Philosophy & Goals

The First Year Experience Program is an intentionally designed comprehensive, curricular and co-curricular initiative that will provide new students with opportunities and resources for making meaningful connections to the campus community. We introduce students to a campus community which fosters a greater sense of self-knowledge, a heightened appreciation and respect for others, a commitment for life-long learning and a supportive climate that recognizes the challenges and rewards for student success both inside and outside of the classroom.

Realizing that the transition to college does not occur in the first few days or months, this program is designed to aid in the acclimation and acculturation of students to Sweet Briar College as they develop their identity as women and as leaders for the future.

To support the mission of the College and Co-Curricular Life, the First Year Experience Program is committed to:

Providing a living-learning environment which

• Is conducive to first-year student success
• Challenges and strengthens individual growth and development
• Encourages students to learn and implement positive community living
• Promotes a respect and appreciation for the backgrounds and cultures of others
• Is clean, safe, and well maintained

Meeting student needs as educators by

• Assessing and effectively responding to students' individual needs in a timely manner
• Providing community building, wellness, and other educational programming
• Empowering students to enforce the student honor code that governs appropriate behavior

Continually developing the First-Year Experience program by

• Assessing student perceptions and changes, programmatic success, and retention efforts
• Promoting the professional development of professional and student staff to ensure renewed learning

In 2001, the Houghton Mifflin Company and The National Resource Center for First-Year Experience and Students in Transition recognized Sweet Briar’s First Year Experience Program as one of ten outstanding First-Year Programs.

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SBC First Year Programs
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