the First Year Experience and Beyond

the First Year

The Academic Advancement Program First-Year Experience is dedicated to establishing a community of active learners. The program provides a structured approach to our first year programming to facilitate the adjustment of our incoming freshmen and transfer students to the UW Campus. Starting in 2010, our first-year students will also participate in:

  • Summer Collegiate Experience (SCE)
  • First Year Interest Group (FIGs)
  • Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URS)

contact Requirements

First-Year Students Must:
  • Meet a minimum of five times with their dean face-to-face per semester (Fall and Spring)**
  • Meet at least one time per semester with Larry Edgerton, AAP Writing Instructor
  • Meet with their Peer Mentors face-to-face twice per semester as well as make additional e-contact and attend AAP-selected events

engagement Requirements

First-Year Students Must:
  • Take part in two AAP Engagement Opportunities (one Community Service activity and one Community Building Opportunity)
  • Begin to develop the e-portfolio
  • Participate in Graduation and Recognition Reception, which takes place each spring
  • Participate in FIGs (First-Year Interest Groups) and/or URS (Undergraduate Research Scholars Program)

portfolio Requirements

First-Year Students Must:
  • Create a first year resume
  • Create a 4-year academic plan
  • Write reflections on SCE (if applicable), FIGs (if applicable), URS (if applicable), Community Service Reflection, Career Exploration Reflection, End of year Reflection

...and Beyond

second Year


third Year

  • Multiple meetings with your AAP Dean
  • Resume; 4 year academic/life plan; Study abroad and/or Service Learning summaries/reflection pieces; declaration of Major statement (for all students who do not yet have one); Financial Plan (including in College Employment search for some); Employment after College exercise; 3rd Yr reflection/self-evaluation exercise; Planning for capstone experience.

forth Year

  • Multiple meetings with your AAP Dean
  • 4 year academic plan/life plan; Study abroad and/or Service Learning reflection exercises (if not submitted Yr 3);Financial Plan; Employment after College exercise; Capstone experience summary; 4th Yr and overall reflection/self-evaluation exercise; Exit interview.