2008 Woodie Awards
Access Initiative students to be included in Pre-FYI
Kristen Fenwick
Issue date: 4/24/07 Section: Campus
The inaugural class for Miami University's Access Initiative in the fall of 2007 may arrive a day earlier than other first-year students, as part of the university's Pre-First-Year Institute (FYI).
Originally, the Pre-FYI program was offered for all minority students, based on race. It allows them to move into residence halls a day earlier than the other first-year students and introduces them to peers from similar cultures and to the university's available support systems. This year, Access Initiative students are encouraged to participate in Miami's Pre-FYI program as well.
Miami's Access Initiative, announced August 2006 by President David Hodge, said the university will provide tuition and fees to a number of academically qualified Ohio residents with a family income of less than $35,000.
As of the April 16 university senate meeting, Michael Stevenson, assistant to the president and associate provost, said that 250 students had applied and been accepted into the Access Initiative program - yet the number of those students who will choose to go to Miami is still undecided.
Social activities, tours of campus, and university convocation mark the beginning of the first-year experience at Miami University during the FYI, which occurs four days before fall semester classes start each year.
According to Carla Carick, the director of special student programs in the Office of Transition and Assessment, many of Miami's access scholars are first-generation college students who may need help understanding how to navigate their university experience.
"Planning and preparing for college can be difficult for any student … for a first-generation student it can be even more so," Carick said, via e-mail. "(We can help them by) identifying and discussing how to use university resources, presenting time management strategies, or introducing students to mentors who may offer insights and experiences that will help broaden their understanding of Miami University."
Originally, the Pre-FYI program was offered for all minority students, based on race. It allows them to move into residence halls a day earlier than the other first-year students and introduces them to peers from similar cultures and to the university's available support systems. This year, Access Initiative students are encouraged to participate in Miami's Pre-FYI program as well.
Miami's Access Initiative, announced August 2006 by President David Hodge, said the university will provide tuition and fees to a number of academically qualified Ohio residents with a family income of less than $35,000.
As of the April 16 university senate meeting, Michael Stevenson, assistant to the president and associate provost, said that 250 students had applied and been accepted into the Access Initiative program - yet the number of those students who will choose to go to Miami is still undecided.
Social activities, tours of campus, and university convocation mark the beginning of the first-year experience at Miami University during the FYI, which occurs four days before fall semester classes start each year.
According to Carla Carick, the director of special student programs in the Office of Transition and Assessment, many of Miami's access scholars are first-generation college students who may need help understanding how to navigate their university experience.
"Planning and preparing for college can be difficult for any student … for a first-generation student it can be even more so," Carick said, via e-mail. "(We can help them by) identifying and discussing how to use university resources, presenting time management strategies, or introducing students to mentors who may offer insights and experiences that will help broaden their understanding of Miami University."
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