname!
-  Meredith Walker ‘10

The goal of Wofford’s First Year Interface program is to accelerate a first year student’s interaction, involvement, and impact at Wofford.

The FYI program at Wofford College presents a series of opportunities for students who have decided to join the Wofford community in the fall of 2008. FYI includes the formal orientation programs but expands during the first year giving students opportunities to interact and learn as a community of First Year Students. For certain students, FYI also provides some special opportunities for co-curricular support once you arrive at Wofford.

FYI: Interface

The First Year Interface begins in the spring by providing a website designed to build community, stimulate conversation, foster collegial relationships, and open communication with fellow students. Access to the FYI website is available to all new students who have paid a deposit to attend Wofford in the fall. Students can log in to create online profiles, find roommates, participate in discussion, share their talents, and ask important questions about Wofford. The front page is designed to share pertinent information with a broader audience.

FYI: Interact

Interaction certainly begins in cyberspace, but is followed by several opportunities for students to begin meeting each other in person. The Interaction starts with a summer experience in mid-June with a day of activities on Wofford’s campus to address basic concerns and broader issues as they relate to campus life. Students have a chance to meet future roommates, become acquainted with the orientation staff, and have a meal together. Information sessions for parents and students help to answer the questions about preparing for life at Wofford.
           
The Summit is an outdoor retreat for first year students in late August. A majority of first year students choose to attend the Summit. It is a great way to spend the last few days of the summer, getting to know the other first year students in a relaxed environment. Not so adventurous? Don’t worry! The adventurous activities are optional, and the name of the game is relaxation, reflection and simple fun.

After the Summit, formal Orientation begins on the campus. This four day program is designed for new students to have a successful beginning to their Wofford career. We also have a lot of fun during orientation. There will be times to meet and interact with students in your class and with upperclassmen to begin those life long friendships that are developed in college.

One highlight of the orientation program is the Novel Experience. Students have the opportunity to interact with a contemporary novelist through reading, writing, conversation, and dining experiences.

FYI: Involve

Each year several sections of Humanities 101 are selected to participate in a special part of the FYI program. As a part of your first year experience your humanities section may be invited to share lunch together once a week for the first eight weeks. This program is designed to involve students in the issues that face every first year student. Lunches are organized by residential peer mentors (RPMs), members of the Wofford staff, and Humanities Professors. Involvement and reflection on early experiences has proven to be valuable and meaningful to students who have participated in these small group meals. Humanities sections typically are selected randomly for this opportunity. You won’t want to miss a session if your group is chosen to participate.

FYI: Impact

Impact Wofford is a program that begins in the spring semester. Invitations are extended to first year students who demonstrate academic excellence in their first semester at the college. Students invited to the program are believed to be future candidates for top scholarships, fellowships, and other opportunities at the college and outside of the college by the time they are seniors. Impact also serves as a think tank of talented first year students who put their minds toward improving the college together.

What have current first year students said about the FYI program?

"I thought the website was a GREAT idea and it even helped me to meet my roommate (who I get along with and couldn't see myself rooming with anyone else)."                                                                                                      – Victoria Osborne `11

"The Summit really helped us to get to know our classmates right away, and caused us to form relationships that will last a lifetime." br /> - Forrest Bridges '10

"The FYI lunch program provided a great opportunity to get to know classmates outside of the classroom and to share insights about personal college experiences. It also helped in the overall college transition. Talking to my classmates about issues and hearing similar concerns/feelings made the first few weeks a lot easier."
- Aldina Dautovic '10

"My Orientation experience at Wofford was the best I could ask for. The Summit was perfect for getting to know the friends and classmates that I would be spending the next four years of my life!"
- Caitlin Buxton '10

Welcome to Wofford Class of 2011! Welcome to FYI!