F.I.R.S.T. (Fostering Intentional Relationships for Successful Transition)


FIRST is a program that provides first-year students with a community based in shared interests and connections. The program supports a cohort of student success and transformative experiences through the exploration of academic adjustment, life experiences, leadership development, and critical inquiry in a fun and welcoming environment. Participation in the program will increase peer interactions, deepen students’ connection with faculty and staff, engage in co-curricular opportunities, and create spaces for students to feel welcome, valued and included. This program offers a consistent level of programming that will help students build strong connections with campus resources. This program is open and available to all first-year students.

Move-In: August 16
FIRST Early Arrival Experience: August 17–19
Year-Long Program: Bi-weekly connection
Applications are due by July 28, 2025.

Benefits of Participating in F.I.R.S.T.:

  • Leadership Development: Engage in leadership activities and develop skills that will empower them to become active contributors to their campus community.
  • Community Building: Build connections with peers, faculty and staff, creating a supportive and inclusive community.
  • Academic Support: Assisted in navigating the academic transition to college by offering resources and guidance for academic success.
  • Access to Campus Resources: Access to a to a consistent level of programming and support, helping them navigate campus resources effectively and make the most of their college experience.
  • Personal Development: Discover strategies for balancing academics and social aspects in college.

What Will You Do?

  • You will participate in an off campus three-day precollege transition and leadership experience. Through activities and workshops, participants will begin to establish friendships, interpersonal communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Attend bi-weekly mentorship groups lead by a peer mentor and professional staff/faculty mentor.
  • Become aware of your own leadership potential and develop leadership goals that will help you academically and to be socially engaged.
  • Meet one on one with staff/faculty mentor at your own time.

F.I.R.S.T. is designed for all our incoming first-year, first-generation, underrepresented student populations.

How to Get Involved

Apply to F.I.R.S.T.! If you are interested in F.I.R.S.T. please fill out this form to confirm your participation

  • Students who apply will be notified via their University email on August 1, 2025, of their application status.
  • Resident students accepted to participate will move into their fall housing assignment early through Charlie’s Fast Pass on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
  • Commuter students accepted to participate will be expected to commute to the University’s West Haven Campus for the duration of the FIRST program.
  • FIRST applications are free, but participation requires a $50 deposit. Students with questions or challenges regarding the fee should contact FIRST@newhaven.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions

  • F.I.R.S.T. stands for Fostering Intentional Relationships for Successful Transition. It’s a leadership and transition program for incoming first-year students to help them build community, develop leadership skills, and succeed academically and socially. Students arrive to campus early and participate in a 3-day experience which includes traveling to a camping facility. F.I.R.S.T. participants return to campus, work with the welcome wagon, and join other incoming students for Charge-In activities. During the academic year F.I.R.S.T. students will meet bi-weekly with peer and staff mentors to ensure they have the tools to be successful in our community.

  • Any incoming first-year student can apply. The program especially encourages applications from first-generation and underrepresented students.

  • The application is free. However, students accepted into the program are required to submit a $50 participation deposit. If this fee presents a challenge, please contact us at FIRST@newhaven.edu to discuss options.

  • Residential participants move into their fall residence hall assignment on Saturday August 16th. From August 17–19, students will participate in a program that includes a 2-day off-campus experience featuring workshops, team-building, leadership activities, and community bonding.

  • Resident students accepted into the program will move in early through Charlie’s Fast Pass on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

  • Commuter students will need to travel to campus on Sunday August 17th and Monday August 18th to participate program activities. Transportation will be provided to and from campus for the off-campus portion of the program. Commuter students will be asked to travel home on the evening of August 19th and are asked to return August 20 – 24 for Welcome Wagon & Charge-In activities.

  • F.I.R.S.T. continues throughout the academic year with bi-weekly mentorship groups, ongoing workshops, and check-ins with peer and professional mentors.

  • F.I.R.S.T. is designed to complement—not compete with—other campus experiences. It helps students manage academic and extracurricular responsibilities by connecting them to resources early on. The F.I.R.S.T. program runs concurrently with DREAM and band camp.

  • Applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the program via their university email on August 1, 2025.

  • Simply fill out the F.I.R.S.T. application form. The deadline to apply is July 28, 2025.

  • To make sure you're prepared for the off-campus leadership experience (August 17–19), please bring the following items:

    Bedding

    • Twin XL bed sheets
    • Pillow & pillowcase
    • Blanket(s) for sleeping

    Clothing
    Pack comfortable clothing for warm weather (enough for 2 nights / 2 days):

    • T-shirts
    • Shorts or leggings
    • Socks

    Footwear

    • Comfortable sneakers (required for the Warrior Wall activity)
    • Shower shoes, flip-flops, or slides/Crocs

    Toiletries

    • Washcloth(s) & bath towel(s)
    • Body soap & shampoo/conditioner
    • Skincare products (moisturizer, face wash, etc.)
    • Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash
    • Deodorant & perfume/body spray
    • Other personal hygiene products (e.g., tampons/pads, razor/shaving cream, hairbrush/comb)

    Medication

    • Any prescription medications you take regularly
    • Over-the-counter medications you may need (e.g., inhalers, allergy meds, EpiPen, pain relievers, antacids)

    Additional Essentials

    • Hat and/or sunglasses
    • Hand sanitizer & lotion
    • Sunscreen (provided, but feel free to bring your own)
    • Bug spray (provided, but feel free to bring your own)
    • Â鶹´«Ã½(s) for phones or other devices
    • A positive attitude & your leadership spirit!

  • To help keep the experience focused, safe, and simple, please leave the following at home:

    • Meals or snacks (all meals will be provided)
    • Reusable water bottle (one will be provided for you—optional to bring your own)
    • Anything not listed above that could distract from the group experience
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