USF’s First-Year Experience (FYE) is a year-long program that helps first-year students transition to the many aspects of USF life — academic, social, cultural, and spiritual.

Through a combination of courses, programs, and events, you’ll:

• Develop the academic skills needed for university-level work
• Learn the foundational content and method of your major
• Understand USF’s Franciscan values and how they apply to contemporary society
• Connect to all USF resources
• Participate in leadership and community service activities
• Come to know faculty, staff, and so many other students!

FYE Core Programs & Components

• Orientation is an early step in your First Year Experience (FYE), laying the foundation for success before you ever step foot in a classroom. Through a combination of online NSO and Campus Connection Day, you’ll equip yourself with the information you need to be successful at USF and meet faculty, staff, & other students who will walk along with you through your FYE.
• Welcome Weekend is a fun & meaningful 3-day experience for all new students. You’ll experience the USF community in full swing, participate in time-honored traditions, learn about resources, attend sessions, and come away with everything you need for a transformative college experience.
• First Year Seminar, Engage, is an introductory course to university studies that all students take in their first year.
• The First Year Advising Program challenges and supports first-year students in making a successful transition to the college, feeling connected to and engaged with USF programs and resources, and in achieving academic, professional, and personal goals.
• Orientation and Welcome Leaders are student leaders who are trained to attend FYE classes and events with first year students, in order to assist in their USF transition.

As a result of your FYE, you’ll gain

• Insight through information, especially the resources, services, and technology needed
• New friendships with students and mentoring relationships with faculty and staff
• Ownership over your experience, the kind that comes with confidence and support
• The potential to transform as you grow through your USF experience