About
What we do
The Office of First and Second Year Experiences (FSYE) plays an integral role in the successful transition of first and second-year VCU students. Our office achieves its objectives by working alongside campus partners to engage students in various activities that promote academic success, social and civic engagement, cultural competence, and career and professional development.
First-Year Experience Pillars (aka Transition Success Practices)
- Pillar 1: TRY – Discover new things to see what sparks your interest
- Pillar 2: TRAIN – Take action to build skills and relationships
- Pillar 3: TRUST – Embrace community to navigate change
Students can engage with any pillar at any time, regardless of their year or stage in life. Each pillar offers tools for managing transition and growth—inside and outside the classroom. Reflection is a key practice woven through each pillar, encouraging students to recognize their strengths, draw from their past experiences, and grow with intention throughout their college journey. We train students and campus partners to prioritize these skills to help ensure our newest Rams can successfully navigate the transitions they face during their first two years.
Major Maps
Successfully navigating required classes for graduation is only part of what will help students make the most of their VCU experience. Major Maps provide multiple pathways to ensure students gain the most relevant and transformative experiences possible, both inside and outside of the classroom. Major maps combine academic planning and strategic career planning to allow students to create individualized success plans so that they can achieve their professional and academic goals upon graduation. We focus on the student's end goal and work backward - determining what courses, experiences, connections and skills will best position the student as a competitive, working professional after graduation. Major maps connect students to the people, resources and activities that will maximize their VCU experience.