Transitions into new chapters of life are notoriously challenging, the first year of college being no exception. Snevets correctly notes that equipping students with the tools necessary to succeed both in and out the classroom during this turbulent phase enhances retention, overall student satisfaction, and NSSE statistics. Feedback, both qualitative and quantitative, regarding the 2023 pilot of the Freshmen Experience course contributed to key refinements in the curriculum, culminating in the successful Fall 2024 launch.
Core concepts the new curriculum identified and addressed include how to set boundaries with your roommate, perspectives on hookup culture, explorations in self-respect, and roundtable discussions on scoring some booze. By offering real-world advice and relatable experiences, the course bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application within the community.
In class, students have the opportunity to work collaboratively to peer review each other’s very first college situationships, engaging in open discussions about whether their actions align with the self-respect pillars taught during syllabus week. The testimonials speak for themselves: “I met my best friend in the Freshman Experience course. I’ll never forget the day she enacted martial law on the gremlin I was talking to. The two of us have been inseparable ever since.”
Earlier versions of the curriculum only briefly addressed alcohol awareness, mainly focusing on teaching freshmen how to “backpack” a friend who was already in trouble. Criticism of this approach centered on its reactive nature rather than a proactive strategy. In a post-game (4 a.m. wake-up call to report yet another freshman’s upchuck) interview, an RA exasperatedly pleaded with the administration, “Please, for the love of God, teach them how to drink. Liquor before dollar beers, in the clear; dollar beers before liquor, never sicker. I can’t be the one to tell them, but someone has to.”
These qualms influenced this year’s shift to a roundtable discussion format for the underage drinking unit. In an ever-changing landscape of places to score, it is important that the freshman have a platform to share. Snevets yielded record-low hallway barf stains, demonstrating some benefit from group knowledge. HTITS professors were astounded by the profound Socratic seminar discussions students delved into together, pondering complex philosophical questions, such as whether underage hangovers can exist if the alcohol itself “knows” it’s illegal for someone to be underage and hungover.
Complaints flooded in concerning the untimeliness of last year’s lab portion of the Freshman Experience course. In the lab, students gain hands-on experience mixing their own elixirs of life using various combinations of vitamin C, Pedialyte, and chicken noodle soup. One concerned father on the parents’ Facebook page voiced his frustration: “I don’t ever want that frat flu crap in my house again… ruined my Thanksgiving… Snevets needs to fix this immediately…” Rearranging the curriculum to complete the lab portion of the course prior to Thanksgiving break was arduous, and only served to silence the parents.
The future is bright. The course boasts a flexible curriculum that allows for tailoring to the unique needs of each cohort. This flexibility of special studies is here to stay, solidified by the Fall 2024 cohort’s proven need to complete additional coursework regarding mononucleosis transmission. It’s a heartwarming example of a community coming together to create a supportive environment for the newest ducklings. Welcome to the flock!
Disclaimer: This article is part of The Stupe and is satire
