What Services does Students First Provide?

SFMP provides a range of different services relating to each area. All students in the program go through an orientation where they are introduced to the program resources and staff, and learn some simple adjustment strategies to use during the first weeks of classes. Participating students have access to an on-line peer mentoring video library and a password protected resource website designed to facilitate and simplify the process of identifying relevant campus resources and using them appropriately. All students receive regular weekly contact, support, and encouragement to keep on track from program staff via e-mail, telephone or in person. In addition there is an on-line bulletin board where students can post questions and receive responses from program staff. Each term students take part in a series of group discussions, in which they discuss their most recent university experiences, brainstorm solutions to adjustment issues, ventilate feelings, and both receive and provide social support. In addition, once or twice a term, SFMP staff arranges a group outing in association with a PSU or community social event. These interactions build connections between students and create a field of shared experiences that will help students to experience a sense of community on campus.

During 2005-06, the initial focus of the program was on new freshmen and their adjustment issues. Starting in 2006-07, SFMP has expanded to include an additional focus on community college transfer student adjustment issues. Working in conjunction with local community colleges, the expanded SFMP will help make the transition to PSU smoother for first-generation, transfer students.