Freshman Intensive Studies "A Unique Freshman Experience for Motivated Students!"

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Freshman Intensive Studies"A Unique Freshman
Experience for Motivated Students!"

• Information Session
• 2009-2010

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Goals of Todays Program

• To learn about the FIS program and its academic
  requirements
• To answer questions about the program content and
  delivery
• To help you determine if FIS is right for you

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What is FIS?

• A provisional admissions program for students
  with the potential to succeed in college,
  providing highly structured academic support
  during a students first year at FDU

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FIS is not.

• A program for students whose learning
  disabilities require the specialized services
  provided by the Regional Center for LD
  students(ex. Accommodations requiring more than
  extended time for tests)
• A program for students who are not fully
  committed to academic achievement.
• A program with different academic standards and
  expectations than the rest of the university.
• A Pre-College program. The FIS Difference is
  in the additional support that the program
  provides.

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History of FIS

• Began in 1984 at the College at Florham
• Over 1500 students have come through the FIS
  program in the past 25 years

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The FIS Academic Program

• All students enter as Undeclared, regardless of
  their intended major at the time of application
• A reduced credit load during the first semester
• FIS-supported courses in disciplines such as
  English, Math, Political Science, Psychology,
  Sociology, and History
• An additional hour of supplemental instruction
  weekly in FIS-supported courses
• Mandatory and Optional Individual and Group
  Learning Assistance, Study Groups and Academic
  Skills Workshops
• Early Assessment and Midterm Grade Reporting

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Additional Highlights of the FIS Program

• Summer Grant for Two (2) Tuition-Free courses (6
  credits) during the 1st Summer Session 2011 at
  FDU (Fees and housing not included)
• 2,000 annually renewable grant for students who
  successfully complete the FIS program

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Special Features of the FIS Program

• Close collaboration between FIS faculty and staff
• Comprehensive Academic Advising
• Academic/Personal Skills Development and Study
  Strategies provided by the FIS Learning
  Specialists
• One-on-one learning assistance, study groups, and
  workshops
• FIS-only Freshman Seminars
• Small class size
• Learning Communities and Honors Opportunities

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between FIS and the
  Regional Center?

FIS Regional Center
One-Year Program Four-Year Program
85-90 new students each year 30 new students each year
Support Services provided as needed Learning Specialist provides general academic skills development (Learning HOW to be a college student) 4 hours of required structured support each week, including 30 minutes of academic counseling Learning Disabilities Specialists provide strategies which directly address a diagnosed learning disability
Student to Staff Ratio of 301 Student to Staff Ratio of 41
Students register with all other freshmen Students given priority registration
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Is FIS strictly a remedial program?

• No. All FDU students (FIS and non-FIS) are
  placed into English, Math and Reading courses
  based upon university guidelines. Any student
  needing developmental course work in a specific
  area will receive it during their freshman year.

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What grades must I earn to continue my studies at
FDU?

• All FDU students are expected to earn at least a
• 2.0 grade point average ("C") each semester.
• Students are placed on FIS Academic Alert if
• 1. The students GPA in the FIS-supported
  classes falls below a 2.0
• 2. The student has at least one failing grade
  in an FIS course
• Each semester, the college reviews the academic
  records of all students to ensure that students
  are meeting university guidelines for academic
  progress.

2.0
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What is the retention rate of students in the FIS
program?

• University retention rate (74)
• FIS retention rate since 2006 (75-79)

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Will FIS students be able to graduate in four
years?

Fall Semester Winter Session Spring Semester Summer 1 (optional)
10-14 credits earned Not Permitted 12-16 credits earned 6 credits earned
Based upon the number of pre-requisite courses
required, if any.
Credit limits determined based upon fall
semester academic performance.
Students can earn between 28-36 credits during
their first year students with 32 credits are
considered sophomores.
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Can I receive need-based financial aid as an FIS
student?

• YES! All courses taken during the FIS year meet
  federal and state guidelines for financial aid.

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Additional Considerations.

• Most FIS student schedules require 5 days per
  week of classroom attendance.
• We strongly encourage students to limit outside
  employment to no more than 15 hours per week.
• If selected for FIS, students should deposit ASAP
  to ensure their place in the class.

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What happens next?

• Results of todays placement test will be
  reviewed by FIS faculty and staff
• FIS staff consults with Admissions to determine
  admission statusRegular Admit, FIS Admit, or
  Denied
• Within two weeks, students will receive an
  admissions decision via a letter from the Office
  of Admissions

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What if I have questions?

• Admissions 973-443-8907 (Ms. Paula Mensch)
• For questions related to Paperwork, Document
  Submission, Transcripts, Prior College Credits,
  Test Scores, Admissions Decision timeframes
• Student Life 973-443-8586 (Mr. Jesse Swartz)
• For questions related to New Student Orientation
  during the summer
• FIS 973-443-8715 (Mr. Mark Sapara, Ms. Mary
  Ford, Mr. Gary Meyer)
• For questions related to the FIS academic
  program and structure
• FIS Web site www.fdu.edu/fis

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Final Thoughts.

• Your attitude, not your aptitude, will
  determine your altitude.
• -Zig Ziglar, Motivational Speaker