24
July
2014
|
13:10 PM
America/Chicago

Nearly 300 Students Participated in Freshman Summer Success Program

In June and July, UHD hosted nearly 300 students for the annual Freshman Summer Success Program (FSSP) on campus. This program is an expanded orientation for incoming freshmen that fully engages students in the critical transition from high school to college by focusing specifically on academic expectations and challenges.

The three and a half day program consists of a Saturday Opening Event, which introduces students to university administrators, faculty and student leaders; offers presentations on the characteristics of successful students; presents the Freshman Common Reader and Essay Contest; and offers students the opportunity to take the LASSI (Learning and Study Strategies Inventory), a diagnostic tool for determining study skills. During the FSSP, students also participate in sample courses taught by university faculty and have opportunities to work with academic advisors, financial aid counselors, student ambassadors and supplemental instruction leaders.

According to program coordinator Branden Kuzmick, "Students who have attended the program over the past eight years have enthusiastically acknowledged the value of the experience."

The thematic focus of the 2014 Freshman Summer Success Program was "Social Justice: A Core Value of Respect" and addressed personal responsibility as it relates to social justice. It showcased multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate and promote UHD's core value of "respect" for all and become change agents and leaders through service learning, high-impact practices and community outreach initiatives.

A closing ceremony for participating students and family members of the second session was held July 18 and featured remarks from UHD President Bill Flores and Dr. Noel Bezette-Flores, director of the Center for Public Service and Family Strengths.

summer success program2

The Common Reader, The Common Reader, "A Lesson Before Dying."