If you were an incoming freshman at Culver-Stockton College (C-SC), you are familiar with our first-year experience class (FYE 100). This class was used as a bridge for incoming freshmen to adjust from high school to college by teaching them how to use campus resources, study properly, and get involved in campus activities and clubs.
Wildcat Seminar in Leadership(WSL 100), formerly known as FYE 100, was offered to incoming students this past fall. While FYE 100 was primarily focused on traditional information, C-SC added two new themes to help students. The first new theme was experiential learning which encouraged students to refine their creative expression through hands-on research and community work. During some of these projects, students built an escape room for future classes to use, explored how food can shape your identity, and how to become a more sustainable campus.
The second new theme dives into the leadership segment of this course. Over the course, students will learn about different leadership styles, meet with President Lauren Schellenberger to discuss how to be a better leader, and develop their own leadership strategies to better our community.
When asked about the purpose of a class like this, Alissa Burger, a professor of English, Title IX coordinator, as well as the Director of the WSL at C-SC, stated, “There is a massive amount of research that shows the importance of a first-year experience course for incoming students… We want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to support students as they begin their college journey and ensure they have the support and tools they need to be successful.”
Not only do you get help transitioning into college, it is also a great way to meet new people and improve your community. Carson Keisker, a student at C-SC, shared, “My time in FYE was fun and very beneficial. Not only did I learn some important skills in class, I was also able to make a couple friends my first semester that I still hang out with.”
