New FYE program launches to accommodate large freshmen class

Big changes have come to Stonehill’s First Year Experience class for all freshmen on campus.

The First Year Experience program, known as FYE, has had to pivot to different strategies with the class of 2028, one of Stonehill’s biggest freshmen classes.

Father Timothy Mouton, C.S.C., is the director of First Year Experience. Mouton took the opportunity after the first two weeks to reflect upon his experience thus far.

“The new model has been going well so far, it has a lot of potential for the future. With the class being on a Friday, it overlaps with a lot of school events and encourages freshmen to go right after we end class," said Mouton.

For student facilitators of First Year Experience, the changes also presents new challenges.

“The biggest challenge is to create a sense of home and familiarity with the large number of students. Father Tim and all of us have managed to show everyone what Stonehill is all about, and that is community," says Camila Zuluga, a student facilitator.

“The main difference is Mega FYE differs from standard FYE in class size. We concentrate on expanding each student's social network as much as possible with a welcoming and supportive feeling around campus”, says Eliana Paquette, head student facilitator.

With the increasing number of freshmen students every year, another Mega FYE class might become a yearly occurrence while Stonehill plans to expand their campus in years to come.