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Show Orientation 2004 wsusignpost.com First Year Experience program puts students on right track By RYAN HOWE sports The Signpost When Weber State University student Dallas Bailey started her college career, she was like most freshmen students. She found herself in strange new surroundings, knowing hardly anyone. "I came from out of state, so a lot of people knew people from their high schools that were here," Bailey said. Luckily for her, and for the hundreds of freshmen students who begin on the college path each year, WSU has the First Year Experience program to help in adjusting to college courses and college life. "(FYE) helped me to build those friendships and bonds right away," Bailey said. "I think it helps students to get more comfortable in college by knowing people, and I think it makes it easier to adjust. FYE is the best preparatory device to getting used to how demanding college is." Bailey is just one of the many success stories of the FYE program at WSU. After participating as a freshman, she came back as a peer tutor in the program. Last semester she was also elected WSU executive vice president. Being involved in the FYE program has helped her in achieving her college goals. "As a peer mentor, I see it as a bigger benefit than when I was in the class," Bailey said. "I hear more feedback from other students and I see how they've A-sC 9 been, and I see how it was years after from me being in the class. "Being a peer mentor has helped me to be more comfortable in front of lots of people and to be able to plan things and incorporate the things that I do in other classrooms into this class," she added. The FYE program helps students in the transition to WSU and college life in general, both educationally and socially. Students enrolled include those coming straight from high school and students who have been absent from the college scene for a while and need a refresher on study skills. Students may take an FYE "cluster" of classes to help them get started, which includes the Education 1105 Introduction to the University course. According to the WSU FYE Web site, weber.edufye, the highest dropout rate for college students is in the freshman year. Consequently, part of the aim of the program is to help students finish a four-year degree. Studies by both WSU and other universities across the nation that have adopted the program show students who have been through the FYE program and the Education 1105 class have a better chance of finishing with a bachelor's degree. Freshman Tyler Roessler has completed two semesters at WSU, but did not take the FYE course in his first semester. After getting in the program, he wishes he had not waited. See Experience page 19 (Mi mm m mm m Going to school doesn't Health Center offers solutions to students' medical problems By JEREMY ROMERO correspondent The Signpost While it may be rumored that school is a painful way to spend four or more years of one's life, the rumor exists and is applicable solely to mental pain and anguish, rather than actual physical pain. The reason for the lack of actual physical pain is due to Weber State University's Health Centers, located on WSU 's main campus as well as its WSU-Davis Campus. Some of the benefits of WSU's Health Centers, as found on the Health Centers' home page, weber.eduhealthcenter, are medical care for common illnesses, disease prevention information, X-ray service and more. However, the most significant benefit offered to students is the ability to enjoy such services for free. Yes, free. Included with the price of admission to an education at WSU are two easily accessible, readily available health centers accompanied by one pharmacy located on WSU's main campus. "As long as students are paying student fees, they are eligible," said Colette Cooper, the Health Center's office, specialist. "Some services such as X-rays and lab work will have some nominal fees, though." To further the concept of "free" is that no insurance is needed to take advantage of the Health Center. Also, by obtaining a spousefamily card, spouses of (1. fll Win '77M3lfQ y 0D CE 01 im A ! rf V-fi Debbie Schiffman calmly waits as nurse Brenda Dussol takes blood pressure in the WSU Health Center. WSU students can take advantage of the centers as well. However, the Health Center only sees adults and college-aged persons, so children of WSU students would need to see their providing pediatrician. When using the pharmacy, students will only be required to pay a discounted rate, or co-pay, for medication. This service has been provided by a state-issued contract for students to take advantage of. "For a college student, the Health Center is so nice and so convenient," said Cory iDOGflfi . ua d PI Cbs? have to hurt c Stevenson, WSU senior. "I know if I need it, it's there and free to boot." Although a clinic physician, nurse and medical technologist staff the centers, some students have still been wary about using the free clinic rather than their regular doctor. "I feel, for me, it's a safer bet to use my regular doctor the one I've been with since I was a child because he knows me and my history," said Trent Heath, See Hurt page 37 SlDD (direct ObS 03 r Trv n I C" nz o o i , X. |