Wildcat Way: Supportive Pathways for First-Year

Support for Year One Success

As part of the CSU System’s Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students, Chico State’s Wildcat Way ensures students are prepared and supported for academic success. This commitment begins before their first day on campus with support for academic preparation and summer success opportunities, leading into a full year of academic and social support. The Wildcat Way program provides all students the ongoing support necessary to meet critical GE requirements leading to a successful academic career and timely graduation.

Supportive Pathways and Pre-College Planning at Chico State

The Early Assessment Program (EAP) provides support for college readiness to middle and high school students and staff. Developing pathways to information about preparation for success in college, specifically in math and English first-year courses, as well as tips to prepare for college and understanding eligibility requirements, sample academic planners, and general advice for applying. 

Academic Advising Programs will support planning for first-year courses and help with exploring majors of interest and understanding degree requirements. 

Seek Summer Preparation

Summer Opportunities

Students admitted to our respective programs may be invited to participate in our summer transition/orientation programs. Students will engage in community-building activities, workshop presentations, and exposure to campus resources. EOP students will be invited to participate in the EOP Summer Bridge transitional program and TRIO-SSS students will be invited to participate in one of two TRIO SSS Orientations.

STEM Readiness

For eligible STEM majors seeking additional support in calculus, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Summer Calculus Bootcamp offers an on-campus immersive experience to prepare Chico State first-year, transfer, and continuing students for success in calculus.

New Student Orientation

Families play an important role in a student's transition to college. Parents and supporters are encouraged to attend Chico State Orientation to meet faculty, staff, and other parents. Additionally, representatives from academic advising, housing, financial aid, student engagement, campus safety, and more will be present.

Receive First-Year Supports

First-Year Experience

Research clearly shows that students who become active and engaged members of the university community in their first year are more likely to make it to graduation than students who do not. First-Year Experience provides highly supported courses, activities, and special support for students not yet declared in a major.

First-Year Writing (GE)

You may have demonstrated writing proficiency prior to enrolling by passing AP exams or completing dual-enrollment courses, but if you haven’t, you’ll need to take and pass one of our courses with a grade of C- or better. Visit the English Department’s First-Year Writing Program site for more info. And if writing is not your strong suit, or your favorite academic pursuit, don’t worry – we have options that provide plenty of support to help you succeed.

First-Year Math (GE)

You will enroll in one of our GE B4 courses unless you have already earned credit from college coursework or AP, IB, or CLEP exams. You’ll need to pass with a C- or better and we’re here to support your success. Visit the Mathematics & Statistics Department’s First Year Math/QR Placement site for info about multiple measures, GE B4 advising, and how you can prepare with ALEKS PPL.

Prepare for Second-Year Success

Take advantage of opportunities to plan for the rest of your academic pathway to success including opportunities to catch up with incomplete first-year requirements through Summer Boost if needed, and begin to explore careers, research, and creative activities on campus.

Work closely with the Academic Advising Programs every year to help reach your goals, from yearly course selection to your final degree progress review before graduation.

Summer Boost

Free Summer Boost courses are designed specifically for students who were unsuccessful in their first attempt at a critical 100- or 200-level course. Most classes are online, so you can participate from wherever the summer finds you. Eligible students can stay on track and on time for graduation with up to two Summer Boost courses.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Prepare for success through engaging with faculty to explore, discover, and get inspired to learn through research on campus. Participating in student-faculty research experiences at Chico State fosters student interests, expands their academic and professional skills, and provides them with authentic learning experiences in and outside the classroom. 

Career Center

Start your second year strong with the help of the Career Center to search for campus jobs and internships, explore careers and majors, or graduate school. They help with resumes, and cover letters, and offer a variety of workshops, events, and career fairs.