First Year Residents Succeeding Together (FYRST) is a unique freshmen-only program that will assist you in achieving academic success by focusing on your needs as a first-year student. Research shows that freshmen who are supported academically, who have a smooth transition to campus life, and who are involved outside of the classroom, typically have higher grades and have a greater chance for graduation. Over the last few years, students who were members of FYRST at West Georgia had higher GPAs and were more likely to graduate than students not in the program.

What are the requirements for the FYRST Program?
FYRST members will reside in either the Bowdon OR Strozier Hall. All students in FYRST have mandatory meetings with their Student Academic Mentor (SAM) twice a month for approximately 30 minutes. These meetings are designed to keep FYRST students informed about campus events, tips for academic success, and to allow them a chance to ask questions. Meetings occur in the residence halls during the fall and spring semesters.

What tools ease my transition in FYRST?
FYRST helps the college transition through many different programs and resources. These include: the College Student Inventory (CSI), Student Academic Mentors (SAMs), Resident Assistants (RAs), certified tutors, academic programs, the FYRST Council, midterm grade checks, and the Emerging Leaders Series.

College Student Inventory (CSI)
FYRST students take the CSI on the second day that they arrive on-campus for the Fall Semester. This instrument allows our staff to identify areas of college life that students still have questions about, and areas that they feel very confident in handling on their own. Each FYRST student is assigned a CSI Advisor, a staff or faculty member, who will meet with the student to go over their results. The CSI Advisor will refer the student to on-campus resources appropriate to his or her needs. The CSI Advisor also follows up with the FYRST student throughout the semester to ensure he or she has the tools needed to succeed academically, personally, and socially.

Student Academic Mentors (SAMs)
SAMs are upperclassmen who serve as an academic resource by consistently interacting with FYRST students. SAMs are CRLA Certified mentors or they are in the process of getting their certification. SAMs also cover a variety of topics with FYRST students, some of which include: time management, study skills, approaching professors, registering for classes, campus involvement, conflict resolution, community service, the Regent's Test, etc. The SAMs and the RAs, who work together collaboratively to give FYRST students the best experience, sponsor academic and social programs.

Resident Assistants (RAs)
The RAs in the FYRST buildings have been specially trained to work with freshmen. They live on the floor and participate in a 24-hour duty rotation to accommodate your needs. RAs and SAMs work together to plan a variety of academic and social programs for FYRST students.

Certified Tutors
By working closely with the on-campus EXCEL Center , FYRST offers CRLA Certified Tutors that rotate in the residence halls Mondays-Thursdays between the hours of 6:00p.m. and 9:00p.m. These Tutors are equipped to offer assistance in most Core Curriculum Classes (classes that all UWG students must take).

FYRST Council
Our staff is happy to announce that we are in the second year of the FYRST Council, a newly-formed student organization that brings all of the FYRST students together. Being housed in different buildings can sometimes make FYRST students feel detached from others in the program. This group offers leadership opportunities for FYRST students, as well as the chance to plan a variety of social and educational programs. FYRST Council also serves as a forum for FYRST students to express their ideas and concerns about the FYRST program.

Midterm Grade Checks
During the Fall semester, the Coordinator of First Year and Academic Support Programs will ask instructors to submit the midterm grades of FYRST students. After compiling the list, the Coordinator contacts all students with a “D” or lower in at least one class. The e-mail these students receive lets them know about the low grade and offers them the chance to meet with the Coordinator to discuss tips for bringing their grade(s) up by the end of the semester.

Emerging Leaders Series
The FYRST Program offers a leadership series covering a variety of topics important for new leaders. The series lasts several weeks, and is open to all FYRST students.

How do I Apply for FYRST?
Applying for membership in FYRST is easy…just click on the box indicated on your housing contract and answer the question about why you want to be in the FYRST program. Assignments into FYRST will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis until all spaces are filled.

Questions? Contact Jela'ni Dais at jdais@westga.edu