The FYE Support Series is a comprehensive series of programming that complements the other FYE initiatives and the goals of the FYE program. The purpose of the series is to facilitate a first-year student’s transition to Wittenberg and their development of skills, habits, and attitudes essential to success at Wittenberg. The programming will address five themes related to the FYE program goals. Through the sessions and presentations, students will gain new ideas and skills that will not only assist them in their coursework, but also in their personal development and in the quality of their interactions with other students and the community at large.
Week 2 and 3 (Sept 1-12)
Where to Go From New Student Days – The FYE
Come learn about the first-year experience and the opportunities that are available to you at Wittenberg. Listen to the stories of students who recently went through their first year and their advice on how to make a successful transition. (Presenter: Melinda Finkle, Academic Services Coordinator)
Sept 1st 4:10-5:00pm OR Sept 11th 2:10-3:00pm
Staying Healthy
This may be the first time you have had to seek out your own help during a physical or mental health crisis. Please join us to learn what we have to offer at Wittenberg and how you can maximize your potential. (Presenters: Dr. McKee, University Physician and Linda Lauffenburger, University Counselor)
Sept 3rd 2:00-2:50pm OR Sept 9th 4:00-4:50pm
Taming the Wittenberg Schedule
Now that you're in college, you have so much more "free time" than you did back in high school. It's true, you have relatively few hours in class, but there are a lot of other demands on your time. How will you handle them? Join us for this session, and you'll learn how to organize your days for academic and personal success at Wittenberg. Tips for setting priorities and staying on task will be shared. Common pitfalls and time-wasting activities will be exposed. You'll leave the session with a personalized study, work, and recreation schedule that you have designed based on your own priorities.
(Presenter: Mark DeVilbiss, Director of Student Activities)
Sept 2nd 4:00-4:50pm OR Sept 10th 2:00-2:50pm
Week 4 and 5 (Sept 15-26)
“Centering Success” – An Introduction to the Writing Center, Math Workshop, and Foreign Language Learning Center
In this session, you will learn how to use each of these three centers effectively, both for general help and for specific projects. You will also receive some practical tips on improving critical reading, test taking, and study skills. (Presenters: Dr. Brenda Bertrand, Director of the FLLC; Maureen Fry, Director of the Writing Center; Kathy Johnson, Director of the Math Workshop)
Sept 15th 4:10-5:00pm OR Sept 18th 2:10-3:00pm
Reading with Dr. Seuss
What do Horton Hears a Who, Sam I am, and One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish have in common? Other than that my daughter likes all three in their innovative Spanish translations and they were all penned by Dr. Seuss, I am not really sure. Nonetheless, these texts will provide the basis for this workshop. Working with these and other texts, (mainly other texts) we will discuss some vocabulary for identifying a range of thinking, reading, and writing skills with a special emphasis on strategies for becoming an “active reader.” By taking this workshop you will begin to develop useful strategies to engage with “the text” by asking yourself and the author questions, by tapping prior knowledge to enhance your reading experience and your ability to recall, by learning to identify the central points and by revising your initial impressions and assumptions.
(Presenter: Dr. Miguel Martinez-Saenz, Assistant Provost of the First-Year Experience)
Sept 17th 3:00-3:50pm OR Sept 25th 2:10-3:00pm
Can We All Get Along?
One of the most difficult subjects for people to discuss openly and candidly is the issue of race, particularly when in a multiracial setting. The history of racism and race relations in the United States has made such discussions in multiracial settings emotional and, at times, intimidating. The one place such a discussion should be able to occur is a college or university campus. Wittenberg, as a liberal arts college, embraces a tradition that’s captured in the motto, “Having Light We Pass It On”. In keeping with that tradition; a part of the preparation of our students as critical thinkers is how to engage in open, enlightening discussions involving race in a manner consistent with our mission and values.
(Presenter: Dr. John Young, Assistant Dean of Judicial Affairs)
16th 4:00-4:50pm OR Sept 24th 2:00-2:50pm
Week 6 and 7 (Sept 29- Oct 10)
The WittPath
You may be thinking, "What am I going to study here?", "What difference does experience make to an employer?", "How do I write a résumé?", or "How do I know if I'll like a career once I get out there?" You're not the only one asking one or more of these questions; everyone does at some point in their college career. If you want help with the answers, this workshop will give an overview of how all of these questions can be addressed. (Presenters: Karen Reynolds, Director of WittPath Career Services or Wendy Smiseck, Associate Director)
Sept 30th 4:00-4:50pm OR Oct 6th 2:00-2:50pm
Ready, Set, Relax
Learn relaxation strategies that can help you ward off stress and maintain your productivity and positive outlook. You will walk away with some stress management tips, ideas for relaxation, and feel a renewed energy from refreshing your mind and body. (Presenter: Melinda Finkle, Academic Services Coordinator)
Oct 7th 2:10-3:00pm OR Oct 9th 4:00-4:50pm
Class, Gender, Race and Privilege in America
In a society where the anthem was that everyone can pull themselves up by their bootstraps and be a success, America has slowly moved toward the philosophy of every man or woman for themselves and don’t worry about the less fortunate. Class, race and gender have begun to define who has access to what resources in American society. This session will take a candid look at how class, gender, and race impacts who is successful in America. (Presenter: Dr. Forest Wortham, Director of Multicultural Programs)
Sept 29th 2:00-2:50pm OR Oct 8th 2:00-2:50pm
Week 8 (Oct 13-17)
My Witt Experience – Creating an Academic Plan
Being in college is a wonderful thing. For four years, your full-time job is to learn and explore. College is what you make it. This session examines the power of higher education and its role in your future. It is important to look at the BIG PICTURE when planning your course work and co-curricular activities. Learn how to set appropriate goals and then turn those goals into real accomplishments to achieve greater academic and personal success. (Presenter: Melinda Finkle, Academic Services Coordinator)
Oct 15th 2:00-2:50pm OR Oct 16th 4:00-4:50pm
Serve, Connect, Reflect: Community Service @ Wittenberg
In this session, you will have the chance to get your questions answered about the community service requirement at Wittenberg. You will also learn about the city of Springfield, so that you can begin to discover meaningful ways to enhance the assets as well as meet the needs of this community. (Presenters: Kristen Collier, Director of Community Service)
Oct 13th 7:00-7:50pm OR Oct 14th 4:00-4:50pm
Week 10 (Oct 27-31)
Gratitude: A Secret to Handling Stress
Some people have said it is the secret to facing stress, others say it simply puts their whole day into perspective. What is it? Gratitude. Come learn how taking time for gratitude every day can help you face obstacles as well as appreciate life, and receive a short gratitude journal to get you started.
(Presenter: Pastor Rachel Tune)
Oct 28th 4:30-5:20pm OR Oct 30th 9:00-9:50pm
