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Editor's note: This is the first in an occasional series of stories on efforts to enhance undergraduate education at Carolina.
Making the transition from high school to college has been both a little
easier and a little more challenging for the 140 students participating in the
University's First Year Initiative (FYI) Living and Learning Program.
Now well into the school year, students are finding that this unique
residential community cultivates new friendships, stimulates intellectual
discussions and provides a real connection to the University and the community
of Chapel Hill.
They're also finding it requires a lot of time and commitment.
First-year students living on the fourth and fifth floors of Ehringhaus
Residence Hall are the first to take advantage of Carolina's effort to
integrate students effectively into the fabric of the University.
By providing learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom
and conducting weekly discussion groups which focus on the academic and social
needs of first-year students, FYI has made most students feel well-adjusted and
a few feel overwhelmed.
According to Cindy Wolf Johnson, associate vice chancellor for student
affairs, FYI Living and Learning follows a curriculum designed with the input
of students, faculty and staff. For the first eight weeks, seven groups of 20
students meet in weekly groups to discuss matters such as ethics, money
management, exercise, self-image and other academic and social topics.
Fourteen faculty members, six resident advisers and three graduate mentors
work with the groups. The program also involves networking with faculty;
shared meals with program participants; on-site services to assist with
academic, career and personal goals; participation in field trips and
performing arts; critical issues forums; student activity fairs and
leadership/citizenship skill development. The curriculum is flexible so it can
be tweaked based on student needs.
Karen Hauschild, area director at Ehringhaus, is charged with coordinating
the program and making sure participants reap the benefits of taking part.
`Pulse checks' help adjust program to student needs
"Pulse checks are built into the schedule every three weeks so we
can continually evaluate how we're doing, what needs changing and who needs
attention," Hauschild said. "Some of the bigger struggles by students are that
the program is time-consuming. As their classes become more demanding, some
have trouble with time management or juggling schedules with other clubs they
may have joined."
Other students, she said, want more meaty topics in their discussion
groups and more varied activities. One focus group went to Rocky Mount to help
victims of Hurricane Floyd as part of members' service-learning requirement.
Other students helped at the Fiesta del Pueblo at Chapel Hill High School.
Some volunteered to work on National Make A Difference Day on Oct. 30.
Hauschild said students have until Nov. 14 to complete a service-learning
project, an important component of the FYI program.
Recent cultural outings included a Nov. 2 trip to see the Western Opera
Theater's production of Don Giovanni, part of the Performing Arts Series on
campus. Before the performance, the group attended a "curtain talk" given by
Terry Rhodes, soprano and associate professor of music.
Different groups -- different dynamics
"The dynamics of the seven different groups have been very
interesting," Hauschild said. "Some of the groups do everything together. They
jointly select service projects, they hang out together in the dorm and have
really formed friendships. Others sign up for things individually and don't
have the same dynamics."
During the hurricane, Hauschild noticed groups of FYI students eating subs
in the hall lounge and watching the movie Twister. And at this year's ice cream
social at Ehringhaus, students came and socialized for hours unlike other years
where they got their food and left.
"Some positive things are definitely happening," Wolf Johnson said.
"Students really seem to be developing a sense of community. There's high
activity in their lounge. There are good intellectual discussions and powerful
conversations occurring. Students are feeling more connected when they
recognize faculty, staff and FYI students throughout campus."
Growing pains help mold the program
Selina Hines, a graduate mentor, agrees. She came back to campus
after graduating in 1996 and says FYI Living and Learning gave her an
opportunity to be employed, interact with undergraduates, work side-by-side
with faculty, do community service and work on a graduate degree.
"FYI wraps all these things up in one package," Hines said. "On a personal
level it encourages me to meet the high standards of the first-year students
and challenges me to be an effective leader and graduate student."
Like any program in its infancy, the FYI Living and Learning Program is
having its share of growing pains.
"We're working to make sure it meets everyone's needs and expectations,"
Wolf Johnson said. "Striking the right balance will take time and experience.
We're still molding the program and we'll continue to make adjustments, one
year at a time, until it works for everyone. I'm very pleased with how far
we've come."
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