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First Year Experience (FYE) Program

What is FYE?


The FYE Program was designed especially for YOU - the first-time college student, to assist in your transition from high school to college life at DVC. Starting college can be both stressful and exciting, but as part of the DVC FYE community, you have support.

The FYE Learning Communities


Interested in joining a supportive group with other first-year students? Learn more about each FYE Learning Cohort:

  • Allied Heath FYE is a a Science and Health Interest Area Pathway for students wishing to pursue career in an allied health science. Careers include but are not limited to Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Radiography, Sonography, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Health. The Allied Heath Pathway satisfies common prerequisites for various health-related programs and provides students with foundational knowledge in human anatomy, physiology and microbiology.

  • Business FYE is an Interest Area Pathway for students who are interested in transfer to a 4-year university in a Business or Economics major. Students in this Pathway will gain an overview of the theory and practice of modern business along with exposure to career options including business administration, management, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, entrepreneurship, and international business.

  • Communication FYE is an Interest Area Pathway for students considering majors in areas such as Language Arts, Social Science, Arts, Humanities, Liberal Arts and more. A communication course is a common general education requirement for transfer, and effective communication are central to success in many fields. Thus, students may use this Pathway to complete requirements and gain skills to serve them in a wide array of majors and careers.

  • Psychology FYE is a Social Sciences Interest Area Pathway for students who are interested in studying human thought, feeling and behavior. This Pathway is a starting point for students considering transfer to a 4-year university in a psychology major and a future career in a helping profession. Examples of these professions include Psychotherapy, Social Work, Educational Counseling, Psychological Research and Instruction.
     

  • STEM FYE is an Interest Area Pathway for students wishing to transfer to a 4-year university in a science, technology, engineering or math major. Examples of these majors include Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics and Environmental Science. The STEM Pathway includes a sequence of math and science courses along with various types of support for students to succeed in this rigorous program of study.

Program Eligibility, Benefits, and Expectations


  • You can apply to the FYE community if you are:

    • Taking college classes after high school for the first time
    • First person in your family to go to college
    • Eligible for English-122 (College Reading and Composition)
    • Connection with a cohort of students with similar interests and goals
    • Guaranteed spots in high-demand classes
    • Specialized attention from FYE faculty, staff, and counseling
    • Free tutoring (academic support) and access to College Success Workshops
    • 12-unit (full-time) schedules designed by DVC Counselors for each cohort based on their Educational Pathway or Interest Area
    • Support Team: Access a full-time Program Coordinator and Peer Advisors to guide you and connect you with DVC resources throughout your first year.
    • Study Group: Reserved space twice a week for your cohort to study and collaborate during your first semester.
  • Students in FYE cohorts are expected to:

    • Attend the FYE Program Overview (online)
    • Attend the FYE Registration Session (online)
    • Attend the FYE Orientation (in-person)
    • Attend Welcome Day (in-person)
    • Participate in regularly scheduled study groups
    • Communicate with your support team
    • Meet with their FYE Program Coordinator or Peer Advisor twice a semester
    • Attend College Success Workshops 

How Do I Begin?


Step 1: Complete the DVC Application

Contact DVC Welcome Services for assistance.

Step 2: Complete the FYE Program Application

Contact dvcfye@dvc.edu for assistance. 

After submitting the Program Application, you'll get an auto-reply with a link to schedule your FYE Program Overview. Be sure to complete this step to proceed with registration.

Step 3: Attend an FYE Program Overview (online)

Once you have completed the program overview, you will be signed up for a registration session with a DVC Counselor.

Step 4: Attend an FYE Registration Session

A DVC Counselor and staff will answer your questions, confirm you are signing up for the right cohort for your goals, and help you register for your FYE classes.

Going to college for the first time can be nerve-racking. It is so helpful to have a support system that ensures you have the knowledge you need to have a successful journey,

Alvin Gomez, FYE communications career pathway student