The First-Year Experience (FYE)

First-Year Experience (FYE) is a comprehensive approach designed to assist first year students with the transition from high school to college. This program is coordinated by the Office of Student Academic Support Services. At Defiance College, all first-year students participate in a first-year seminar course (FS101) during their initial semester on campus.  This introductory course is designed to help students adjust to the academic and interpersonal challenges of college life. 

First-Year Seminar creates opportunities for students to:

• Experience a successful transition to college living by  learning independence and responsibility;
• Become familiar with day-to-day operations of Defiance College, including the Library, Learning Commons, Office of Career and Student Assistance (OCSA), Health Center, and the Registrars Office;
• Become familiar with Defiance College general education requirements, academic policies, major courses of study and other college policies.
• Recognize the wealth of cultural, athletic, and campus activities and events available to all students;
• Enhance communication skills and learn to contribute in a comfortable and productive manner in group settings;
• Identify personal values and become accepting of others’ values and opinions;
• Experience an introductory service or civic engagement project;
• Demonstrate the ability to understand elements that contribute to a successful college experience, such as time management, study skills, stress management, drug and alcohol awareness, major/career exploration, and personal wellness.

For more information about the First-Year Experience at Defiance College, please contact: Lisa Crumit-Hancock, 419-783.-2332 or lcrumithancock@defiance.edu.

Lisa Crumit-Hancock
Director of Student Academic Support Services
Phone: 419-783-2332
Email: lcrumithancock@defiance.edu

Jessica Miller
Retention and Student Support Coordinator
Phone 419-783-2874
Email: jmiller@defiance.edu

Laura Matyas
Administrative Assistant, Student Academic Support Services
Phone: 419-783-2558
Email: lmatyas@defiance.edu

Nick Sales
Graduate Assistant
Phone: 419-783-2373
Email: nsales@definace.edu

Patrick Sullivan
Academic Support Coordinator
Phone: 419-783-2554
Email: psullivan@defiance.edu