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    First-Year Experience IMPACT Program

    About

    First-Year Experience IMPACT Program (FYE) is a year-long program designed to help incoming students ease into college life in a supportive environment. Dedicated faculty, staff, and counselors will work closely with students to make this transition successful. This experience will set the foundation for a successful journey through Merritt College and into a bright future.

    How does FYE work?

    FYE students are placed in a Learning Community with other students who have similar goals. The students continue in the Learning Community throughout the year taking specific classes together and meeting individually with their FYE counselor. The students also participate in experiences beyond the classroom, which includes  field trips, team-building exercises, and the FYE/IMPACT Club on campus. These activities serve to strengthen the connection among students as they help each other succeed in college and form lasting friendships.

    What are the FYE components?

     Counseling

    Students will take the Counseling classes listed below to prepare for moving on successfully to the second year at Merritt. Along with the courses, students will meet with a dedicated counselor throughout the year to develop an educational plan and help keep on track to meet their goals.

    Communication

    The FYE students will enroll in communication courses that will assist in developing their confidence and voice and help them effectively communicate with others. These skills are essential building blocks for academic success.

    English

    As part of the Learning Community, FYE students enroll in Reading and Writing courses, which are the core of student success.  That’s why FYE students are placed in their appropriate English level class in their first semester as part of their educational pathway. They will take either English 264A/B: Preparation for Composition and Reading or English 1A: Composition and Reading.

    Lunchtime with Instructors
    FYE students are encouraged to spend time weekly with instructors informally to cover topics as they wish to build their social skills. This could include class assignments, career opportunities, networking, and discovering resources on and off campus.

    How do I know if I’m eligible?

    To be eligible you must:

    1. Attend an FYE information session.
    2. Commit to the one-year program.
    3. Attend the FYE welcome/orientation.
    4. Apply for Financial Aid.
    5. Be a full-time student (with a minimum of 12 units,
    including the FYE courses).
    6. Be qualified to take English 264A/B or 1A and willing to take
    Counseling courses.
    7. Be a new student or have completed less than 30 units of college courses.
    8. Submit an FYE application.

    FYE sounds great! How do I apply?

    Download the FYE application here or pick up one up at the Counseling office in the R Building. Fill it out and return it to the FYE Program Coordinator Rosa S. Perez in Building R-105D. If you have questions, contact her at rperezflores@peralta.edu or (510) 434-3972.

    Benefits of the
    First-Year Experience
    Program

    • Dedicated Faculty Members
    • One-on-One Counseling
    • Priority Registration
    • Connections with New Friends
    • Year-Round Tutoring
    • Field Trips
    • Learning and Study Strategies
    • Campus Activities
    • Supportive Campus Network
    • Smooth Transition to College
    • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
    • Personal Empowerment

    What Students Are Saying About
    First-Year Experience

    “It was a good feeling to have someone believe in me and encourage me to do my best.”  –Christopher Jackson

    “The FYE counselors and teachers made it easy for me to adapt to college life. ”  –Anthony Nelson

    “I benefited so much from my experience that I am sharing the information with my friends. Thank you for your help!” –Miao Zeng

    “Because of FYE, I knew where to go, who to talk to, and where to find resources. Soon I’ll be transferring to a four-year university!” –Vanessa Chavarria

    “I had a  rough family life growing up, and it was only because of the FYE program that I was able to succeed in college.” –Ricky Vargas

    FYE IMPACT Club

    The F.Y.E “I.M.P.A.C.T” Student Club, a branch of the First Year Experience program, is a stepping-stone for first-year students as they embark on their academic journey.  The club shows students that there is more to college than just attending class and going home, but that there is student life on campus.

    The program is yearlong, and with each semester, students are a part of a learning community where they develop professional skills that will help them succeed in college as well as in the future. Students also experience career development courses that help them discover their career path in life. The club aims to show students that there is more to college than just attending class and going home, but that there is student life on campus. In our club, students network, develop leadership skills, empower themselves, do community service, get active on campus, and make connections with students and faculty all over campus. The F.Y.E. “I.MP.A.C.T” Student Club collaborates with Student Activities, the Inter-Club Council (I.C.C.), and student clubs on campus to coordinate events and engage students from diverse backgrounds to be integrated in the community college system.

    The F.Y.E “I.M.P.A.C.T” Student Club also has its own fundraising events/support groups, and study groups to assist in the retention of students. By participating in this club, students form long-lasting relationships.

    Join our club! Our meetings are held on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Chambers, R-127.

    Hope to see you there!

    Contact Information

    Rosa-S.-Perez
    Program Coordinator and
    Counselor
    Rosa S. Perez
    (510) 434-3972
    rperezflores@peralta.edu

    Building R-105D
    rperezflores@peralta.edu
    (510) 434-3972

    FYE Club Meetings

    Tuesdays 12:30 – 2:30 pm
    R-127

    President
    Lanesha Edwards
    (510) 213-0906
    FYEImpactStudentClub@gmail.com

    Vice President
    Jonathan Padilla

    Treasurer
    Emily Madrigal

    Secretary
    Stephanie Martinez

    Faculty Advisor
    Rosa Perez

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    Apply Today!

    Completing your application takes less than 30 minutes! We’ve created an application guide to help you quickly and easily complete the steps to apply and enroll.

    Apply