B Y: G L EN D A HE N S L E Y
DE C E M BE R 2 0 14
Special Report:
Tar Heel Tour: Our State, Our Time
The Tar Heel Tour is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and
community members to take a tour across North Carolina that
showcases seven different aspects of the state’s past, present, and
future.
When: Thursday, February 12, 2015 (5-7 pm)
Where: UC Grand Room
The Details: Consider location (Appalachian Mountains, Piedmont Plateau, and Atlantic Coastal Plains) as
well as focus area (Creative Arts, Education, Environment, Health, Innovation & Technology, Recreation &
Tourism, and Social Change) to either BE THE TOUR or connect your class and ask students to TAKE THE
TOUR. For more details, please contact Dr. Lane Perry at laneperry@wcu.edu.
The CORE
One Book 2014: Serena
As the fall semester comes to a close, we celebrate the success of One Book 2014 with this
wonderful (and short) Video Retrospective. Please open this link to enjoy the work of one of
our excellent FYE student workers, Emily Pressley, sophomore MPTP major.
And get ready…to be announced in January – One Book 2015!
Family Table
1.
WHEE Call U!—Fall 2014
The fall 2014 campaign has come to a close and we are thrilled to report that once again,
the WCU community rocks! This fall 100 volunteers (84 faculty/staff and 16 students)
contacted 99.5% of all new freshmen and 100% of all new transfer students. This means
that 2266 students received a phone call, email, or personal visit – and in many cases, all
three! Success tracking allowed us to direct students who shared concerns or problems
to the appropriate resources and support networks. At the end of the day, this is the purpose of the
campaign and our goal. We are eager to make sure all of our new students know they have someone who
cares – someone who will take the time to communicate with them personally. Thank YOU WCU!
PS—we hope you will all consider joining us for take two – Volunteer for Spring 2015!
Perspectives
Asking Questions – Seeking your Thoughts
As the fall semester comes to a close, please respond to requests for your feedback
through one or more key FYE surveys. The Transition course survey helps us to refine
the course curriculum to better meet the needs of new students. The second survey is
for One Book 2014 and the third survey is for a pilot program for Peer Mentors. All
three surveys include a student version and a faculty/instructor version. The purpose
of these surveys is to rely on a diverse range of perspectives that will enable us to
provide sustainable high quality programs that demonstrate successful outcomes. So
please respond to the call and also know how much we value your feedback!
Tool Box
Request From the Director’s Chair
Please consider sharing works you and your students have generated with the One Book experience with
the FYE office – we would love to know more about the book conversation in your class and use that to help
build great ideas for next year’s selection!
CEO Reminders---Calendars – Events – Opportunities
CALENDARS
Student Life Calendar: For a complete listing of what's going on for students from intramurals, to concerts and
lectures, to organizations, arts and culture, and so much more....
Events Calendar: Information on arts and culture at WCU - plays, concerts, art exhibits, films, and more...
Coulter Faculty Commons Calendar
EVENTS
Serena on Trial!
The capstone business law class will be presenting a trial based on the Serena book!
Date: Tuesday December 9
Place: Jackson County Administrative Building in Courtroom 1
Time 5-8 pm
All are invited to attend. We will have a sign in sheet if you want to give students extra credit
for attending or for serving as a juror.
OPPORTUNITIES
Mindfulness & Meditation
Join our spring sections.
Contact Michelle Cooper for more information
@ mcooper@wcu.edu
Finish in Four Please visit the “Finish In Four” website -- designed to introduce
students to Fostering Undergraduate Student Success and increase four-year
graduation rates and to help you familiarize yourself with the new policies.
Resource File
Blackboard --- reference and participate in the Transition Pathways Course site....
Education Briefcase – resources and information for students and for faculty……….
CFC on the Web --- help with teaching, technology, and more--- helping you do what you do better!
OrgSync --- the place for student clubs and organizations and other co-curricular opportunities.
First-Year Seminar: Liberal Studies – resource guide for faculty teaching the first-year seminar …
Transition Pathways: An instructor resource - resource guide for FYE transition course instructors …
FYE on the Web --- many resources and network links to help you along the way …..
The next regular publication will be January, 2015 --- please let me know if you want to share
updates about programs, events, or other opportunities for teaching and learning in FYE!
Glenda Hensley, FYE Director ghensley@wcu.ed