Students say Alice Camuti hit the mark when she took them to the rifle range as part of a freshmen course designed to engage students — and making connections with first-year freshmen is why she received this year's Award for Excellence in University 1020 Instruction.

Camuti

"I incorporated activities in all my sessions that would strengthen the bonds between them while at the same time bringing in an element of fun," says Camuti, Career Services director. "If they felt connected with people, they were less likely to get lost and drop out of the university. This support network allowed them to have people to turn to for help with 'coverage' in other classes including homework assignments and study groups."

Also known as First Year Connections, the course was specially designed to help freshmen build the academic, social and professional connections needed for a successful college career. In this one-credit hour course, students are introduced to an assortment of university services, academic skills and friendships that will make adjusting to campus life much easier.

The award was created to honor instructors who not only demonstrate creativity in teaching, but also show an exceptional level of care and understanding toward incoming freshmen.

"I worked very hard to create a 'family,' and I believe I was successful," says Camuti. "We all looked out for each other during the semester and when a member of the class was not present, we asked 'why' and made sure to find them."

Camuti addressed traditional topics that were crucial to students' overall success in college, such as class attendance, tutor schedules and study skills, but she also guided them through nontraditional, albeit important, topics such as homesickness, budgeting their money, and what to do outside of the dorm.

"I switched from an emphasis on me the teacher and my experiences to a focus on the students and their culture, life experiences and backgrounds," she says. "The results were amazing and the learning outcomes were phenomenal."