The beginning of the new chapter of college is both exciting and terrifying as students enter a world of so many possibilities. At Miami University, incoming first-year students seek to evolve with new skill sets that will set them up for their future career. Forming meaningful connections for a sense of community is part of what helps them thrive academically, and they have a host of resources at their disposal. 

The College of Arts and Science promotes multiple resources to help first-year students from all majors achieve excellence, including Miami Bound early arrival programs such as Discovery Bound and additional opportunities at Miami such as MADE at Miami, and Ascend. These Miami Bound transition programs allow them to engage with faculty, current students, and various campus resources before the academic year officially begins.

In CAS, Carolyn Craig serves as the director of strategic initiatives and engagement as well as the founding director of the LEADS Institute, an Academic Excellence and Leadership Accelerator,  which was launched in 2021. Its primary mission is to provide innovative, high-touch and comprehensive student-success programming to accelerate talented students’ successful transition to and in college, and strengthen their potential to become competitive candidates for graduate and professional school or competitive employment opportunities. 

“Beginning in their first year and through its signature four-year Humanities and Social Science (HASS) and Dean’s STEMM Scholars Programs, the LEADS Institute strives to better address high-achieving students’ academic, professional, cultural, and social interests while enhancing their experiences and sense of belonging,” Craig said. “Students engage with peer mentors, network with faculty and staff, and build confidence while making their college transition.”  

Craig also encourages first-year students to take advantage of various early arrival programs at Miami and in CAS, such as the LEADS Institute’s Koschik and Hara Summer Bridge to Success Bootcamp for HASS and STEMM Scholars, which strengthens academic preparedness, professional, team-building, and leadership skills, helps students network and build strong connections with their peers and get acclimated to Miami and its resources.  

“CAS now also offers the LEADS Institute First Year THR1VE (LIFYT) initiative for students with primary majors in CAS who participate in select Miami Bound programs to help students continue to build a sense of community and belonging,” Craig added.  

LIFYT provides guidance as students navigate their first year, connects them with faculty, staff, peers, and alumni, helps them develop professional skills through career workshops and meetings from the Arts and Science Professional Association (ASPA), and build a strong foundation for academic success, engagement, and leadership. It began its pilot run on Oct 6 and continues through Apr 10 next year.

Beyond CAS, first-year students have many other opportunities to form connections outside of their classes. Liz Walsh-Trevino, Miami’s director of orientation and transition, recommends that students immerse themselves in Welcome Weekend events. 

“The first-year experience looks different for everyone, so it’s important to be aware of all the opportunities offered around campus,” Walsh-Trevino said.

Some first-year experience courses, such as UNV 101, provide new information such as bystander intervention skills, academic success resources, career development tools, networking skills, academic planning resources, and student involvement opportunities. Giving students the resources they need to be safe and fully informed on all campus activities and events. Utilizing peers and professors in first-year courses is a key way to build community as students navigate their first year. 

Jen O’Brien, director of communications for the Office of Student Life, also recommends that students seek opportunities to get involved with activities beyond the classroom to form new friendships. 

“We have an active Instagram account, @miamioh_studentlife, which answers various first-year student questions and highlights advice,” O’Brien said. “We provide information about finding friends, managing loneliness, and overcoming homesickness, often including advice from upper classmen to help in navigating those situations.” 

The account also serves as a great place to explore when looking for ideas on how to get acclimated to campus.

O’Brien also suggests taking advantage of listening to the Major Insight Podcast, which is both hosted and run by students (including this year’s Michaela Buck) who cover a wide range of topics that will help students excel at Miami. 

“Many academic departments in CAS hold open houses to welcome first-year students, where they can meet faculty, learn more about what resources their department has to offer, and meet other students going through the journey with them,” said Craig. 

Staff members within CAS and throughout Miami continue to create new ways for students to connect, engage, and feel supported through the first year of college. Taking advantage of these opportunities helps first-year students build meaningful connections and a strong foundation for success.