First-Year Experience
The transition to college is an extremely exciting time, and we've put together a
first-year experience to get you started on the path to achieving your goals. Our
community is dedicated to setting up new students for success before they even set
foot in their first classroom. Faculty, staff, and students each have a role to play
in ensuring first-year students are supported while they learn the ropes of living
at Washington and develop the skills and tools needed to thrive as undergraduate students.
Through a support network that starts with summer advising, the First Year Seminar
(FYS) program, and Orientation Explore!, our students discover classes, clubs and
organizations, as well as campus resources that help them meet new people, gain experience
toward their desired career, and grow into confident and capable undergraduate students.
Your First-Year Experience Includes
The first-year experience provides you with familiar faces and points you in the direction of a wide array of resources. All first-year students are supported by a team of Washington College faculty, staff, and students, with tailored academic and summer advisors, Peer Mentors, Resident Assistants, and Orientation Leaders.
Before your first classes start, you arrive on campus early—before all the returning
students—to attend orientation and get familiar with campus. During orientation, you
learn how to navigate campus and take your place in the Washington College community.
Discover on-campus and community resources, make new friends, meet your Resident Assistant
and Peer Mentor, attend seminars, and participate in activities designed to be fun
while getting you acclimated to campus.
Washington College's signature Orientation Explore!, gives new students the opportunity
to make close friends and learn about our local region. Each experience is designed
around a special interest area, and offers dynamic, experiential activities that help
students transition to campus life and connect with a small group of like-minded peers.
Our First Year Seminar (FYS) program introduces you to critical inquiry, college writing and research, and other academic skills vital for collegiate success. FYS courses explore a wide range of topics and interests and provide the perfect venue for faculty to model the research process and collaborate with students in asking questions and finding answers around their chosen topic.
