First Year Experience

                                                                  PSF 4 06/07                                                         

                                                                                                                                           

1) Membership

The Committee shall consist of:

   (a) The two Co-Directors (faculty and staff), ex-officio, voting.

   (b) First-Year Coordinator, ex-officio, voting.

   (c) Six faculty, appointed by the University Committee.

Appointed members should broadly represent the divisional structure, but must have significant contact with first-year students.

   (d) Three academic staff, appointed by the Academic Staff Committee.

Appointed members must have significant contact with first-year students, with consideration given to people with experience on OMSA, in the Advising Center, or with ESS.

   (e) Two Students, selected by PSGA, with the recommendation that they come from Tutoring or be an active RA.

(2) Term of Office

   Members of the Committee shall serve three-year terms. Staggered terms of two and three years would be appropriate for the first incarnation of the Committee.

(3) Chair

The Chair shall be elected from among the faculty members of the Committee.

(4) Purpose

The purpose of the Committee shall be to assist the Faculty and Staff, in cooperation with the Administration and appropriate governance committees, in organizing, reviewing, evaluating and improving the first-year experience of Parkside students.

(5) Functions

The Committee shall be charged with developing a comprehensive and consistent program for first-year students.  The Committee shall guide, coordinate, implement and evaluate all facets (policies and programs) related to students’ First Year Experience at Parkside, including:

   a) Orientation, particularly Phase 2 Orientation.

   b) Mentoring programs, including Tutoring.

   c) Actions to increase collaboration among all members of the Parkside community to improve the first-year experience.

   d) Work with Learning Assistance to improve learning and performance of first-year students in developmental courses.

   e) Work with the General Education Committee and the Departments to improve learning and performance of first-year students in their academic coursework.

   f) Work with the Advising Center to improve learning and performance of first-year students in their academic coursework.

   g) Establishment of programs for exceptional first-year students.

   h) Recommendations for improving these programs on the basis of the Committee's ongoing assessment.

   i) Seeking and administering institutional and non-institutional funds for the support of its activities.

   j) Advice to the Administration and Faculty Senate on actions related to this charge.

(6) Procedures

In carrying out its responsibilities and functions, the Committee shall conduct studies and reviews, make recommendations, consult with other committees, and consult with and advise the Faculty and Administration.