First Year Experience (FYE) instructors at Dalton State had the chance to learn from professionals in the field recently when they spent a day-long retreat on campus participating in interactive educational workshops.

The goal of FYE programs is to increase student awareness of college life and to give college students the skills needed to succeed. Coordinated on campus by Jody Trost and funded through Title 3, FYE is required for all first-time, full-time DSC students.

During the May 11 workshops, FYE instructors participated in sessions focusing on Learning Communities, Peer Leaders, Time Management, and Learning Styles.

“The four presenters provided a variety of sessions geared to many learning preferences,” said Linda Wheeler, Director of ACE and Academic Advising.

John Zavodny, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, who also serves as the Chair of Instruction and Advising at Unity College in Maine, discussed the value of reflective practice groups and Learning Commons.

“John’s experience in FYE was clear as he based his sessions in research and best practices,” Wheeler remarked.

Julia Roberts, who calls herself “the other Julia,” is a graduate student at Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Reflecting upon both her graduate studies and her undergraduate experiences, Roberts talked about the importance of peer leadership and described what the ideal student experience can look like.

UNC at Greensboro staffers Tammy Alt, an Academic Advisor, and Kristen Chistman, the Assistant Director of Student Academic Services, team-taught interactive sessions on goal setting, motivation, and inquiry and reflection.

“What we gained from these FYE workshops will further help provide our students with the success skills needed in the academic world,” Wheeler said.