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SPARK SCL
FIRST-YEAR SUMMER INSTITUTE( FSI): BUILDING MONARCH LEADERS
This summer, incoming Monarchs had the chance to kick off their ODU journey through the First-Year Summer Institute( FSI), a three-day intensive leadership experience that has been shaping student success for more than 20 years. Since its founding in 2002, FSI has welcomed an estimated 5,400 students; the program continues to make a lasting impact on the Monarch community.
FSI helps new students strengthen their leadership skills, connect with faculty, staff, and peers, and
get a head start on finding their place at ODU. Each session offers a range of activities tailored to students’ interests while introducing them to valuable resources for leadership development, research opportunities, and career exploration. This year, participants benefited from mentorship by 11 counselors representing various academic majors and engaged with more than 85 student leaders from diverse student organizations.
NEW THIS YEAR: Each FSI participant will be paired with a designated career coach to provide one-onone leadership and career development coaching throughout their academic journey. FSI partnered with the College of Sciences to offer a unique science-based experience.