Freshman Intensive Studies
"A Unique Freshman Experience for Motivated Students!"
Information Session
2012-2013
Goals of Today’s Program
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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?
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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 is not….
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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)
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A program for students who are not fully
committed to academic achievement.
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A program with different academic standards and
expectations than the rest of the university.
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A Pre-College program. The “FIS Difference” is in
the additional support that the program provides.
History of FIS
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Began in 1984 at the College at Florham
Over 1600 students have come through
the FIS program in the past 28 years
The FIS Academic Program
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All students enter as Undeclared, regardless of their
intended major at the time of application
A reduced credit load during the first semester
FIS-supported courses in disciplines such as English,
Math, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and
History
An additional hour of supplemental instruction weekly in
FIS-supported courses
Mandatory and Optional Individual and Group Learning
Assistance, Study Groups and Academic Skills Workshops
Early Assessment and Midterm Grade Reporting
Additional Highlights of the FIS
Program
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A first-year grant to assist students in
tuition costs during their freshman year
$2,000 annually renewable grant for
students who successfully complete the
FIS program
Special Features of the FIS
Program
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Close collaboration between FIS faculty and staff
Comprehensive Academic Advising
Academic/Personal Skills Development and Study
Strategies provided by the FIS Learning Specialists
One-on-one learning assistance, study groups, and
workshops
FIS-only Freshman Seminars
Small class size
Learning Communities and Honors Opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between FIS and the Regional Center?
FIS
Regional Center
One-Year Program
Four-Year Program
85-90 new students each year
30 new students each year
Support Services provided as
needed; Learning Specialist
provides general academic skills
development
4 hours of required structured
support each week, including 30
minutes of academic counseling;
Learning Disabilities Specialists
provide strategies which directly
address a diagnosed learning
disability
(Learning HOW to be a college student)
Student to Staff Ratio of ~ 30:1
Student to Staff Ratio of 4:1
Students register with all other
freshmen
Students given priority registration
Is FIS strictly a remedial program?
No. All FDU students (FIS and non-FIS)
are placed into English, Math and Reading
courses based upon university guidelines.
Any student needing developmental
course work in a specific area will receive
it during their freshman year.
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.
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Students are placed on FIS Academic Alert at midsemester if their
GPA falls below a 2.0. Students on alert are expected to meet with
an FIS advisor to assist them in devising an action plan for
improvement.
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.
2.0
What is the retention rate of
students in the FIS program?
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University retention rate (~74%)
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FIS retention rate since 2006 (75-79%)
Will FIS students be able to graduate
in four years?
Fall Semester
Winter
Session
Spring Semester Summer 1 (optional)
10-14
credits
earned *
Not Permitted
12-16
credits
earned **
6 credits earned
* Based upon the number of pre-requisite courses required, if any.
** Credit limits determined based upon fall semester academic performance.
Students can earn between 28-36 credits during their first year;
students with 32 credits are considered sophomores.
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.
What if I have questions…?
Admissions 973-443-8911 (Mr. Jake Norton)
For questions related to Paperwork, Document
Submission, Transcripts, Prior College Credits, Test
Scores, Admissions Decision timeframes
Student Life 973-443-8586 (Mr. Jesse Swartz)
For questions related to New Student Orientation
during the summer
FIS 973-443-8715 (Ms. Mary Ford)
For questions related to the FIS academic program
and structure
FIS Web site: www.fdu.edu/fis
Final Thoughts….
“Knowing is not enough;
we must apply. Willing is
not enough; we must do.”
--Johann Wolfgang von Goethe