Title: Freshman Intensive Studies "A Unique Freshman Experience for Motivated Students!"
1Freshman Intensive Studies"A Unique Freshman
Experience for Motivated Students!"
- Information Session
- 2011-2012
2Goals 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
3What 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
4FIS 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.
5History of FIS
- Began in 1984 at the College at Florham
- Over 1500 students have come through the FIS
program in the past 25 years
6The 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
7Additional Highlights of the FIS Program
- Summer Grant for Two (2) Tuition-Free courses (6
credits) during the 1st Summer Session 2012 at
FDU (Fees and housing not included) - 2,000 annually renewable grant for students who
successfully complete the FIS program
8Special 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
9Frequently 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
10Is 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.
11What 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 - If the cumulative GPA is below a 2.0 at the end
of the freshman year, the student is subject to
suspension from the University
2.0
12What is the retention rate of students in the FIS
program?
- University retention rate (74)
- FIS retention rate since 2006 (75-79)
13Will 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.
14Can 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.
15What 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 (Ms. Mary Ford)
- For questions related to the FIS academic
program and structure - FIS Web site www.fdu.edu/fis
16Final Thoughts.
- Your attitude, not your aptitude, will
determine your altitude. - -Zig Ziglar, Motivational Speaker