The College Experience

Why did I form The College Experience (TCE)?

First Year Experience has been sliced off of the budget, leaving countless students without any way of getting fully oriented and accustomed to life as a college student. I tried to get the administration to reinstate the FYE program at my University, but to no avail. So, I am setting up an FYE program via Facebook for everyone who is about to take that giant leap from high school to college.

Success has many definitions. To many college students, success is simply graduating. To some, success means being the life of the party while still passing their classes. For others, their success is self-measured by how involved they are in student and community organizations as they complete their degrees.

I've created The College Experience (TCE) as an online replacement for FYE, since they can't afford to pay teachers to teach it in real time.

The best part for you all is that this is not a class and I am not a teacher. I am a perpetual student in my third degree, a Ph.D. program in Higher Education. I am also an advisor full time for Florida State University.

• Those are just my jobs though. Me? I am a writer, a dancer, and a hardcore video gamer. I am just a student, like all of you. I've been where you are, and I know where you're headed. My experience is now your how-to guide, and I offer it willingly and freely. Please take it.
  
  
  ***What TCE will do***

  -Post blogs and articles relative to undergraduates on subjects like degree requirements, study tips, sports, campus news, etc.

  • -Offer online tutoring in multiple subjects and allow students to network with each other for in-person tutoring and study group opportunities
  • -Give students any information about college that they need. I will answer any and all questions relative to TCE.

    I will not give out assignments nor will you have to take any tests. The best parts of FYE courses had nothing to do with tests and papers. They had to do with friendships, networking, study-tips, technology and coursework help, learning how to get football tickets, finding the best restaurants in your new city, finding out which clubs have 20 and under specials, and other things not found in any orientation pamphlet. I'm going to post anything I find that will help you all get through school with the ease of getting through the first level of Super Mario Galaxy. Student success begins before they even enroll

    o Orientation

  • +++++++This is supposed to serve in bridging the gap between high school and college
  • +++++++“Orientation is designed to help students transition to college and assist family members in understanding their students’ experience during this exciting time.” – FSU Orientation Web site
  • +++++++Two day introduction to campus, policy, and general life as a college student
  • +++++++The transition assistance cannot end here
    

    o Social affects academic

  • +++++++TCE is designed to help students make friends at their school and around the world
  • +++++++TCE is designed to help students become aware of and involved with student organizations and recreational activities/groups in their own schools as well as globally
  • +++++++TCE is designed to help students feel more comfortable with the campus, town, and college environment quickly and in a safe collective.

    o Academic acclimation assistance

  • +++++++College courses are much different than high school
  • +++++++-------->Structure
  • +++++++-------->ooo Lecture-style: Large lecture halls, 1 teacher per 200+ students ooo Reading-Discussion style small group courses
  • +++++++-------->Workload
  • +++++++-------->ooo Workload is significantly increased
  • +++++++-------->ooo Self responsibility for assignments and due dates (Don't have mom or dad to help wake you up in the morning or remind you that you have a test!)
  • +++++++-------->Assessment
  • +++++++-------->ooo Multiple Choice testing is not often an option
  • +++++++-------->ooo Greater emphasis on writing and critical thought
    
    
    

    Just a few thoughts to leave you with:

    “Just 54 percent of students entering four-year colleges in 1997 had a degree six years later.” -Associated Press, Diverse Issues in Higher Education (http://www.diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_6422.shtml)

    Only approximately 50% of students who enroll graduate.

  
  
  
  
  

  The College Experience Blog
  

  The College Experience Blog, updated daily M-F with important news, words of wisdom/caution, or points of interest to any and all current and future college undergrads.
  
  
  
  

  Thank you for visiting The College Experience. Please join our group on Facebook and feel free to ask any questions on the blog or in the Facebook group. All questions will be answered to the best of my ability and knowledge regarding any subject pertinent to undergraduate life! All questions can be kept confidential at the discretion of the inquisitor.