First Year Programs

Heather Eckstein, Director
Room: 213 Russ Hall
Telephone: 620-235-4265
e-mail: heckstei@pittstate.edu
http://www.pittstate.edu/office/first-year-programs/index.dot

   The First Year Programs office is part of the Enrollment Management and Student Success division and has responsibility for the Freshman Experience and Transitions courses, support for academic advising, and coordination of the Exploratory Studies Program.

Freshman Experience (UGS 100)

   The primary purpose of the Freshman Experience course is to assist new students in making a successful transition to PSU. Students in the course will learn about resources available and develop skills to assist them academically, personally and socially. This two credit hour course is required of freshman enrolling at Pittsburg State in the fall or spring semester immediately following their high school graduation.

UGS 100. The Freshman Experience. 2 hours. Development of critical thinking skills is an essential component.  Topics covered include development of higher order thinking skills through exposure to a variety of problem solving methods; study skills; a study of the General Education curriculum and objectives of a liberal arts education; career choice and course selection; a discussion of social issues that impact on University life; PSU resources; health, time, and money manage­ment issues; and diversity topics. 

Transitions (UGS 101)

   The primary purpose of the Transitions course is to assist new students, who are not required to take Freshman Experience, in making a successful transition to PSU. Students in this one credit hour course will learn about the resources available to assist them as they work to pursue their educational goals after attending another college, working fulltime, or a lengthy break from the educational setting. New international students are also encouraged to take this course to assist in their transition to the American educational experience.

UGS 101. Transitions.  1-2 hours.  The transition to university life from another institution of higher education, a work environment, a foreign country, or other situations that would benefit from this assistance.  Emphasis on academic, personal and social development necessary to be a successful and engaged member in the university community.

Exploratory Studies Program

   The Exploratory Studies Program is coordinated through the First Year Experience office. Exploratory Studies provides a gateway for entering students who are not yet ready to declare an academic area of study to explore academic areas and potential career options while fulfilling University requirements and earning credit toward a future college degree.

   The Exploratory Studies Program is a legitimate, though temporary, academic program of the University with between 300 and 400 students in the program annually. Advisors assist students in this program to enroll in courses that meet general education requirements and address their interest areas. Advisors encourage the use of the Do What You Are and ACT/Discover programs to provide direction toward career paths and major choice that combine the student’s skills, talents and interests. Exploratory Studies students enrolled in or with previous credit in UGS 100 (Freshman Experience) or UGS 101 (Transitions) are assigned to the instructor of that course for academic advising.