New students can begin their Alabama experience with the help of Navigators, a new First Year Experience peer program designed to help incoming students find their way at UA.
“Navigators can be extremely beneficial in helping first-time students find their way in college,” said Isabella Lange, a biology major from Vincennes, Indiana. “Students should come talk to us if they are feeling a little lost in this new part of their life so we can help them feel more comfortable.”
Upper-classmen in the group are eager to meet new students where they are because they’ve been there themselves.
“As I progressed through my academic journey, I recognized the challenges many students face, from navigating complex administrative processes to finding resources that cater to their unique needs,” said Kenedy Johnson, a psychology major from Birmingham.
“The role of a Navigator presents an opportunity to bridge these gaps and facilitate a smoother transition into college life for new and returning students alike. I want to be the person I wish I had during my first year.”
Find a Navigator
Navigators will be all around UA during the first week of school and hold office hours throughout the academic year.
“Navigators will be on different parts of campus and sort of say, ‘Come find me if you need me,’” said Chelsea Ratcliff, director of FYE and coordinator of Navigators. “They will also hold office hours in 318 Russell Hall. Eventually, they’ll set up around campus so they can be where the students who need them are instead of the student always coming to Russell.”
Navigators are students from all class levels and colleges and include students from across the country so incoming freshmen can connect with a Navigator in different ways.
Enhancing the Experience
The Navigators program becomes FYE’s second peer-to-peer offering alongside New View, the program for first-year, out-of-state incoming female students. Both groups are part of a range of FYE programs designed to help every student be successful and find their place at UA.
Many of the student leaders within FYE have walked the walk.
“A common concern is that the student is homesick, which is understandable,” said Caitlin Johnson, a business and political science double major from Johns Creek, Georgia. “As an out-of-state student, I can relate to that student and provide ways to ease that feeling such as attending Weeks of Welcome, going to Get on Board Day, joining New View, and becoming active in clubs.”
Added Lange, “I felt like I did not know my place right when I got to The University of Alabama. Luckily, I had others to help me find organizations to interest me and get me involved. I hope to help other students who may be struggling with similar issues so they can feel at home here in Tuscaloosa.”
FYE is for You
The staff and students within FYE understand it can be hard to ask for help, but they want new students to know it’s always there when needed.
“By participating in FYE, students can form meaningful relationships with fellow first-year students who are likely experiencing similar feelings. This shared experience can create a sense of community that is vital for emotional well-being during this pivotal time,” said Kenedy Johnson.
“FYE is a supportive environment. These programs are structured to help students acclimate to college by providing valuable resources such as academic advising, study skills workshops and opportunities for engagement with faculty and peers.”
Caitlin Johnson added, “First-year students should know that FYE programs are meant to help the students become acclimated to campus. They give an opportunity to make new friends as well as connections with faculty.”
“The door is always open regardless of how long it takes you to walk through it.”
Learn more about the resources and opportunities at First Year Experience, housed within the Capstone Center for Student Success, by visiting the FYE website.