A great deal of research has been conducted nationally and on the Austin College campus regarding first-year students. The most critical period of the college experience is the first year. How successful a new student is in making the transition will impact the rest of his or her college career and may very well determine whether or not that student proceeds to graduation.
First-Year Information (FYI)
FYI is a comprehensive program designed to help first-year students benefit from peer support and more structured intentional interactions. This proactive program complements the academic mission of the College by providing first-year students with the best resources the College has to offer when they need it most. Also, these resources are delivered where they impact students the most: where students live. Some topics in the FYI program include time management, academic skills, dealing with change, roommate relationships, sexual health, summer job searching, and financial aid.
Cluster System
At Austin College, we believe that first-year students benefit from peer support. As such, first-year students are assigned to exclusive first-year communities called “clusters.” Each cluster is assisted by an RA who is specially trained to foster an atmosphere of community and provide a positive learning environment. By designating first-year students to clusters the College is able to connect these students with resources to help them make a great start at Austin College. Benefits of living in a cluster include:
- Cluster rooms are specifically designated to maximize participation and connections among first-year students
- First-year students will only be assigned to other first-year students as roommates to help build a support network
- Living with a fellow first-year roommate allows students to improve skills in communication, idea sharing, and collaboration that will enrich the living and liberal arts experience
Room Assignments
At Austin College, part of the learning experience includes learning to function within a community. Hence, first-year students are required to have roommates. A student may request a specific roommate before May 15 as long as both students request one another, or one will be assigned by the residence life staff. New student roommate matches are made using lifestyle questions and the Myers-Briggs personality type indicator that is completed by incoming students. Incoming students will be mailed a housing application, meal plan agreement, and the Myers-Briggs personality type indicator once their matriculation deposits are received by the Office of Admission.
Once you have completed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, we encourage students to learn more about their type by visiting the Myers-Briggs Website.
Notification of roommate assignment generally occurs mid to end of June. All correspondence concerning the assignment of rooms in the residence halls should be addressed to the Director of Residence Life, Austin College, 900 N. Grand Ave., Suite 6J, Sherman, TX 75090-4400 or studentlife@take4create.com.