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Freshman Intensive Studies "A Unique Freshman Experience for Motivated Students!". Information Session Winter 2008. Goals of Today’s Program. To learn about the FIS program and its academic requirements To answer questions about the program content and delivery
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Freshman Intensive Studies"A Unique Freshman Experience for Motivated Students!" Information Session Winter 2008
Goals of Today’s Program • To learn about the FIS program and its academic requirements • To answer questions about the program content and delivery • To help you determine if FIS is right for you
What is FIS? • A provisional admissions program for students with the potential to succeed in college, providing highly structured academic support during a student’s first year at FDU
FIS Mission Statement FIS seeks to foster the intellectual and personal development of our students through a comprehensive array of advising and learning services designed to aid students as they make the transition from high school to college. Through a supportive network of faculty, staff and advisors, students are encouraged to become self-advocating, active learners able to adapt to the increasingly complex global marketplace.
FIS is not…. • A program for students whose learning disabilities require the specialized services provided by the Regional Center for LD students—(ex. Accommodations requiring more than extended time for tests) • A program for students who are not fully committed to academic achievement and success • A program with different academic standards and expectations than the rest of the university
History of FIS • Began in 1984 at the College at Florham • Expanded to the Metropolitan campus in the 1990s • Over 1500 students have come through the FIS program in the past 24 years
The FIS Academic Program • All students enter as Undeclared majors • A reduced credit load during the first semester • FIS-only courses in disciplines such as English, Math, Political Science, Psychology and Sociology • An additional hour of instructional support weekly in FIS courses • Mandatory and Optional Individual and Group Learning Assistance, Study Groups and Academic Skills Workshops • Frequent Testing and Mid-Term Grade Reporting
Special Features of the FIS Program • Close collaboration and contact between FIS faculty and staff • Personalized Academic Advising • Academic Skills Development and Study Strategies provided by the FIS Learning Specialist • One-on-one learning assistance, study groups, and workshops • FIS-only Freshman Seminars
Additional Highlights of the FIS Program • Two (2) Tuition-Free courses (6 credits) during the 1st Summer Session 2009 at FDU (Fees and housing not included) • $2,000 annually renewable grant for students who successfully complete the FIS program
Frequently Asked Questions • What is the difference between FIS and the Regional Center?
FAQs • Is FIS strictly a remedial program? No. All FDU students (FIS and non-FIS) are placed into English, Math and Reading courses based upon Placement Testing. Students needing remediation in a specific area will receive it during their FIS year. Where remediation is not required, it is not given.
FAQs • What is the FIS Contract? The FIS contract formalizes a student’s agreement to abide by the terms of the FIS program and its expected standards of performance in and out of the classroom.
FAQs 2.0 What grades must I earn to continue my studies at FDU? All FDU students are expected to earn at least a 2.0 grade point average ("C") each semester. • If the student’s GPA in their FIS-supported classes falls below a 2.0 at mid-term grade reporting, students are placed on FIS Academic Alert • If the cumulative GPA is below a 2.0 at the end of the freshman year, the student is subject to suspension from the University
FAQs • Will FIS students be able to graduate in four years? * Based upon the number of pre-requisite courses required, if any. ** Credit limits determined based upon fall semester academicperformance. Students can earn between 28-35 credits during their first year; students with 32 credits are considered sophomores.
FAQs • Can I receive need-based financial aid as an FIS student? YES! All courses taken during the FIS year meet federal and state guidelines for financial aid.
Additional Considerations…. • Most FIS student schedules require 5 days per week of classroom attendance. • We strongly encourage students to limit outside employment to no more than 15 hours per week. • If selected for FIS, students should deposit ASAP to ensure their place in the class.
What if I have questions…? Admissions 973-443-8907 (Ms. Paula Mensch) For questions related to Paperwork, Document Submission, Transcripts, Prior College Credits, Test Scores, Admissions Decision Timeframes Student Life 973-443-8570 (Ms. Sarah Azavedo) For questions related to New Student Orientation during the summer FIS 973-443-8715 (Mr. Mark Sapara) For questions related to the FIS academic program and structure FIS Web site: http://view.fdu.edu/default.aspx?id=1061
Final Thoughts…. “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” -Zig Ziglar, Motivational Speaker