University Experience Program
The University Experience Program aims to increase student academic success with integrated curriculum, student support services and co-curricular elements. The University Experience Program was launched under the Title V Project ISLAS (2010-15), expanded under Title V Projects ALAS (2014-19) and OLAS (2015-20) and continues to grow with institutional support in Undergraduate Studies.
- First Year, Second Year and Transfer Year Seminars
- Intentional focus on the integration of high impact teaching practices
- Mission-focused interdisciplinary curriculum
- Integrated academic success coaching with embedded peer mentors partnering with faculty
- Embedded course assessment through Signature Assignments
- Professional Development for faculty and instructional student assistants focused on equity, culturally-relevant pedagogy, active learning, high-impact practices, and faculty and peer-support strategies.
- Academic and Social Integration Programming
- Mission-Perspectives Events and Activities
- Partnerships with Mission Centers, Student Research Advisory Committee, Academic Advising, Writing Multiliteracy Center, Learning Resource Center, STEM Center, Student Affairs, and Career Development
Embedded Peer Mentor Program
Embedded Peer Mentors (EPMs) work together with UNIV faculty in University Experience courses. They lead Dolphin Interest Groups (DIGs), peer-led co-curricular learning communities. There are four different EPM positions in Undergraduate Studies:
- Research Associates (support UNIV 198 students)
- University Experience Associates (support UNIV 150 students)
- University Navigators (support UNIV 250 students)
- Transfer Experience Associates (support UNIV 350 students)
The EPM Program is part of Peer Education and Equity Programs (PEEP) in partnership with Student Academic Success and Equity Initiatives (SASEI).
First- Year Communities
- Learning Communities and Living-Learning Communities with the four CI Mission Pillars - Multicultural, International, Integrative, and Community Engagement
- Linked courses meet General Education, major, and/or graduation requirements
- Ethnic-studies communities, communities for undeclared students, and communities for those headed for teaching and health care careers or interested in community-based research
- Partnership with Housing and Residential Education and other units in Student Affairs
- Embedded Peer Mentors
Learn more about First-Year Communities
Learn more about University Studies (UNIV) Curriculum