The First-Year Experience

The First-Year Experience

The First-Year Experience Program supports and engages first-time and new transfer students as they transition to Keuka College, employing a holistic approach that combines academic and social support across the 8 dimensions of wellness. Faculty, staff, administration, and returning students work together to ensure our new students thrive at Keuka College. Our program encourages active participation in both curricular and co-curricular activities.

Key components of the program include:

New Student Orientation (NSO): Before classes begin, new students participate in Wolf Week, a vibrant week-long experience that prioritizes community building, information sharing, and defining campus culture. From hands-on workshops to interactive learning sessions with campus resources, NSO is designed to ease the transition into student life with plenty of fun and meaningful opportunities along the way.

First-Year Advising: See section on Academic Advising. At Keuka College, we are committed to ensuring students are on track to achieve their academic goals and make the most of their college experience. During NSO, first-year and new transfer students meet their faculty advisors, also referred to as academic advisors. Faculty advisors are in the student’s major and/or minor field of study and help students with Field Period, 4-year course planning, Registration and much more. In addition, each first-year student is assigned an academic success coach dedicated to guiding them through their first year. These coaches provide resources for personal and academic challenges, and connect students to campus services.

Peer Mentoring: This program offers one-to-one support for first-year students, starting at New Student Orientation. Peer mentors facilitate connections, provide guidance on navigating college and the community, and engage in intentional outreach throughout the academic year. Our Peer Mentors build strong relationships with new students, fostering student success and personal growth.

Academic Support: At Keuka College, we have a range of academic support, from writing and subject tutoring to supplemental instruction. Advisors, success coaches, and peer mentors actively support students by identifying potential challenges early on. The College employs Slate for Student Success as an early-alert and progress report system, ensuring timely interventions and personalized support.

Coursework: Specially designed first-year courses, such as KC-101 and College Writing, help students acclimate to college life and develop essential skills for successful learning.

First-Year Programming: Many exciting opportunities and programs are offered and first-year students are actively encouraged and supported to get involved, join clubs, participate in activities, student government and more.