UVU: Helping students successfully navigate college’s critical first year
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- Incoming students take part in Freshman Convocation held at Utah Valley University.
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- Incoming students take part in Freshman Convocation at Utah Valley University.
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- Freshman students at Utah Valley University can receive support in acclimatizing to college life at the UVU First-Year Advising Center.
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- The First-Year Advising Center at Utah Valley University helps students navigate their critical first year of college.
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- First-year students attend Freshman Convocation at Utah Valley University in Orem.
Contemplating the first year of college can be scary, and, in some cases, downright intimidating. Approximately 29% of full-time, first-year students drop out of college in their freshman year, according to a 2023 study by the Education Data Initiative, and Utah Valley University is doing something about it.
In the spring of 2020, UVU launched the First-Year Advising Center to help students navigate the treacherous waters of that crucial first year of college. It is one of UVU’s many tools and resources that support students as they make their way to graduation.
UVU sees the center as the university’s front door — a place where everyone is welcome and advisors help eliminate the anxiety and intimidation that can come with enrolling in school. Advisors use a UVU-developed syllabus to walk the students through the process that will help launch their college careers.
That process guides students as they select their majors, plan out first- and second-semester classes, fill out course schedules, complete essential forms, discuss educational success strategies, and learn to build and maintain momentum.
UVU is an open-enrollment university, meaning that all applicants are accepted. The university’s website touts the slogan “Come as you are,” meaning students are welcome to attend UVU whether they aced the ACT or did not graduate high school. Staff, faculty, advisors and mentors will meet students where they are and build from there.
“We accept you with whatever knowledge or skills and competencies you already have,” said UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez. “It’s a surround-sound system of support from academic tutoring, support for underserved communities, and all sorts of things that help students succeed in a very engaging experience at the university.”
The First-Year Advising Center helps with course selection, major exploration and degree guidance to align students’ academic paths with their career aspirations and ensure they fulfill their degree requirements. All of these build a foundation for success after graduation.
“The counselors are here to support your success in college,” said Elaine Lewis, director of the First-Year Advising Center. “One of the main pieces of advice I would give to a first-year student is to start their English and math coursework as soon as possible.
“No matter what university you are attending, these courses are often gateways into most other courses, and putting them off will delay graduation,” Lewis continued. “Even an applied communication major needs to take math before starting upper-division, major-specific coursework. These classes can feel daunting for students, but there are some really great resources UVU offers to help students succeed in these courses.”
Advisors also teach first-year students about UVU resources, including the writing and math labs, accessibility services, the food pantry, wellness programs, housing options, health and mental health services, and the Women’s Success Center.
For those considering UVU, the First-Year Advising Center stands as an entry point. It is a unique resource ready to support and guide students through the beginning stages of their college journeys at UVU, ensuring successful academic careers.
Helpful First-Year Advising Center links:
