First and Second Year Experience
Welcome to Jaguar Nation, where your story is just beginning—and the possibilities are limitless. Whether you're arriving on campus for your first college experience or returning to build on last year’s momentum, we are thrilled to have you with us.
FSYE is designed to support students during the critical transition from high school to college and through their sophomore year. Its primary goal is to promote academic success, personal development, and a sense of belonging by offering programs, resources, and guidance that help students navigate university life. The department coordinates initiatives such as new student orientation, first-year seminars, mentoring, academic workshops, and engagement activities that connect students with faculty, peers, and campus resources. By fostering a supportive learning environment and providing targeted interventions, FSYE help students build a strong foundation for persistence, retention, and long-term success.
First-year students: You’ve taken a bold step into a new chapter. Embrace the experience. Ask questions. Make connections. This is your time to grow, learn, and shine.
Second-year students: Now is your moment to level up. Reflect on how far you’ve come and get ready to build something even greater—deeper friendships, stronger skills, and a clearer sense of your path forward. To our families: Your support is a cornerstone of your student’s success.
Thank you for being part of the Southern University and A&M College community. We value your partnership as we work together to support your student’s journey.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to facilitate students' academic, personal, and social transitions to college by fostering success, engagement, and retention through comprehensive first-year and second
OUR VISION
To cultivate a transformative collegiate experience in which all students are empowered to excel academically, develop personally, and engage meaningfully in campus life—fostering a strong foundation for success through innovative programs and exemplary student leadership.
MEET THE TEAM
Angela Bruns Turner
Interim Director of First- & Second-Year Experience University College
225.771.4162
Honors College, Room 126
&
Markita Brown
Coordinator of First- & Second-Year Experience University College
225.771.3608
Honors College, Room 139
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AMBASSADORS
The mission of the University College Ambassador (UCA) Program is to cultivate student leadership who serve as Ambassadors, peer mentors, role models, and frontline representatives of Southern University.
We envision a campus culture where every new student feels supported, welcomed, and empowered to succeed. University College Ambassadors are central to this vision—championing student success by fostering connection, promoting resources, and modeling academic excellence and campus involvement.