The Academic First Year Experiences program includes University 100 (The Freshman Seminar), the cohorted classes in the Freshman Connection, MataExplore (the first year experience living learning community, which is housed in Residence Life), the Freshman Common Reading Program, occasional professional development events, and additional academic programs serving significant numbers of first-year students and the faculty and staff who work with them.

Mission

The Office of Academic First Year Experiences develops, supports, assesses and improves both teaching and learning in freshman courses and in academic programs serving first-year students across the University.

Activities

We sponsor workshops, presentations and other programs for CSUN faculty and staff who are interested in the ideas and activities of the First Year Experience, including student engagement, linked and cohorted courses, interdisciplinary collaboration, transfer student success and learning-centered pedagogy. We encourage campus-wide dialogue and collaboration among faculty, staff and administrators who work extensively with first-year students.

Advisory Committees

The Freshman Seminar Steering Committee includes faculty members as well as Advising and Student Affairs representatives. The Freshman Common Reading Program Selection Committee includes the First Year Experience librarian; the director of Academic First Year Experiences; and a dedicated group of other faculty, staff, administrators and students.