Fostering a Close-Knit Academic Community with the First Year in Science and Engineering Program
The first year of college can be difficult and confusing for any new student, but particularly for those choosing to study challenging science or engineering curriculums. But there is extra support for Penn State freshmen in STEM majors in the form of a program called the First Year in Science and Engineering (FISE) program.
The program puts first-year students in science and engineering majors—from the Eberly College of Science, the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and the College of Engineering—together in a special on-campus multicultural housing community where they can take advantage of in-house tutoring and mentoring.
The mentoring takes place through both resident assistants, like a traditional on-campus housing experience, and special FISE program assistants. FISE program assistants are usually former FISE participants who mentor the first-year students and help them get their college experiences off to a strong start.
“The program assistants played a significant role in my transition to Penn State,” said Bukola Toyobo, a current FISE program assistant and biology major. “They were my role models that year and helped me set a solid foundation in my scholarly pursuit for success. Because they had such a positive influence on me, I wanted to do the same and more for future communities of the FISE program.”
“The program assistants helped me tremendously because I was an out-of-state student,” said Samantha Fortier, a biobehavioral health major who is now also a FISE program assistant. “They guided me through the process of becoming a successful student and made sure I did not make that many mistakes.”
Toyobo, Fortier, and their fellow program assistants plan programs to help their students succeed. FISE programs cover topics ranging from academic acclimation and leadership development to planning for STEM research opportunities and a successful career fair visit.
Toyobo has a leadership role in the programs covering STEM research opportunities and leadership development.
“The goal of the STEM research opportunities program is for students to know what research looks like in their field of interest, understand the process of applying to research laboratories on campus, and interacting with graduate students during lab tours,” Toyobo explained.
During the leadership program, FISE students learn to strengthen five qualities essential for good leadership: delegation, confidence, communication, commitment, and perseverance.
Toyobo believes these programs are valuable due to her own experience as a FISE student: “FISE is essential in guiding freshmen on paths of scholarly pursuits. I can personally attest to it as a member of FISE my freshman year. The placement of program assistants in the building to mentor freshmen encourages them to focus on academic goals like finishing the year on the dean’s list, as well as giving them opportunities to pursue professional experience like internships.”
Because the FISE students and mentors live together in the same special living option, it’s easier for the students to be successful, said Fortier. “FISE focuses on creating an environment where the students can seek high levels of intellectual achievements and personal growth.”
“The FISE program trains students to balance their social and academic lifestyles to succeed from the start,” added Toyobo.