1. K-State First The university’s first-year experience program Built on the philosophy that “A great college experience starts with a great first year”

2. Key Components First-Year Seminars (83, with ~1,650 seats) Learning Communities (25, with ~500 seats) KSBN: K-State Book Network GPS: Guide to Personal Success Also: advocacy for first-year students, campus-wide connections, assessment, and more

3. FYS Course Characteristics 22 or fewer students, all first years Common outcomes: communication, critical thinking, application of learning, and community building Benefits: small class sizes, ample opportunities to interact with teachers and other students, excellent teachers, active learning co-curricular events

4. FYS Course Listing For Fall 2014: 60 sections – A variety of offerings in the arts & humanities, the social sciences, and natural sciences. Something for everyone! – Some great courses to consider: MLANG 280 War & the Holocaust in 20th C Lit ENVD 210 Art, Architecture, & Culture of India HMD 120 Survey of the Hospitality Industry ENTOM 301 Insects and People

5. How to Enroll in a FYS Seats will become available gradually throughout June Orientation and Enrollment. Please enroll students in any available spot. If you’d really like to enroll a student in a section that appears closed for that day, please contact Greg. Contact us: email kstatefirst@k-state.edu or call Greg at 785-320-1221 or at 532-7803 (June O&E only).kstatefirst@k-state.edu

6. CAT Communities Learning communities of 22 first-year students Built around a common student interest The cohort take together two regular courses plus a one-hour CAT (Connecting Across Topics) Class Each learning community has an undergraduate Learning Assistant to assist the instructor

7. CAT Communities for 2014 For Fall 2014: 25 CAT Communities A variety of learning communities Most are focused on gen ed course connections But some emphasize … – Pre-professional interests and goals – An added residence life experience (with a year- long peer mentor!) – A once-in-a-lifetime study abroad opportunity (with scholarships available!)

8. How to Enroll in a CAT Community Students may already be enrolled before orientation, if they have signed up early. When meeting with a student who is interested but not yet signed up, make sure the courses fit the student’s schedule and contact Greg. Best bet during June Orientation & Enrollment: email kstatefirst@k-state.edu or call Greg at 785- 320-1221.kstatefirst@k-state.edu You may also call 532-7803 or send the student to our K-State First center in the Union Stateroom.

9. KSBN K-State Book Network University-wide common reading program All first-year students will read the book Whole campus community will be invited to read the book and join the network Benefits of a common reading program

10. KSBN’s 2014 Book The Ghost Map The Ghost Map is a riveting historical illustration of the intertwined histories of cholera, cities, and modern scientific inquiry. Yet the ideas and lessons in The Ghost Map are not simply about the nineteenth-century but also about our own contemporary problems from urban sprawl to bioterrorism and much more.

11. KSBN: Books & Events First-year students will get their copies at orientation Copies will be also be available for purchase at the K-State Union Bookstore, for borrowing through Hale and the Sigma Tau Delta lending library Watch for the events & discussions in the fall Already scheduled: An evening with author Steven Johnson (Sept 11), a campus-wide game, a faculty lecture series, and much more Please talk with students about the book and encourage them to join the discussions and events

12. Reminders & thank you! Check the website www.k-state.edu/first for up-to- date information and course listingswww.k-state.edu/first Please recommend the FYS courses and CAT Communities to your first-year advisees Please enroll each student in only one FYS or CAT Community If you have questions, problems, or unique circumstances, please call Greg (785-320-1221) anytime. We want to help.