About The First-Year Experience
Vision:
The First-Year Experience Program (FYE) at Raritan Valley Community College provides first-time students with a comprehensive and effective transition into the college experience with a focus on student success.
Mission:
The mission of the First Year Experience Office is to aid first-year, degree-seeking students in their transition to Raritan Valley Community College, to expose students to the broad range of educational opportunities, and to integrate new students into the college community in order to enrich their first year experience. The First-Year Experience works to:
- Provide an environment that is welcoming to students
- Identify and overcome obstacles that impede the success of first-year students
- Provide developmental activities and essential support programs for first-year students
- Create and implement innovative programming that meet the needs of entering students
- Support student learning and integrate students into the learning community
- Collaborate with the campus community to assist first-year students in achieving academic and personal success.
FYE is committed to the academic and personal success of all first-year students. The office offers a comprehensive and intentional experience that supports student learning and involvement.
- Facilitate a successful transition into college life at Raritan Valley Community College
- Connect students to the campus community
- Promote interconnectedness with the college community and community at large
- Help students to become independent learners who take ownership in their college careers
- Recognize and value the individual differences, diverse backgrounds and experiences of students
- Inform the campus community of first-year student needs
- Help students to develop a plan for career exploration and transfer
Staff:
David Ross, Director
Susan Risler, First Year Advisor
Jarett Stanley, Student Assistant
First-Year Experience Committee:
Eileen Abel, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Russell Barefoot, Director, Student Life
Jacki Belin, Dean of College Advancement
Donyea Collins, Director, Educational Opportunity Fund
Richeleen Dashield, Dean of Multicultural Affairs
Greg DeSanctis, Academic Advisor
Christine Foster-Cates, Academic Advisor
Jason Fredericks, Assistant Dean of Student Services
Erin Kislan, Assistant Director of Financial Aid
David Kring, Director, Testing Center
Diane Lemcoe, Dean of Student Services
Eliyahu Lotzar, Advisor - RVCC Works
Nancy Mombay, Coordinator of Admissions
Meghan Noya, Financial Aid Specialist
Dan Palubniak, Registrar
Carrie Rafanello-Bazar, Career Counselor
Pat Richmond, Assistant Registrar
Susan Risler, First Year Advisor
David Ross, Director, The First-Year Experience
Jose Salazar, Admissions Specialist
Maria Schiano, Coordinator of Disability Services
Wendy Schnall, Career Services Advisor
Alaysha Walker, Student Activities Coordinator
John Wheeler, Academic Advisor
Jaché Williams, Admissions Advisor