Page 7 - Laker Connection Spring 2012

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“The center allows first-year students to experience what it means to make adult decisions about one’s future without feeling lost or uncertain.
MARCIA BOUYEA-HAMLET, FYARC ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
FYARC advisor Jerryal Pettigrew, who previ- reer working with students in 1993 at City College ously held advisor positions in Clayton State’s of New York. “First-year students could come
downstairs in their pajamas, get advised and reg- ister for their spring 2012 classes.”
Now in its second semester, FYARC continues to develop programs to connect students with campus and each other. Rolling out programs like the First-Year Reading Program, the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, advising nights at Laker Hall, advising workshops and First-Year Service Projects, FYARC hopes to give every fresh- man a place to plug in to the Clayton State com- munity, and to retain students in the process.
Existing programs, like Clayton State’s Learn- ing Communities, are already in place to help stu- dents make social connections in the classroom. Clayton State’s CSU1022: University Foundations course, taught by FYARC advisors, allows stu- dents and their advisors to interact at the class- room level. The course reinforces the concepts of personal responsibility, prepares first-years for the challenges of higher education and familiarizes
“FYARC is the nucleus to the freshmen student experience. Parents are relieved their student has a support system and students believe they have a home away from home.
College of Arts & Sciences and Center for Aca- demic Success, agrees. “We strive to meet the en- tire needs of our students, not just from the academic perspective. Students are challenged with transitioning from high school to college and the demand can be somewhat overwhelming. We not only help the students academically, but we also encourage them to maintain class attendance, hold study hours and to become active in campus life.”
In addition to regular advising hours in their main office in the Natural and Behavioral Sciences building, and scheduled afternoon hours in Laker Hall, FYARC holds special programs and activities to encourage students to take full advantage of their support.
“A good example of this was the Breakfast- Brunch Registration Party held in Laker Hall last November,” shares FYARC Assistant Director and advisor Marcia Bouyea-Hamlet, who began her ca-
JERRYAL PETTIGREW, FYARC ADVISOR
I feel my freshman year will be super successful and fun because of FYARC! Without them I think my freshman year year of college would be kind of scary and nerve wracking, but they helped clear that away. I will definitely recommend them to other freshmen.
I am elated that Clayton State has established FYARC for first-year students. Having a center that is dedicated to the central needs of a first-year student is monumental. I can see that Clayton State University is working to produce the leaders of tomorrow.
XAVIER SMITH
JESSICA NICOLE
SPRING 2012 5