What is Drury's First-Year Experience Program?

Not just a guide for four years, but guiding for life!

My name is Emily Givens, and I am the Director of Transitional Programs. My main focus is to make sure all new students – freshmen, transfers and internationals – have a smooth transition into the Drury community. If you have any questions about the information below please contact me at egivens@drury.edu, or 417-873-6894.

Drury's First-Year Experience program consists of many elements which are designed to help our freshmen transition easily into life at Drury:

CORE 101 - The Drury Seminar
All freshmen are required to take this course which helps students develop the abilities needed for success in college and in life. These include critical thinking, reading, writing and oral communication skills.

Freshmen Academic Advisors
The CORE 101 professor is not only the instructor for the course, but is also the academic advisor for the students in his/her class.

Advising and Registration
The Office of Academic Planning builds a first-semester class schedule that will help students achieve educational goals, without the stress that sometimes accompanies the registration process. Beginning February 1, students who are admitted and have paid the tuition and housing deposits ($100 tuition deposit and $200 housing deposit if you plan to live on campus) will receive a packet of materials about registration for the first semester of classes and information about degree requirements. Students and parents should discuss this information before replying to our request for information about academic plans and interests using an on-line questionnaire. Questionnaires completed by March 1, 2013 will receive priority registration. A team of professionals will review the information and build an appropriate schedule for each student. Students can expect to receive an email sent to their Drury email account in early June that lists their fall course schedule and an explanation of the degree requirements met by these courses. Schedule refinement will take place on or before Freshmen First Day, June 21, 2013.

Freshmen First Day
Friday, June 21, 2013 is Freshmen First Day. In late April, incoming freshmen will receive an invitation in the mail with the schedule of events. Throughout the day, students will have the chance to meet with faculty, staff, current administrators, and current Drury students. Students will also meet their pre-assigned CORE 101 professor and classmates for the first time. This is a great opportunity to meet your roommates and ask questions to staff members in the departments of housing, financial aid, financial services, admissions, greek life, technology services and much more! View the schedule of events for Freshmen First Day.

LEAP: Leadership Enrichment Adventure Program
LEAP is Drury's Leadership Enrichment Adventure Program which is organized through the Office of Transitional Programs. It is a 4-day excursion into the heart of the Ozarks that takes place each summer prior to New Student Orientation. The focus of LEAP is to accelerate friendships, enhance communication and social skills, and strengthen the ability for incoming freshmen to handle challenges.

LEAP provides the opportunity to experience outdoor adventure activities through teambuilding initiatives, canoeing, camping, climbing and rappelling, a low ropes course, and is sequenced to accommodate varying abilities and levels of experience. Freshmen who are interested in having a meaningful wilderness experience with other incoming Drury freshmen are encouraged to view the schedule and register.

Prior experience or knowledge of outdoor adventure activities is not necessary. Students will be accompanied by Drury staff and supervised by professionals during all activities.

DU Bridge Program
DU Bridge is organized through the Office of Diversity Support Services.  The program begins two days before Freshmen Orientation begins (Wednesday, August 14th – Friday morning, August 16th). The primary focus is to give our incoming freshman students of color an opportunity to build connections and accelerate friendships, meet influential people in the community and on campus that can make their initial college experience a positive one.  We also plan on having some fun activities planned as well. This program is also free - we simply need you to register! DU Bridge Registration Form

New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation will be held Friday, August 16 – Monday, August 19, 2013 and is required for all freshmen. During orientation, freshmen will experience the social and academic sides of Drury. Some of the events students will participate in are: attending CORE 101 class, bowling, ice skating and broomball, an off-campus community service event, dinner in the home of a faculty member, student activities fair, a huge fireworks show, and much more!

Orientation Leaders
Upperclassmen Orientation Leaders will be present throughout the four days of orientation to assist new students by answering questions, providing guidance and informing students about what they can expect once classes begin on Monday, August 19 at 5 pm.

Student Activities Fair
This event is held the third day of New Student Orientation. The purpose of the fair is to encourage students to sign up for campus organizations, clubs and groups early on, before classes begin. There are over 90 student organizations available for Drury students to choose from.

First-year Advising and Mentoring
A new retention and mentoring program that links first-year Drury students with a FAM leader and a team of representatives from seven key areas that shape the Drury experience:

  • Academic Advising
  • Business Office
  • Campus Activities
  • Career Planning and Development
  • Financial Aid
  • Housing
  • Work Study

Each FAM leader will be a full time staff member representing departments throughout Drury’s campus. A FAM group will consist of approximately 10 first-year students that will be randomly placed in a particular group. A FAM group will meet their leader for the first time during Orientation weekend in August.  Each group will meet at least one more time each semester as a group, but could be more and will be left to the discretion of the FAM leader. There will also be a communication process through our Drury email system of important events, items and deadlines.  The FAM leader will acquire the tools and referral skills to assist their FAM students in critical key areas which have been proven to influence student satisfaction, success and retention. Visit drury.edu/FAM for more information.

Office of Transitional Programs
The first year of college often presents students with new challenges as they face the academic and personal transitions required of them. This office, located in Findlay Student Center 120, serves as a resource for students who would like to discuss and resolve any issues that are preventing them from succeeding at Drury. We can assist students with goal setting, time management, academic concerns, and personal issues. We are here to listen, offer advice, point out new alternatives, and understand the exciting times and difficulties that lie ahead.

You can contact Emily at egivens@drury.edu or (417) 873-6894.