Thanks to the dedication of its faculty and staff, FYTS has become a national leader in the emerging discipline of First-Year Studies and has been recognized statewide and nationally for its award-winning work with first-year students. Goldfine attributes much of this success to the vision of President Emeritus Dr. Betty Siegel, who devoted significant resources to promoting the success of first-year students during her years at KSU. “Dr. Siegel’s decision to develop and support first-year programming laid the foundation for what we have become today,” explained Goldfine. “Furthermore, we have worked with national leaders, such as John Gardner and the National Resource Center, to assess our programs and gather data to help determine the best ways to serve our students.”
Because the department is considered an expert in First-Year Studies, many other institutions have visited the KSU campus to learn more about the functioning of the FYTS department and its offerings. According to Goldfine, “While a great number of our campus visitors come from nearby colleges and universities, we have had the pleasure of hosting groups from as far away as Japan.”
Whether students are fresh out of high school, transferring from another college, or returning to college after a break in schooling, they are the top priority for the department. “FYTS employees at all levels, including Dr. Goldfine, drop whatever they are doing to help students who come to our office,” Shaw explained. “A student, whom I had previously helped, returned for additional assistance with registration. This isn’t uncommon, but this particular student stands out to me because he wheeled his bike, which obviously meant a great deal to him, right into the office. It was rewarding knowing that this student was satisfied with our first interaction enough to come back to me for additional help. We want them to feel comfortable and welcome in the FYTS office. Not the bikes, just the students!”
“Through our programs, we attempt to make meaningful connections with students and help them navigate
the transitions they
face during their
years at KSU.”