Que Pasa, OSU?

Laura Lembo-Kraus is the Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience. She works with the rest of the FYE team to create a line up of exciting, informative, fun events and programs especially focused on first year students and the issues they may encounter as they transition to college. The FYE team makes an effort to offer programs covering a diverse array of topics so that there is something for everyone. This year, FYE will be sponsoring more than 200 programs Autumn Quarter alone.

As the university welcomes the entering class of 2003 to their first year at The Ohio State University, we know that, academically, students will be creating their own world, filled with exciting coursework and interesting faculty members. This new world will also be filled with a host of “first year experiences”, designed to enhance the academic experience and support all students in achieving the ultimate goal: a successful college experience leading to graduation. The most important foundations for that success are built during the first year of college.

The Office of Undergraduate Admission and First Year Experience, along with many other campus constituencies, sponsors programs, activities and events specifically targeted toward enhancing student’s first year experience. All of our initiatives are designed to help students maximize their first year at Ohio State by focusing on three themes: Learning to Navigate Ohio State, Getting in the Conversation, and Becoming a Buckeye.

Navigating the university is more than just learning where classes are located, or how to use CABS. Being successful means discovering where to turn to for help: for academics, social concerns, financial questions and emotional needs. First year students quickly realize that Ohio State is a complex place. Managing that complexity can be a challenge, but we want to support first year students in this new effort.

Education isn’t a passive experience. It’s a vibrant exchange of ideas. Nowhere is that more true than at a place like Ohio State. We want our newest students to debate, question and contribute in the classroom, in their residence halls and in student activities. Their first year at Ohio State provides an opportunity to explore values and beliefs and to get energized by the diversity of thought and culture that is all around them. Successful students understand the difference between pursuing an education and getting a degree.

Also, key to a successful first year at Ohio State is a heart-felt membership in the greater university community. The opportunities are vast, but one thing is true: promising students get invested in Ohio State and the people around them. Our campus becomes home to first year students as they learn the traditions and lore that permeates the university.

First Year Experience has many initiatives in place to help new entering freshmen adjust to college life (both academically and socially):

FYE sponsors events for the entire first year class, which includes new transfer students and regional campus change students; anyone who is new to the Columbus Campus. Our activities facilitate getting students, including Latin@ students, connected with resources across campus. We begin the year with two special “welcome events”: the President’s Convocation and Buckeye Welcome.
Convocation is the official “Welcome” to Ohio State on the Monday prior to the start of students’ first year. This year, students met President Karen Holbrook, were treated to a surprise appearance from Senior Quarterback Craig Krenzel, experienced their first academic procession, and learned some of the history and traditions of Ohio State including the words to the Ohio State alma mater, Carmen Ohio.
This year, we sponsored a new event: Buckeye Welcome, especially for new transfer students and students who have changed to the Columbus Campus from one of our regional campuses. Recognizing that students who already have some college experience under their belt have different needs, we had a special event just for them. Buckeye Welcome included greetings from our Provost, Barbara Snyder and a reflection on transferring to Ohio State from Josh Harraman, the Undergraduate Chair of Welcome Week. Special gifts, including a Buckeye and Block “o” pin, were handed out to symbolize membership in the Ohio State family. A reception for students and their families followed the event.

Through the First Year Success Series, a year round initiative, we offer options for students to choose what interests them and what information they need. For instance, a student who is concerned with managing finances might choose to attend one of the many sessions put on by our Office of Student Financial Aid. A student interested in exploring a career in business may choose to attend a presentation offered by a high ranking Vice President at The Limited or by an executive with the Columbus Blue Jackets or Bob Evans.

Additionally, FYE enjoys opportunities to collaborate with other offices and departments on campus who also initiate programs for first year students. Residence Life, Residence Education, Student Affairs, the individual Colleges, are only a few of the groups we will be working with this coming year. We are especially excited to be co-sponsoring “Faberge, Fashion and Fun: A Night at the Columbus Museum of Art”. Students, faculty and staff will head downtown one evening in late October to enjoy a night at the museum, complete with speakers, a live band and food.

On April 14th, 2004, we will be hosting former governor of New York, Mario Cuomo. Governor Cuomo will be our 2nd Annual First Year Distinguished Speaker and will address the first year class on leadership, ethics and national service.

Ways for a a new Latin@ freshman become involved with First Year Experience programs:

We would be delighted to have any new Latin@ freshman come be a part of FYE! All first year students are invited to attend as many of the FYE programs, presentations, and events as they choose. All the programs offered through FYE are designed to address issues that first year students may encounter as they transition to Ohio State. Students can check out our programs at www.fye.osu.edu. We invite all our students to apply for one of the many leadership opportunities available through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience including being an Orientation Leader, a University Ambassador (tour guide) or an FYE Connections Team member.

The First Year Experience Living and Learning programs:

Living and learning programs are overseen by the Office of Housing and Residence Education. Our colleagues in that area do an excellent job in providing students with distinct housing opportunities and have one of the most highly ranked programs in the country.
Students live with classmates with similar goals and get a chance to extend their studies beyond the classroom and into their daily living experience. Each living-learning program is different in its application requirements, its academic activities, and in the opportunities it offers for personal growth. Each incorporates special social, cultural, academic, and leadership activities related to specific goals. All programs have a serious sense of purpose, and residents must be
willing to participate in the program’s activities and to contribute to its success. Programs are grouped into the categories of Academics, Cultural, Lifestyle, Honors and Scholars, and Cooperative Housing Programs. You can learn more about LLP’s at osuhousing.com.
What is Ohio State trying to do to retain students in general? How does this apply to Latin@ students in particular?:
Retention is certainly a highly sought after goal for the university, but the ultimate goal is graduation. We feel the foundation for both retention and graduation must be built during the student’s first year at the University. First quarter alone, FYE sponsors over 200 events, programs and presentations specifically targeting first year students. It is our hope that these programs will help students to successfully navigate the OSU campus and its vast resources, help them to become engaged both academically and socially, and promote their Buckeye Spirit. When students feel connected to the university, they are retained and graduated at a higher rate.