First-Year Experience Program

FYE is an integral part of every new Stag’s transition to Fairfield. Each student will be assigned a New Student Leader (NSL) and a Community Associate (CA), who serve as mentors and support new students through their transition into the Fairfield community. All new-to-Fairfield students are assigned a FYE seminar, facilitated by their NSL and CA, which meets weekly throughout their first semester. In addition to exploring common transitional topics such as academic planning, time management, homesickness, developing resiliency, and getting involved, students will attend numerous engagement events to further acclimate them to campus.

The goal of the First Year Experience program is to CONNECT students with each other, faculty, staff, and the University; to INSPIRE excellence; and for students to THRIVE holistically. FYE empowers students to take advantage of all Fairfield has to offer.

FYE-Themed Sections

Students will have the unique opportunity to indicate their interests in a variety of themed seminars. These sections allow students to hone in on a specific passion or immerse themselves in a new topic, as well as to meet other new students who share similar interests. Themed sections include Health and Wellness, Leadership through Service, STEM, and more.

Students sitting in a circle on a turf field participating in ice breakers.

FYE Events

As part of FYE, first-year students are required to attend a number of events throughout their first semester. These events help first years make connections with their peers, explore their interests, and become familiar with everything Fairfield has to offer. FYE events are constantly added throughout the Fall Semester and listed on for students to view.

New Student Leader interacting with the students in her FYE group.

New Student Leaders

New Student Leaders mentor new students throughout their first semester. They help develop community, facilitate the First Year Experience program, and serve as peer mentors.

Along with leading Orientation and Fall Welcome, NSLs plan and co-facilitate the FYE seminar once a week, have one-on-one meetings with their students to talk about challenges that arise, answer any questions, and share their personal experiences, tips and advice on how to get involved in the Fairfield community.

Community Associates

Community Associates (CAs) are a faculty/staff member who co-facilitates the First Year Experience seminar. They bring professional experience, wisdom, and guidance to the group.

Working closely with the NSLs as leadership mentors and guides, the CAs engage and assist the first-year students. Throughout the first year, CAs also meet with students one-on-one inside and outside of the classroom.

Convocation

Convocation traditionally marks the start of the academic year commemorated by a coming together of the Fairfield University community. In addition to welcoming new students, it is a time set aside for the community as a whole to reflect on not only academic pursuits but also the larger mission and values of the institution. Finally, the incoming class will receive their class gift.

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