First Year Experience

First Year Experience Students

First Year Experience logo
Your first step towards success has already begun!

The First Year Experience Program (FYE) is a year-long learning community designed for new-to-college students who will enroll in FYE designated English, Math, and Counseling classes. This means students will see the same peers in their FYE classes where they can establish bonds, find friends, and belong to a community that supports them in their first year of college. These structured classes along with supportive instructors, a dedicated counselor, and fun activities outside of the classroom, enable students to reach their transfer, graduation, and career goals. FYE is ideal for first-generation college students.

  • Understand the college process and have a smooth transition from high school to college
  • Get help picking classes during the first year of college
  • Receive academic support from a dedicated counselor
  • Take interactive college classes with supportive
  • instructors, with the same cohort or group of students
  • Build confidence
  • Enjoy activities outside of the classroom to build bonds and grow friendships

There is a mandatory First Year Experience (FYE) Welcome Workshop—a daylong event that is held the week before classes start in August. All students will be placed into a cohort and will be required to take at least 2 FYE designated courses each semester during their first year, in addition to any non-FYE courses they wish to take.

The FYE program is a year-long program that starts every fall semester. Unfortunately, we do not accept students into the program for spring semester only.

If you are interested in being part of FYE, complete the application.

An FYE counselor or coordinator will then contact you to schedule an appointment and help you plan your first semester classes.

For questions related to First Year Experience, please contact:

Hideo Ikeda, MA

Hideo Ikeda, MA

First Year Experience
Counselor

(408) 741-2508
hideo.ikeda@westvalley.edu
Student Services Center: SSC 201X

Tania Pichardo

Tania Pichardo

Student Equity, Diversity and Success
Acting Director

(408) 741-2503
tania.pichardo@westvalley.edu
Student Services Center

Last Updated 3/14/24