First-Year Experience connects new Lancers to campus life

Riverside, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2022) – The transition from high school to college can be daunting as students leave behind familiarity to embark on their next journey.

At California Baptist University, the First-Year Experience (FYE) course was carefully created to make this process seamless, so new Lancers can transition easier to campus life.

The semester-long course is required for all first-semester freshmen and includes campus information, activities and meaningful discussions to identify the needs of new students at CBU. The course also covers students’ spiritual journey, emotional and physical wellness, and time and money management.

Activities include movie and game nights, hikes and dinners. FYE leaders and students also connect by getting coffee, visiting the Recreation Center or shopping together.

Courses are run by two FYE student leaders and classes have approximately 25 freshmen.  

First-Year Experience exists to welcome and connect all first-year students to CBU’s campus and culture, said Taylor Rilling, assistant director of new student programs.

“The First-Year Experience course is for freshmen to take as an introduction to CBU resources and create connections with other students,” Rilling said. “This program seeks to support students as they navigate the transition to college.”

Victoria Bucy, a civil engineering senior and FYE leader, said FYE greatly impacted her experience at CBU.

“As a freshman, FYE truly helped me get plugged in with everything that happens on campus,” Bucy said. “Being an FYE leader has allowed me to meet other students outside of my major and form connections with people who love to serve and give back as much as I do.”

Involvement and connections start during a student’s first semester on campus, Rilling said.

“We see time and time again that the more a student is involved and connected at CBU, the more likely they are to not only have a positive college experience but also graduate with a degree,” Rilling said. “From Welcome Weekend, FYE class and other campus events [Community Life] hosts, we hope that students engage outside the classroom in order to have a successful time during their CBU journey.”

Taira Hall, a biology sophomore, met one of her best friends during FYE.

“I loved FYE so much that I am now an FYE leader myself, and it is such a rewarding experience to be here and to help freshmen through their first semester because we all know it is not easy coming into a university,” Hall said.

Elisabeth Mather, an elementary education freshman, said she was nervous getting the help she needed because she was coming to CBU from out of state.

“FYE taught me that there are resources everywhere and has also showed me how easy it is to use them,” Mather said.

Allison Holliday, a public relations senior and FYE leader, said FYE has been incredibly fulfilling as a student leader and follower of Christ.

“At the end of the day, my hope is that students come out of the class feeling comfortable navigating their first year with all the changes, but also [that they] look back and recognize how their participation in FYE and forming meaningful relationships will benefit them in the long run,” Holliday said.