First Year Experience

First Year Experience at Marian University is committed to supporting students and families during their transition to Marian and throughout their first year. We understand that the transition from high school to college, or even from one college to another, can be daunting and can come with some challenges. We’re here to guide you through this journey, help you get connected to campus and resources, and ensure that you get off to a strong start at Marian.

Orientation

New Student Orientation and Welcome Week are orientation programs designed to help familiarize you with Marian, build connections on campus, and take care of important business prior to the start of your first semester.

We also provide continuous support and outreach throughout your transition. Keep an eye on your email, as we’ll be sharing lots of information prior to your first semester and guiding you through the processes to become a Marian Knight.

Leadership Opportunities

Ready to develop your leadership skills and get a great experience on your resume? Some great opportunities provided through our office are Freshman Class Board, Orientation Leader, and FYS Peer Mentor.

Freshman Class Board is a group of first-year students who help plan events specifically for freshmen. Guided by our FYE staff, the freshman class board will work as a team to plan, advertise, and host a variety of events and activities throughout the school year.

Orientation Leaders are current MU students whose job is to welcome, guide, and mentor first-year students through New Student Orientation, Welcome Week, and their first year. They’re the go-to people for when you have questions or are needing support.

FYS Peer Mentors are part of an FYS section throughout the fall semester and are responsible for leading activities, building community within the class, helping students connect to campus, and serving as a mentor and role model for their students.

Community Engagement

We know that becoming more connected to the campus community will play a big role in your success, so we host a variety of events throughout the school year. Some examples of events we've hosted in recent years include: Fall Fest, Winter Bash, Summer Kickoff, holiday parties, tailgates, homecoming activities, downtown trips, and more! 

Family Engagement

We’re here to support families as well. Whether you’re sending your first child off to college or your last, we want to help you stay connected with Marian and ensure you’re able to provide support to your student from home.

Our Family Portal is an online platform where you can stay updated on what's happening on campus, read stories from Marian students, families, and staff, and find tips to help you support your student. Through the portal, you can also sign up for our email newsletters. We encourage all parents and families to create an account.

Ready to plan a visit to campus? We encourage you to join us for Homecoming and Family Weekend, the weekend of September 29-30, where you can spend the weekend enjoying events, activities, and more with your MU Knight.

Academic Support

As part of CASE (Center for Academic Success and Engagement), we’re eager to help you connect with academic resources and services so you can achieve your goals in the classroom. Resources we can help connect you with include academic success coaching, peer tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic advising, and services for students with disabilities.

In your first semester, you will take a three-credit First-Year Seminar course. This gateway course is intended to help you develop critical thinking, information literacy, cultural awareness, collaborative learning, and other important skills that will serve you well throughout your college experience.

In your second semester, you will take Health and Well-being 110. This course will provide students with the opportunity to engage in self-reflection and an understanding of their own well-being through the lenses of mind, body and spiritual health.