First Year Success Program
The First-Year Success Program (FSP) is a mandatory coaching intervention for first-year students who have been placed in Academic Notice (AN). FSP is designed to help students reflect on their first term, connect with campus resources, and build a plan for moving forward.
We recognize that there are many factors that likely contribute to students’ academic difficulties during their first year. Many Cal Poly freshmen experience academic challenges, and Academic Notice (AN) is intended to identify students who may benefit from additional support – it does not define your potential. FSP is designed to help students reflect on their first term, provide students with information on campus resources, strengthen academic habits, and set goals for the future.
After completing FSP, many Cal Poly students share that they gained confidence and feel better connected to campus. You can read about student experiences further below!
Student Expectations & Responsibilities throughout FSP:
Once Grade Point Averages (GPAs) are finalized for the fall term, students on AN can expect to receive an email from the Office of the Registrar notifying them of their academic status. Students will also automatically be enrolled in a Canvas Course specifically for FSP. This email will ask students to:
- Complete a survey
- Register for a mandatory FSP workshop during the Spring term.
- Review the first Canvas Module.
- Complete the Self-Assessment Assignment, posted in the first module, prior to the workshop & bring those results to the workshop prepared to discuss them.
The day of the workshop, students can expect to:
- Learn about university policies and academic support strategies
- Reflect on your first term in a small group setting, with facilitated discussion by an FSP Academic Coach (find out more about FSP Academic Coaches under the “Meet your FSP Academic Coach!” section).
- Set goals for the spring term
After the workshop, students are required to complete a couple more tasks:
- Students are required to have a follow up meeting with Mustang Success Center Advisors, or their assigned FSP Academic Coach, by the end of the 7th week of the term.
- Students must utilize one resource on campus and submit a reflection assignment on Canvas about that resource by the end of the 8th week of the term.
When the workshop is over and all the required tasks have been completed, students will have satisfied the requirements of the FSP program.
After participating in FSP, students will be able to:
- Refer to the Academic Notice policy to determine next steps.
- Connect with Campus Resources.
- Create goals and plans to take action toward those goals.
- Build confidence in making decisions related to academic needs or concerns.
- Meet students navigating similar experiences.
Student Voices:
Here are some student quotes reflecting on their experiences after participating in the FSP workshop:
“I learned that Cal Poly and all the staff truly do care for all the students' well-being and overall success. I felt pretty alone and not sure where to turn to in terms of resources earlier in the year, but I feel much more confident that I will always have people and groups to turn to when I need help now.”
“I don't see Academic Notice as a punishment anymore. I see it as an opportunity to get back on track.”
“I really like my FSP Coach. They were understanding and were able to hear out my issues on what I can improve on.”
“I learned that I should set out a more organized routine for myself to slowly move into better habits that I can rely on when I start to fall off my path. I should try to focus on learning material from my classes in ways that are productive for me and suit my learning style and preferences.”
"I realized there are a lot of people in the same boat as me.”
Meet your FSP Academic Coach!
Volunteer faculty, staff, and graduate students serve as FSP Coaches to:
- Facilitate small-group discussions
- Encourage reflection
- Help students develop realistic & actionable goals
- Connect students with resources.
Faculty & Staff: Join the First-Year Success Coaching Team
Academic & Support Resources
- Tutoring & Learning Center (TLC) Support Programs
- Study Strategies Library
- Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Mustang Success Center (MSC) – Advising Center for First-Year students in San Luis Obispo
- Maritime Academy Advising Center – Advising Center for all students in Solano
- Career Services
Learn more about the First Year Success Program
Email: fsp@calpoly.edu with any questions.