Building a Freshmen community that are Monarchs for life

Our solution stemmed not only from seeing the problem on campus, but also from our team's previous understanding of a somewhat similar course that teaches etiquette to young boys and girls: Cotillion. An admirable course dedicated to supporting children in establishing their social abilities, the need for the same opportunity on ODU's campus was clear. With first generation, military, low income, transfer, and community college being large parts of the ODU identity, our students deserve a more centralized support system. They need this centralized support system. Because while we offer such amazing things, it is overwhelming to keep track of. It is stressful to our community demographic and not sensitive enough to their needs nor backgrounds.

With this Freshman First program, first year students will get exactly what they need: the patience, the attention, and the development of skills Monarchs require to excel. These will be developed through this course and will set them up for far greater success in unprecedented ways. Not only that, but this program is bound to create greater community cohesion and understanding of what it means to belong to such a diverse community. This success will be extended to the overall success of ODU - club attendance, program achievement, and event turnout will be incredible. The motivation that this program will instill in first-year students will be visible in all parts of our campus.

Building a foundation

Our goal is to intensify the current First Class provided by ODU. This is to help bridge our incredibly diverse community and support them as they transition to college. While the present First Class provides important information in the short span of less than a day, we have contemplated how a longer class may help ease some issues we currently have as a community. We want to build the average freshmen's foundation so they can have a meaningful college experience. By doing so, freshmen will continue their next three years at ODU with enhanced school spirit, appreciation for what ODU offers, and inspiration to create and innovate ODU in their own ways!

What's unique about it?

Research conducted (attached below) on the impact of the First Year Seminar makes it clear that first-year students thrive from this type of course. Our program may look different than those from other schools for two reasons. First, we tailored our program to one that would fit ODU's community. Second, our program is developed solely by students. As a team, we are passionate about this addition to ODU's educational support system.