2011 OFYP Annual Report - Orientation and First-Year Programs ...

First-Year InitiativesYear 1 on myU PortalYear 1 is a cell located on the undergraduate view of myU web portalavailable only to first-year students. This cell provides articles thatchange approximately every week throughout the academic year. Thearticles, written by OFYP, discuss issues based on the transitionaltimeline of the first-year student and promote an awareness ofresources on campus that address those issues. Some of the topicsinclude:• Dealing with homesickness• The importance of being an engaged student• Making smart health decisions• Making academic goals• Creating genuine relationships• How to meet professors• Keeping campus safeFirst-Year Photo ProjectThis program allows first-year students a way to explore theirtransition to the University of Minnesota through artistic expression.Incoming students can apply to take part in this initiative onmyU during summer orientation. A cohort of approximately 12students are chosen to represent their class through photography.Participants meet approximately once a month to discuss theirphotographs and how they relate to their personal development. Ateach meeting participants are assigned a developmental theme toguide their photography. This project culminates with an exhibitionhosted in the Coffman Memorial Union Theater Gallery.Browse the current photos of our photo project students atwww.ofyp.umn.edu/photoproject.34