Individualized attention is given to each new freshman as he/she enters Dominican University New York. The Freshman Year Program is a multi-faceted process which assists and supports students as they make the important transition from high school to college life. The program is geared towards providing first-year students with the foundation for a successful college experience that allows for the attainment of the student's academic, social, personal, and career goals.
The New Student and Transition Center (“The Nest”) reports to the Vice President for Academic Affairs/Academic Dean and coordinates the staff and opportunities which help each freshman adjust to life as a Dominican University New York student, orients new students, and acts as a point of referral to other University personnel and support services. Important programs provided through The Nest include Freshman Registration Days, the Freshman Directorate, the Peer Mentor Program, Freshman Seminar, Freshman Academic Tracking, and Major Declaration Day.
The Freshman Directorate
The Director of the New Student & Transition Center works closely with the Freshman Directorate, a select group of faculty members who serve as the academic advising team for freshmen. Directorate members provide one-to-one advising and assist with academic tracking throughout the first year at Dominican University New York. They assist new students in forming and solidifying educational and career aspirations and in making the transition to permanent faculty advisors in their majors on Major Declaration Day.
The Freshman Seminar is required for all first-year students and consists of a 2-credit course taken in the fall semester. Overall, the Seminar's goal is to enhance the development of critical thinking, to introduce the concept of liberal learning, and to make connections to the University's mission. Examples of topics explored are: the scientific method, liberal studies, and career choices and academic majors.
Peer Mentors
First-year students often have many questions and special concerns regarding university life. Many feel particular stress from being in a new social environment while trying to make the transition to new academic requirements. The group of upper-classmen students known as the Peer Mentors is another important part of Dominican’s Freshman Year Program. As Peer Assistants in the Freshman Seminar and New Student & Transition Center, they are specially trained and serve as a rich source of information about important campus events and policies as well as extracurricular activities. Each Peer Mentor is assigned a small group of freshmen whom he/she meets with on a regular basis, includ-ing their attendance in the Freshman Seminar. Peer Mentors make sure all students are aware of the academic and student support services open to them at Dominican.