The first year of college can be difficult and stressful. The First-Year Program at Eastern brings freshmen together in small classes designed to foster the development of a strong and supportive community of faculty and students. The program promotes academic excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration while helping first-year students adjust to the rigors of college life. A two semester program, first year students are strongly encouraged to enroll in a fall semester thematic cluster, and are required to participate in a spring semester colloquium.

By participating in both components of the First-Year Program, students gain the necessary skills of good scholarship, satisfy core (or sometimes major) requirements, participate in small classes, and work closely and interactively with faculty members, a peer mentor and fellow classmates. They are also introduced to resources and services on campus, as well as the many clubs, activities, and programs that are a vital part of the Eastern community.

The goal of the First-Year Program is to ensure that every first- year student makes a successful transition from high school to college through:

• Active learning
• Small classes
• Working closely with full- time faculty members
• Working with a peer mentor
• Developing college survival skills
• Getting connected to resources, people, and places on campus