Enhancing First-Year Experiences in Higher Education

by Angela Britcher
August 1, 2024
Enhancing First-Year Experiences in Higher Education

Dr. Sheri Hutchinson

Developing effective first-year experiences is essential for helping students adjust to college life and retention. Studies show these programs encourage student-faculty interactions, build community, boost involvement in activities, and increase academic satisfaction. The whole campus, especially the faculty, must understand they play a crucial role in developing, implementing, and reinforcing positive first-year experiences for students of all ages. In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of first-year programs and why faculty are not just essential but pivotal. We will also offer examples and suggest ways to measure program effectiveness.

We talked to Dr. Sheri Hutchinson, who emphasizes the benefits of first-year experiences for schools’ accreditation. She says, “You’re really looking at your institutions, your reputation, your accreditation is really based upon that whole first-year experience. Because if you are not successful in retaining those students and getting them through to completion, that does put your financial aid in jeopardy, which then does, in turn, put your campus in jeopardy. So that’s why those first-year experiences really end up being so absolutely important for all of us.” These benefits should inspire and motivate us all to contribute to these programs.

Watch Dr. Sheri Hutchinson’s interview here.

First-year college students experience various challenges as they transition into higher education. Here are some of the most common issues they encounter.
- Adjustment to New Life The shift from high school to college or returning to an academic environment after years of work can be overwhelming with new academic expectations and social environments.
- Homesickness Many in-person students experience homesickness as they adjust to being away from family and familiar surroundings.
- Time Management Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities can be overwhelming.
- Academic Challenges Adapting to the rigors of college-level work often requires developing new study habits and skills.
- Financial Struggles Many students are significantly concerned about managing tuition, textbooks, and living expenses on a budget.
- Mental Health Issues Anxiety and depression are prevalent among college students, often exacerbated by the pressures of college life.
- Social Integration Building a new social network and finding a sense of belonging can be challenging.
Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the students and the higher education community to provide the necessary support and resources.

Why First-Year Experiences Matter
- Setting the Stage The first year sets the tone for a student’s academic journey. It’s when students form their initial impressions and habits that can last throughout their college careers.
- Retention and Success Positive first-year experiences are linked to higher retention rates. Students who feel supported and engaged are likelier to continue their studies and achieve academic success.
- Building Community Early experiences help students build connections with peers and faculty, creating a sense of belonging and community essential for their well-being and academic performance.
Faculty Involvement in Freshman Courses

Hutchinson shares the importance of faculty involvement in first-year experiences: “When you see some of your really high enrolling programs, you usually need to take a look at the faculty that are involved in that because they’re creating a wonderful first-year experience.” Faculty are the primary relationship between students and the school, influencing the entire student experience.

Here are ways faculty can make a difference:
- Mentorship Matters Faculty can act as mentors, guiding students through the transition from high school to college and setting academic rigor and independence expectations.
- Curriculum Design Instructors of first-year courses have the unique opportunity to design curricula that educate and acclimate students to the higher education environment.
- Feedback Loops Regular, constructive feedback from faculty helps first-year students understand their progress and areas for improvement, fostering a growth mindset.
Creating Meaningful Online Experiences
- Interactive Platforms Utilize technology to create interactive and collaborative online platforms that mimic the engagement of in-person classes.
- Virtual Communities Establish virtual communities where first-year students can connect, share experiences, and support each other.
- Accessibility and Flexibility Ensure online materials are accessible and flexible to accommodate diverse learning styles and schedules.
Practical Examples
- Orientation Programs Implement comprehensive online orientation programs that introduce students to academic resources, support services, and key contacts.
- First-Year Seminars Offer first-year seminars tailored to online delivery that focus on critical thinking, study skills, and time management.
- Peer Mentoring Develop a peer mentoring system where upper-level students help first-year students navigate the online learning environment.
Hutchinson shares that students seek a personal connection while we have technology and online tools. She says, “Remember, the human element is huge. I mean, it’s great to sit with our phones. And have our new friend AI talk to us. It’s great. We can have wonderful, fabulous conversations with the robots. But in the end, the real connection and what’s going to keep our students is our engagement with students.”

Measuring Program Effectiveness

Measuring the effectiveness of first-year college programs is essential to ensure they provide the value and support needed for students to succeed. Here are some key metrics and approaches used to evaluate these programs:
- Credit Accumulation Tracking the number of credits first-year students accumulate can indicate their progress toward on-time graduation.
- Credit Completion Measuring the completion rate of attempted courses helps assess academic engagement and success.
- Gateway Course Completion Success in completing critical introductory courses often predicts future academic achievement.
- Major or Program Selection The timing and process by which students declare their majors can reflect the program’s effectiveness in guiding them.
- Persistence Monitoring the retention rates from the first year to subsequent years strongly indicates program effectiveness.
Additionally, institutions may use the following methods to evaluate their programs:
- Relevance Index Evaluating if the program’s objectives align with the institution’s goals and student needs.
- Efficiency Index: Assessing the fiscal efficiency of the program.
- Effectiveness Index Determining the attainment of the program’s objectives.
- Impact Index Gauging the effect on the students for whom the program is undertaken.
- Sustainability Index Evaluating the program’s long-term viability and adaptability.
Surveys and assessments, such as six-week check-in surveys for first-year students, can also provide valuable insights into student satisfaction and the overall experience. By combining these metrics and methods, higher education leaders can comprehensively understand their first-year programs’ strengths and areas for improvement.

First-year experiences are essential for student retention and the reputation of the institution. Prioritizing connections with students while using technology can help students adjust to college life and complete their programs.

If you want to design a robust online first-year experience, Sheri Hutchinson and The Babb Group can help!
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Angela Britcher

Angela Britcher, M.A., is a dynamic content marketing professional and storyteller who transforms complex ideas into easily digestible bites for audiences. She teaches communications, media studies, and writing, and she is a skilled instructional designer, creating engaging online learning experiences for colleges and corporate training. Angela produces and hosts The Babb Group's DigitalEDU Dialogues podcast.
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