Kennesaw State University ranked among the top universities in the nation recognized for their first-year experience programs, as presented in U.S. News and World Report’s 2016 Best Colleges Rankings edition (http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/rankings/first-year-experience-programs). KSU is one of only 26 institutions in the nation included in this year’s First-Year Experiences rankings in the “Academic Programs to Look For” category. This marks the 12th year that KSU has been recognized among those institutions that are “stellar examples of first year experiences” (U.S. News and World Reports).

 

While many units within University College contribute to the success of our first-year students, the Department of First-Year and Transition Studies (FYTS) plays a significant role through its high-impact curricular initiatives such as first-year seminars and learning communities. Ruth Goldfine, chair of the FYTS Department, credits the innovative thinking of the department’s faculty and staff for the national attention our first-year experience programs have received. “Our faculty and staff are creative and forward thinking,” states Goldfine. “They are continually seeking more effective and innovative ways to serve our students, and this drive to constantly improve has given rise to many successful pilot programs on which we hope to expand.”

 

 “This recognition is exciting and highlights the importance of helping our first-year students transition successfully into college life,” said Keisha Hoerrner, dean of University College. “When you add in the growth of our learning communities, our pilot project for first-generation students, the expansion of academic support initiatives on both campuses, as well as the master’s degree in first-year programs, University College plays an important role in our students’ success.”