October 14, 2025 — Your first year in college is a big deal. For many students, it’s their first time living away from home, managing their own schedule, and balancing academics with new relationships. The transition isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the college experience.

At Marist, the Office of First Year Experience (FYE) is a dedicated team that helps students navigate this pivotal first year and sets them up for success. Through orientation, mentoring, and engaging programming, FYE works with departments across campus to ensure that new Red Foxes feel prepared, supported, and ready to thrive.

"As First Year Coordinators, we help students bridge the gap between high school and college,” said Asia Rosa Bingay, First Year Coordinator. “Our work begins the moment students commit to Marist—connecting with them through onboarding, orientation, Welcome Week, and into their first semester. Once the initial excitement settles, we focus on helping them build essential life skills." 

Marist’s deep commitment to supporting first-year students and building a sense of belonging during this critical transition is a big reason why the University’s student retention rate from their first year to sophomore year is nearly 90% and rose three points this past year alone — placing Marist among a small fraction of schools nationwide.

A Bright Beginning

 

Fireworks during Welcome Week 2024. Photo by Mike Eggert, Marist Dining/Gourmet GM.

FYE’s Welcome Week sets the tone for a positive start at Marist. Signature events like the Red Fox Rumble, New Student Social, Opening Day Welcome, and Pizzapalooza help students feel part of the Marist community and connected to their peers right away. Programs such as the Commuter Student Welcome and Transfer Tools of the Trade for transfer students ensure that all new incoming students feel included and supported.

"One of the most powerful outcomes of the First Year Experience is when students realize just how capable they are while navigating such a significant life transition,” said Robin Diller Torres, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Student Engagement and Leadership and Director of First Year Experience. “Our motto, ‘The End Depends on the Beginning,’ reminds us that once students discover their own strength to grow, adapt, advocate, and connect, there’s nothing they can’t achieve during their Marist journey."

Throughout the semester, FYE keeps students engaged through events like the Faculty Supper Series, First Year Fridays, and Peer Mentor Socials. FYE also builds strategic partnerships with offices across campus to put on events like the Empowerment Retreat, a day-long event designed to help students build confidence, advocate for themselves, and succeed in college.

To better understand the specific needs of each incoming class, FYE combines personal insight with data, reviewing student surveys, retention trends, and participation metrics to provide timely support, such as stress management workshops during peak academic periods.

"Students rarely face challenges that are strictly academic or personal—one often impacts the other,” said Andrea Conner, Vice President of Student Affairs. "We continuously listen to student feedback and use data to refine our programs holistically, ensuring they meet the full range of student needs."

This support is also accessible in a very real, everyday way. First Year Coordinators’ offices are conveniently located in residence halls, designed to be welcoming and easy to visit. Their consistent presence normalizes seeking help, and organic engagement happens naturally through community programs, pop-up events, or even casual hallway conversations as students go about their daily routines.

Peer Mentors

 

New Student Orientation. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University. 

FYE also oversees the Peer Mentor Program, which pairs first-year students with upper-class students who have already experienced the ups and downs of starting college.

In fact, Marist is putting more support behind first-year students by paying peer mentors and giving them a 10-week roadmap to help new students build confidence, manage stress, and stay on track academically.

"Peer Mentors play a vital role in helping first-year students find their footing,” said Michelle Khawam, First Year Coordinator. “I have seen students grow more confident and connected because of the relationships they build with their mentors." 

Many students who were once supported as first-years later return to become Peer Mentors.

"I remember those first few weeks of my first year being such an adjustment, so knowing the First Year Experience staff and Peer Mentors were there for me was incredibly comforting," said Madeleine Graham '27. "Becoming a Peer Mentor myself has been just as rewarding. I’ve learned the value of teamwork, leadership, and creating a supportive environment that helps first-year students feel at home." 

"The Peer Mentor Program helps first-year students feel supported, connected, and at home at Marist by pairing them with peers who’ve been in their shoes and can guide them through their college journey," said Alquan Higgs, First Year Coordinator. "The experience is meaningful for both mentors and mentees, fostering a true sense of community built on learning, growth, and mutual support."

FYE works closely with two academic programs that help first-year students succeed in and out of the classroom: First Year Seminar (FYS) and Future Options and Choices for Undeclared Students (FOCUS).

First Year Seminar (FYS)

 

Dr. Gregory Machacek teaching the FYS class Individualism, Character, Identity at Fontaine Hall. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.

First Year Seminar (FYS) is a cornerstone of the first-year experience. This required course blends essential academic skills such as writing, research, and presentation with opportunities to explore new ideas and perspectives. Students choose from a wide variety of topics, from pop culture to global issues, social justice, science, and history, making the transition to college-level learning more engaging and relatable.

"FYS classes help first-year students adjust to college," said Dr. Patricia Tarantello, Director of First Year Seminar. "They build friendships that support them through the year and introduce them to important support services like the Center for Academic Advising, the Counseling Center, the First Year Experience Team, the Office of Community and Belonging, and more. These dynamic classes are the perfect way to ease into life at Marist."

FYS incorporates the Marist Common Read, which unites the incoming class around a shared text and conversation.

FOCUS: Future Options and Choices for Undeclared Students

2025 Student Convocation for first-year students at Marist University. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.

For students still exploring their academic direction, the year-long FOCUS program through the Academic Learning Center helps them develop study skills, build confidence, and explore potential majors and careers.

"FOCUS gave me the space to explore my strengths and interests while building the confidence to find my direction,” said Alyssa Bruno '26, a Communications major and FOCUS Peer Mentor. “It transformed my uncertainty into an opportunity for self-discovery and helped me choose my major and career path."

This multifaceted network of support ensures no student has to navigate their first year alone.

For more information, email FirstYearExperience@Marist.edu