2012 Freshmen Class at Gorilla Warm-Up.
First Year Programs
The First Year Programs office is designed to be the success center for students at Pittsburg State University. The staff in First Year Programs serves as advocates to all undergraduate students, but especially to freshman and transfer students in their first year at PSU.
The most challenging time for any college student is the beginning of the experience in this new environment. Freshmen are particularly challenged by the adjustment. The transition from high school to college is fun and exciting, yet in can be difficult, stressful, and filled with anxiety. First Year Programs is focused on assisting students with the social, personal, and academic adjustments needed for a successful transition to Pitt State.
Challenges to transition arise in a variety of areas. It is important for these issues to be addressed directly and quickly. Students can access the services of First Year Programs with a wide range of concerns including academic services, such as tutoring referrals or course load difficulties, financial issues, commuter parking issues, and many times just to have someone listen.
The open door policy in First Year Programs allows students to make a personal contact with a person who will work toward the betterment of the student's college experience. Staff members in First Year Programs are available to help all students whatever their inquiry or problem. The goal is to assist, guide, advise, mentor or steer most students to the right person or place on campus to find an appropriate resolution to the situation. First Year Programs is committed to helping students find their way so that they will be successful and return as sophomores and ultimately graduate from Pittsburg State University.