First-Year Experience

About Us

First-Year Experience (FYE) is a program designed to support first time college students as they transition into college. First Year Students work closely with FYE advisors to explain and explore college and career interest, as well as assist students with the class registration process, campus technology, and how do I succeed questions. First Year Experience students are more informed about academic and extra-curricular opportunities available on campus as well as personal support programs also available on campus. FYE students also strengthen their knowledge about the financial aid process as well as other aspects of financial literacy. Our goal is for new students to successfully transition into college.

Mission Statement

The mission of the First Year Experience (FYE) department is to improve and expand our services to new students and help them achieve their educational goals.

All new Prairie State College (PSC) students are required to complete the New Student Orientation after completing your PSC Admissions Application.

Why should you attend First-Year Student Orientation?

Research shows that students who participate in First-Year Student Orientation programs generally perform better academically than those who do not attend. You will be able to eliminate the “I didn’t know” factor by exploring and discovering important information about PSC, including what you need to do to get registered for classes and the resources that you can use. The New Student Orientation program at PSC will provide you with the following opportunities and information:

• Meet some people on campus, including faculty.
• Become familiar with some academic vocabulary.
• Learn about departments on campus you might need during your first week including Financial Aid, Enrollment, the Business Office, FYE/Advising, and the Barnes and Noble bookstore.
• Discover how to use vital technology, including email, WebAdvisor and Desire2Learn.
• Prepare to register for your first semester and get some next steps.

Click here to access the First Year Student Online Orientation

Questions? Please call the First Year Experience Office at (708) 709-3639 or (708) 709-3622.