First Year Experience Program

The First Year Experience® (FYE) Program at Columbus State University supports students in their transition to university life. The program is designed to build a strong foundation for academic success while promoting social, cultural, and personal development.

Key components of the First Year Experience include:

• Cougar Kickoff Weeks

• First Year Convocation

• RIVR 1101: Taking the Plunge

• RIVR 1102: Charting Your Course

All entering first-year students are required to complete RIVR 1101 and RIVR 1102 prior to reaching sophomore status (30 earned credit hours).

RIVR 2101 is designed for completion during the sophomore year as part of the continued RIVR sequence.

Transfer students entering with fewer than 30 credit hours may be exempt from RIVR 1101 and RIVR 1102 if they have earned transferable credit that satisfies the institutional First Year Experience requirement.

Completion of RIVR 1101, RIVR 1102, and RIVR 2101 fulfills the General Education Core requirement for Institutional Priorities.