First Year Program

Clay Harshaw

Coordinator of First Year Experience

336-316-2127, charshaw@guilford.edu

Jennifer Agor

Associate Dean for Campus Life

Director of New Student Programs

336-316-2465, jagor@guilford.edu

First Year Center

336-316-2425, firstyear@guilford.edu

Location: Founders Hall, second floor

Web Site: www.guilford.edu/firstyear

 

The First Year Program fosters entering students' academic, social and personal transitions necessary for successful participation in the total life of the college community.

The First Year Program begins with the moment you choose Guilford, continues into CHAOS (Guilford's Orientation program) and extends through the first year until you declare a major.


The First Year Program provides models, resources, information, mentoring, programming, advising, courses and experiences to assist new students in their transition to college culture and to help them become active participants in the learning community. Some of the components include:

  • first-year advising
  • first-year resource center
  • peer mentoring
  • course offerings and a schedule based on first-year student need and preference
  • accurate and early Foreign Language, Quantitative Skills and English placement
  • social programming
  • assistance in the declaration of the major
  • first-year advisory board and faculty adviser

 

The Curriculum


The first semester in college is an academically challenging experience. Guilford's curriculum is challenging and flexible and designed to help you get the most from your learning. For first-time fall semester college students, a central component of the first semester is the First Year Experience (FYE) Course. The FYE is a Foundations course designed to engage entering students in significant interactive inquiry. With a focus on speaking and listening and experiential learning, the course explores an interdisciplinary content area as well as aids in the academic and social transition to college life. While the instructor selects the individual topic area, each course also incorporates the following common elements:

  • Guilford College's five principles
  • Introduction of the following skills:
    • Choice of career and major
    • Computing
    • Learning Strategies and Time Management
    • Use of the library
  • Study of the five Quaker Testimonies (direct and immediate access to god-truth by the individual, peace, simplicity, equality and integrity)
  • The Honor Code and Academic Honesty

The instructor of each course serves as the student's academic adviser.

Academic Advising


The faculty who teaches your FYE course will also be your academic adviser. The Associate Academic Dean will appoint an advisor for those students not enrolled in FYE. Your adviser will meet with you during the days of CHAOS or January orientation to finalize your first semester schedule and will remain available to you throughout the semester. Your adviser is more than someone who helps you select your courses. Your adviser is there if you have questions about future career goals, graduate school, service learning opportunities, etc. Your adviser can lend a good listening ear if you need someone to talk with about the transition to college. When you declare a major, your first-year academic adviser will assist you in finding an appropriate faculty in that department to become your new adviser.

FYE Lab


To assist you in the transition to Guilford and to help you form a sense of community early on, all first-year students entering in the fall semester take a lab section associated with their FYE course.  You share in learning about:

  • anti-racism and diversity
  • campus resources
  • general problem solving
  • skills of college success
  • your own learning strategies

If you have any questions, please contact the First Year Center at 336-316-2425.

First Year Center


Located on the second floor of Founders Hall 202, the First Year Center (FYC) is a place for new students to get information, find out about campus resources and meet with peer mentors. Workshops, programs and information sessions specifically for new students take place in the First Year Center. The office of Clay Harshaw, director of the First Year Program, is also located in the FYC. Center hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Thursday; 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Friday.

Student Immunization


All first year students must have proof of immunization on file in Student Health before the first day of classes. Click here to obtain the student health form. If you have questions, please call (336) 316-2194. Thanks!