The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is taking proactive measures to enhance the college readiness of its incoming students by implementing a comprehensive weeklong onboarding experience. This initiative aims to support students in navigating academic resources and adapting to the rigors of college life before their first day of classes.

Recent studies from EAB and Seramount reveal a concerning trend: the preparedness of traditional-aged college students is on the decline, which poses significant challenges for higher education institutions striving to improve student retention and completion rates. Many incoming students report difficulties in meeting classroom expectations, including maintaining pace with challenging coursework and effectively engaging with faculty members.

To combat these issues, the University of Nevada, Reno has introduced an innovative precollege program known as NevadaFIT. This initiative is designed to equip students with essential resources and insights, promoting a smoother transition into college life. By immersing students in a supportive environment, NevadaFIT has already demonstrated its effectiveness in improving retention rates among both first-year and transfer students, helping to minimize potential obstacles that could hinder their academic journey later in the semester.

The foundation of NevadaFIT is modeled after the successful Biology Intensive Orientation for Students program from Louisiana State University, which was crafted to foster a sense of belonging and academic integration for new College of Science students. Initially, NevadaFIT was exclusively available to biology majors, but since 2021, it has expanded into a campus-wide initiative that welcomes students from all disciplines.

The program lasts for one full week, during which students move into their residential housing and engage in a series of structured activities. Participants are divided into two primary categories: first, they are organized by academic department into what is termed a Camp, and subsequently, they are placed into smaller groups known as Packs, which include a peer mentor.

UNR hosts 11 different NevadaFIT Camps, each reflecting the diverse colleges within the university. There is also a dedicated Camp for students who have not yet declared a major. This structure allows students to tailor their experience according to their academic interests, with undecided students given the option to choose a Camp that piques their curiosity or join a group of other exploratory learners.

Each Pack is comprised of students from the same academic college, often organized by major. For instance, those enrolled in the College of Business participate in the BizFIT Camp, where marketing students are grouped together. Each Pack is led by a peer mentor, typically an upperclassman who has previously completed NevadaFIT. These mentors provide valuable insights and guidance on navigating both academic challenges and campus life.

While NevadaFIT shares similarities with traditional orientation programs, it distinguishes itself through its immersive engagement with campus resources and fellow students. Unlike standard orientations, which primarily focus on administrative tasks such as housing placements and academic scheduling, NevadaFIT encourages active participation in daily classes and study sessions while familiarizing students with essential campus facilities, including the fitness center.

This program provides students with the opportunity to explore resources they are interested in and learn how to utilize them effectively, explained Tiffany Elsner, the assistant director of NevadaFIT. Those who participate are much more likely to access these resources in the future, which is crucial for their success.

As part of the NevadaFIT experience, all students enroll in a one-credit course. Class credit is awarded based on attendance and active participation in various events and workshops throughout the week. A unique aspect of the program is that most participants are also enrolled in a mathematics courseBizFIT students, for example, attend economics lessons. This design not only gives students a head start on crucial academic content but also provides a low-pressure environment to assess their readiness for college-level work.

Even if students struggle with the homework or dont perform well on the final exam, they wont fail NevadaFIT, which alleviates some of the pressure, remarked Brianne Chambers, the director of NevadaFIT.

Behind the scenes, NevadaFIT represents a significant commitment from the university, requiring dedicated full-time staff, including a director and assistant director, to orchestrate the program annually. They collaborate closely with various campus partnersranging from academic departments and housing services to support officesto ensure the weeklong intensive is executed successfully. Additionally, the program offers a make-up course for students unable to attend the main event, such as student athletes, which runs throughout their first term.

The university employs hundreds of student mentors each fall to facilitate the Packs. These mentors undergo a thorough screening process and receive training to comply with federal regulations regarding privacy and harassment.

At the conclusion of the NevadaFIT program, Elsner leads an analysis of student feedback and evaluations to gather insights that will inform future iterations of the initiative.

The impact of NevadaFIT is already evident in improved student outcomes at UNR. Data from a pre-assessment and exit survey conducted in 2024 highlighted that the percentage of students feeling very confident or confident about starting their first semester surged by 15 points after completing the program.

The transformation in students over the course of the week is remarkable, Chambers noted. At the beginning, they often appear stiff and uncertain, but by the end, they are more relaxed, engaged and even exchanging hugs.

Furthermore, about two-thirds of students who entered the program undecided about their major eventually declared one by the end of the week, thanks to their interaction with peers and exposure to various academic fields, as stated by Elsner.

Additionally, students who participated in NevadaFIT exhibited a retention rate that was 5 to 10 percent higher for their second year compared to their peers who did not engage in this program.

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