FIRST YEAR RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCE
PROGRAM (F.Y.R.E.) OVERVIEW
Program Overview
The First Year Residential Experience (F.Y.R.E) Program at Kutztown University seeks to increase student retention by
providing multi-layered support to first year students living in the residence halls. The F.Y.R.E program provides
opportunities for first year students to interact with upper-class student mentors and community members through
various forms of daily collaboration. These interactions include, but are not limited to: living traditional residence halls with
their peers, weekly office hours with mentors, and workshops and programs designed to support college student
development and the transition into college.
Program Opportunities
The First Year Residential Experience Program will provide first year resident students with the opportunity to:
 Develop a relationship with an upperclassmen mentor student who has been assigned to your specific residence
hall.
 Attend workshops and programs which are designed to specifically assist students in the transition from High
School to College and support their academic needs.
 Participate in a certificate program which encourages attendance at beneficial programs and workshops,
promotes involvement in “Get A Room” Program, requires multiple meetings with assigned First Year Mentor
throughout the academic year and requires involvement in community service and involvement on campus.
 Participation in student organizations specifically created and intended for First Year Residence Hall students on
campus.
Program Components
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First Year Mentor Position
First Year Student Organizations: CareBears and First Year Activities Council (FYAC)
First Year Workshops
“Get A Room” Program
First Year Certificate Program
First Year Transition E-Mail Series
Program Benefits
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Each first year student at KU will be assigned a FY Mentor who lives in their residence halls that will be a constant
resource for them and will work to develop a personal relationship to aid in the transition with each student.
Each first year student will have the opportunity to become a member of one of two first year student
organizations. Each organization, CareBears and FYAC, are mostly FY students who are creating service
opportunities and programs for their peers, while being active members of the surrounding community.
A series of programs will be offered for FY students on important topics that will assist students in the adjustment
to their First Year on campus. Programming topics include, but are not limited to: KU & It’s Resources,
Communication & Relationships, Leadership, Career Development, Stress Management, Diversity &
multicultural Issues, Priority Management, Impacts of Social Media, and Classroom\Academic Techniques.
All First Year students will be able to participate in the “Get A Room” program which upon successful completion
will provide them with a Housing Application Fee Waiver for the next academic year. In addition the program will
provide students with the opportunity to get acquainted with KU and its resources.
Each week all First Year resident students will receive an e-mail from the Director of Housing, Residence Life and
Dining Services, which will provide the students with important university information. In addition, the e-mails
could contain content which will assist with the transition into higher education and life on campus.
Each First Year student will have the opportunity to participate in our FY Certificate program which will help them
transition into all aspects of living on campus and attending KU while developing leadership skills and becoming
involved in the community.
Kutztown University Housing, Residence Life and Dining Services