First Year Experience (FYE) is a 6-week course required for all new students with less than 24 credits on their transcript. The class utilizes lectures from speakers, teachings from professors, and discussion from student leaders (FYE Leaders). A heavy emphasis is placed on using Strengthsquest™ development from the Gallup® Organization.

This course is designed to help new students experience success in all areas of Simpson University life by focusing on three core questions:  Who am I?  Who are we? and What is success?  Students will engage in self-discovery, identify their purpose, and embrace the values of the Simpson community.

We understand that change can be difficult for new students, especially if they have to go through it alone. That is why every student in this class is placed in an FYE Group. Each group usually consists of 10 students or less. They are led by an upperclass student. Students will meet their FYE Group and Leader during Orientation Weekend and will continue to meet throughout the fall semester. 

FYE Group goals are:

1. To provide an opportunity for new students to develop friendships and
   social skills
2. To involve students in their own learning
3. To develop a sense of belonging to the Simpson community
4. To educate students about key "first-year" issues
5. To foster a sense of university pride
6. To provide space for students to share with and encourage one another