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California State University, Chico

First-Year Experience

Students participate in a town hall discussion on immigration policy as part of a political science course.

Starting college can feel exciting, but also overwhelming. Chico State’s First-Year Experience (FYE) courses help First-Time in College (FTIC) and Transfer students build connections, develop college success skills, and feel supported from day one.

FYE courses fulfill lower-division General Education (GE) requirements while encouraging active learning, collaboration, and engagement with real-world issues. Students connect with peers and faculty, explore their interests and identities, and discover resources that support academic and personal success.

FYE is also the home of the Transfer-Year Experience, where students transferring to Chico State from Community Colleges can find peer and faculty support, join the Transfer Student Organization, and discover resources that specifically support the unique needs of our transfer student population.

Want to learn more about the First-Year Experience? Connect with our team.

Program Feedback

89%

recommended taking an FYE- supported or UNIV course to others

91%

reported feeling an increased connection to Chico State

92%

reported feeling more confident in their academic ability

FYE-Supported and UNIV Courses

  • CMST 132
  • CMST 255
  • GEOG 139
  • UNIV 120

For more information on the exact course numbers supported by First-Year Experience, go to the “class attribute” dropdown on the Class Schedule and choose “First-Year Experience”.

Transfer Student Experience

Join the Transfer Student Organization.

Ensuring the success of incoming and current transfer students

Join the Transfer Student Organization by going to our Cats Connect page. Get connected with more experienced transfer students and find others who are also making the transition from Community College to Chico State.

Follow Chico State Transfers on Instagram and get all the latest information tailored to the transfer-year experience.

Please visit the Transfer Student Lounge in MLIB 208 during regular business hours for snacks, comfy study space, or just to find a friendly face.

“
I walked into the class not knowing anyone, and I now have a very solid group of friends who I worked with almost all semester on a project.
Survey Response of Fall 2024

About Us

  • A sunburst glows from Trinity Tower.

    About

    Read about our mission, goals and community agreements.

  • A student presents their posterboard at the Sense of Place Symposium

    Public Sphere Pedagogy

    Find out how Public Sphere Pedagogy and public events in first-year courses contribute to students’ development and success.

  • Group of students huddled around a computer.

    Internships

    Learn about the internship opportunities that are provided through First-Year Experience.

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Student Resources and Services

Take advantage of the various programs and resources available to help you here at Chico State.

Frequently Asked Questions