First Year Together

Community of Practice

What is First Year Together (FYT)?

The First Year Together is a community of practice designed around the premise that learning more about the context(s) of the first-year experience from the multiple perspectives enriches our ability to support student success and professional achievement. Hear insights, learn about resources, and share your experience alongside faculty, student partners, and staff colleagues. Additionally, FYT will provide access to the insights, recommendations, and consultations with trained student partners committed to elevating the undergraduate perspective in our work. Join us for one meeting or for all. Upon registration, you will receive reminders for each meeting. 

The FYT Community of Practice meets monthly on Wednesdays in Cline Library Room 200 and online this fall at 3:45 -4:45.

Register for each meeting to receive the location reminder and Teams link by clicking on the dates.

 September 16: Where do first-year students even come from?

Join a conversation with Dr. Chad Eickhoff, Associate Vice President in Strategic Enrollment and Marketing to discuss the fascinating world of recruitment, admission, and enrollment analytics (no kidding, it is actually fascinating). We’ll discuss NAU’s recruitment presence in the Southwest, how students end up finding their way to NAU, and the future of enrollment at our institution

October 21: Mix, Mingle, and Make Meaning
The First Year Think Tank

As NAU undergoes a re-founding, the importance of a healthy and successful first-year for all members of the university community will only continue to grow. This is a time to engage, as a grassroots body, with one another as faculty and staff to share the wealth of best practices within the parameters of unique work.  This semi-structured, dynamic and active space allows for informal cross-disciplinary knowledge-sharing as instructors work collaboratively to build and understand the whole jigsaw puzzle that is the “first-year experience.”  Examples of prompts include:  1) How do you approach generative AI in classroom or workspace?  2)  For faculty, do you have an attendance policy?  Why or why not?  3)  What are some ways that you promote engagement with students and peers?  4) What are your thoughts on technology (e.g., laptops, cell phones) in the classroom or co-curricular spaces?

November 18: Want to make semester’s classes (and/or staff office) even better? Let’s make them Transparent. 

Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) is a well-researched and highly accessible structure to make small, effective changes to your class. Of note, first-generation students in TILT spaces do better in school and report a higher sense of belonging. It’s a small change with a big impact.  This session will be guided by Dr. Cody Canning, FYT Head-Learner, and will offer guidance and examples on how to implement TILT in your class, workplace, and even in dynamic collaborative spaces. A small change, or a tilt, can make a huge difference.

Spring COP meetings are on the following Wednesdays:

January 27
February 24
March 31

Visit the First Year Together Teaching Resources & Podcast page