Honors College First-Year Experience (FYE) Program
All incoming Honors students participate each fall in the Honors College First-Year Experience (FYE) Program. Every first-year student must enroll in one FYE class, which is an Honors section of an introductory-level class designated specifically for our first-year students. These courses are taught by some of our best faculty members, include only first-year Honors students, and are small in size. Each FYE faculty member has two trained, upper-level Honors students who serve as mentors to attend the class and meet weekly for an hour and a half in a Learning Community Group (LCG) meeting. As such, the addition of LCG meetings to each FYE class does not provide supplemental discussion or instruction, but rather introduces new students to the full scope of what it means to be a member of Texas Tech and the Honors College.
When we talk about Honors to other people, we often describe it as being something like a small liberal-arts college embedded within a large research university. The FYE program is the first place you will benefit from this combination. In LCG meetings, we establish a community among new students, and thus create a rich learning environment possible at a small school where people will often carry on conversations over complex or controversial topics both in and out of class. We, as an Honors community, think having the ability to think critically, communicate ideas, and take action concerning complex issues are all a part of becoming a well-educated person. We’ll also have fun connecting you to your new home; from football games to fine arts concerts, Texas Tech has a lot to offer! Honors Mentors will encourage you to consider your own personal values and goals and then introduce opportunities to match these values and goals. LCG will help you begin thinking about ways to prepare for your future at Tech, graduate school, and beyond.
LCG meetings provide:
· A chance to get to know your peers better
· Information in how to be successful in the Honors College and at TTU from your Mentors
· An opportunity to become acquainted with the people, programs, and opportunities that make the Honors College a unique place to learn
· An opportunity to think about and discuss relevant current events
· Helpful information from campus departments and faculty members
In your LCG you will:
· Develop and incorporate key components critical to your future success
· Find ways to connect to your new university and surrounding community
· Further develop critical thinking skills
· Learn about study abroad programs
· Participate in community service opportunities
· Develop an in-depth personal statement
· Discuss current event discussions
· Partake in cultural events
The LCG is a no-credit course that must be completed in order to continue being a member of the Honors College. There will be some written work and outside investigation required in order to get the most out of this experience.