Welcome to Your First Year at Merrimack College!
The First Year Experience (FYE) Program at Merrimack College is here to help you throughout your first year. FYE encourages self advocacy, support, involvement and leadership development by fostering a sense of belonging, promoting engagement across campus and providing academic support and coaching to first year students.
As part of the First Year Experience at Merrimack, every student participates in a unique shared academic experience by taking the First Year Seminar course: FYS1947: Who Am I?
LOCATION
McQuade Library, 3rd floor – across from the Tutoring & Math Center
CONTACT US
Office of First Year Experience
Andrea Wamboldt
Director, First Year Experience
email | 978-837-5090
Justin Bowen
Coordinator & Success Coach
email | 978-837-5602
Aly Haggerty
Graduate Fellow
email | 978-837-5958
Hayden Rios
Graduate Fellow
email | 978-837-5958
Dorie Mansen
Associate Vice President for Mission & Ministry, Student Holistic Formation
email | 978-837-5188
What is the First Year Seminar (FYS)?
FYS1947: Who Am I? is a four credit course taken in a first year and transfer students first semester at Merrimack and is a requirement for the Foundations and Connections Core Curriculum. The course provides students with knowledge, skills, and resources necessary for success in their Merrimack journeys and beyond.
Above all, FYS is an introduction to the unique Merrimack spirit: its Augustinian legacy, commitment to community, and a supportive academic environment working towards the common good. The course provides every Warrior an opportunity to reflect on formative influences, goals, diverse experiences and above all, shared humanity.
The course aims to:
- foster a sense of belonging
- enhance academic success
- promote engagement across campus
- enrich overall wellness
- offer faculty and upper-class student engagement
- set college expectations
- create connections to the college community
FYS encourages critical thinking, self-exploration and reflection, the development of practical college-level skills, and an understanding of Merrimack’s Augustinian heritage.
As part of FYS, first year students will:
- Attend weekly classes that highlight discussion and reflection
- Participate in programs designed especially for first year students, including “Conversations with Warriors,” “Registration Workshops,” “Wellness Week”
- Complete a “Merrimack Campus Passport,” designed to introduce students to all that Merrimack offers, including academic support, athletic events, service experiences, professional development opportunities, and more!
- Meet regularly with peer mentors
FYS Class Teams
Each FYS1947: Who Am I? section is taught by a member of our faculty and two upper-class Peer Mentors. Representing majors and programs across campus, faculty and mentors are available to encourage the successful transition of new students to Merrimack College by being role models, supportive resources and facilitators of learning.
Setting a Foundation for Our Students
Through FYE & FYS, our students will develop a foundation for academic, social, personal, educational and professional success. FYE & FYS equips you with the ability to establish strong connections with peers and engage in diverse experiences, conversations and ideas. You’ll participate in activities and develop strategies to nurture your overall wellbeing. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that will assist your intellectual development and use available resources to be successful.