The first year of college sets the tone for how most students will perform over the next three years. Everything from social interaction to study skills to understanding “the system” is key to performing well as a college student. Mike Dunn and his staff are helping new students transition into college life at RU. For the past10 years, Dunn has served as RU’s director of New Student Programs and Services (NSP). Under his leadership, the program was established and has been the source for new initiatives designed to help freshmen and transfer students find greater success in and out of the classroom.

In 2003, Dunn was recognized by the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition at the University of South Carolina as one of 10 “Outstanding First-year Student Advocates,” the most prestigious award presented to individuals in his profession. His colleagues nominated him because his programs have made a significant impact on RU. He was selected to receive the award based on the innovation, creativity, acceptance and institutionalization of his programs, as well their success in making a difference for students, It reflects Dunn’s passion for helping students thrive at RU and is also a symbol of the University’s commitment to helping them succeed.

One of the programs offered by NSP is University 100: Introduction to Higher Education, a first semester course that focuses on academics and social and personal issues. It has made such an impact on the success of students and student retention that Dunn says “it has become part of the fabric of the university.” When he originally presented the idea for the course, it was a totally new concept in working with first-year students and he was uncertain about its reception. The response was positive and the university community has been very supportive of the initiative. It has become a team effort that includes faculty and upper class students who teach the course. Although University 100 is not required, approximately 88 percent of all new students take the course. “It creates community, is fun and teaches new things that help them become better students,” says Dunn. When the course was first initiated, the retention rate for first-year students was 67 percent, since then retention has averaged between 75 to 79 percent. “It’s a gateway class for getting out lots of information and setting expectations for performance,” says Dunn. “The collaboration with other offices on campus has been key to the success of the program. We’re always looking to partner with people who have good ideas.”

University 100 ties into RU by supporting academic policy and providing lessons in time management, study skills and community service. Last fall, 66 sections were offered. Success Starts Here, a lecture series presented by well-known speakers who covers topics such as academic success, values, building character, and responsible decision-making, also complements the course. Building community is such an integral part of the program, that the budget for each class includes funds for outings to performing arts and athletic events, meals and other activities focused on exposing new students to the campus, integrating them into the RU community and building school spirit. Students take the course as a group based on the dorm in which they live. This strategy has been effective in helping students, who may shy away from group activities and have difficulty making new friends, get to know other students in their dorm and has made it easier for them to get involved. Sections of University 100 are also taught for commuter students, who often feel disconnected from the university community.

Dunn has implemented a variety of effective programs to benefit first-year students, including Quest, RU’s summer orientation program, freshmen learning communities and the FIRST and SORTS retention programs. He’s been a mentor to hundreds of students involved with the programs. “Our programs work because we’re a teaching center and lots of people are helping, including the faculty,” says Dunn. “Everything is a thought out process as we try to meet the changing needs of the university.”