When you hear “The First Year Experience,” what do you think of? You probably think of your own freshman year or the current freshmen. That’s at least what I thought when I heard it, but that would be wrong. Steve Elder, vice president for enrollment management, has started The First Year Experience program to help freshmen, transfers or any student that’s on their own for the first time. This program is for those who don’t quite have a grasp on adulting.
“The concept behind it is to help them kind of make that transition.” says Elder.
Elder wants this to be a program where people can build relationships and connections to resources. He also wants this to be a discipleship program where upperclassmen can help support and guide first year students.
When you first came to CBC, whether it was for Stampede Day, Connect Day or MUD Week, you had to attend several different meetings and informational events. Can you remember anything from those meetings? If you’re anything like me, you probably can’t. The First Year Experience is designed to help you stay connected with and accountable to the people you meet, providing reminders to support you throughout the year.
Elder is giving new students the chance that a lot of people didn’t have during their first year. The goal is for first years to come, get involved, and be poured into. Then, when the freshmen become upperclassmen, they can do the same for the new first years, creating a continuous cycle of mentorship that never ends.
If you would like to be involved in any way, whether you’re an upperclassman who wants to disciple or you’re a first year that wants to know more, you can reach out to Elder by email at selder@cbc.edu
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