First Year Experience (FYE) at USD

Please use the navigation bars on the left side of the page to learn more about USD's First Year Experience.  You will find links for the major activities connected with the First Year Experience, including Admissions, Torero Days (New Student Orientation), Preceptorial Program, Residential Life, FRESH @USD Program, and FYE Online Resources.

What is First Year Experience? 

USD’s First Year Experience refers to the entire USD experience for new first-year students – all the programs, services and activities that we offer. The year-long experience is built around a set of objectives and common experiences.

What is unique about the First Year Experience at USD?

USD's First Year Experience is built on two core components -- the preceptorial program and residential life living and learning environment. 

Preceptorial Program:

• USD’s distinctive feature, a small class called the “preceptorial” is taught by a faculty advisor called a “preceptor.”  The actual course is a regular Core Curriculum (previously known as General Education) class and the content depends on the course title and description (e.g. BIO 190, PHIL 110, PSYC 101, etc.).

“Preceptorial Assistant (PA)”

• The PA is a successful continuing USD student who serves as a liaison to the faculty member, mentor to new students, and general resource for USD. 
• PA’s also plan and implement outside of class activities to assist students with the transition to college. 

Residential Life:

• First-year students required to live on campus. 
• First Year Experience Resident Assistants (FYE RA’s) work with residents on their hall to establish a respectful and inclusive community.
• All students in first year halls will meet individually with their FYE RA’s, who serve as mentors and resources for University services, activities, and programs.

This page is maintainted by the Office of Student Learning Initiatives.  Please call 619-260-5995 if you have any questions about the information contained on this site.