March 2003 Department Feature

Ball State's freshman programs topped more than 100 colleges and universities in August 2002.

After reviewing nominations from 130 colleges and universities, the Policy Center on the First Year of College, a research center in Brevard, North Carolina, recognized Ball State and 11 other colleges as "Institutions of Excellence in the First College Year." They based their decision on applications and a brief narrative explaining each institution's first-year programs.

"Our level of institutional commitment is very, very high," says Laura Helms, assistant to the dean and director of academic programs. "This award recognizes what we did well in the freshman year and what we are going to do beyond that."

As an "Institution of Excellence in the First College Year," university officials are awaiting a book written by the Center that will outline first-year programs from all over the United States.

The two authors who will publish their book in late 2003 visited Ball State in November 2002 to look at the university's programs first-hand.

Tom Lowe, dean of University College, says the representatives from the Policy Center spent two days discovering how Ball State encourages freshman students to utilize college life.

"Our overall goal is to have students not think of learning in 50-minute periods, but [also think of] experiences that continue in their residence halls," he says. The authors met with President Blaine Brownell and Provost Beverley Pitts, and also attended a meeting of the Freshman Learning Council, a group of students from campus organizations that discusses issues affecting freshmen.

Lowe says that Ball State's focus on five areas resulted in the high rating of its freshman programs. Included as a strength is the university core curriculum, which requires students to take courses in English, mathematics, science, social science, fine arts, and global studies.

Since its inception in 1997, the Freshman Connections program has improved performance of freshmen and increased the rate of students returning for the sophomore year. Helms says the program creates a link for students in the same residence hall by scheduling them in core curriculum classes together.

By grouping the students together, Lowe says, collaboration in and out of classes is more convenient, and that results in more faculty-led class study sessions and less apprehension about getting involved in residence life and campus activities.

Lowe says, though, that the success of Freshman Connections begins long before classes. He explains that once students attend freshman orientation and receive the Freshman Connections book, they realize the high expectations that the university sets during the first year.

Since its inception in 1997, the Freshman Connections program has improved performance of freshmen and increased the rate of students returning for the sophomore year. Helms says the program creates a link for students in the same residence hall by scheduling them in core curriculum classes together.

By grouping the students together, Lowe says, collaboration in and out of classes is more convenient, and that results in more faculty-led class study sessions and less apprehension about getting involved in residence life and campus activities.

Lowe says, though, that the success of Freshman Connections begins long before classes. He explains that once students attend freshman orientation and receive the Freshman Connections book, they realize the high expectations that the university sets during the first year.

Students begin preparing for college life by reading a book that faculty select each year. Recent selections included Night by Elie Wiesel, and A Woman in Amber by Agate Nesaule. Once students arrive in the fall, they have the opportunity to discuss readings with faculty, write about the selection in English courses, and attend a presentation by the author. "I like the idea of the book because it sets a tone for incoming students," Lowe says. "It provides a common experience not just for the students but all the faculty who want to get involved." Another strength is University College, which works with more than 4,000 students in a diverse range of responsibilities. It provides free peer tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic workshops, and professional advising for freshmen.

The panel examining the nominated universities selected finalists based on five criteria. They included evidence of a comprehensive plan for first-year improvement, an evaluation of freshman programs, and the proof that the programs impact significant numbers of first-year students. The panel also reviewed administrative support of first-year initiatives and the level of involvement among faculty, student affairs professionals, academic administrators, and other constituent groups.

by Andrea Paul