FIS Documents, Presentations and Forms

"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

FIS Contract for Success (.doc). All incoming Freshman Intensive Studies (FIS) students sign this contract, accepting full responsibility for adhering to all policies and procedures related to the academic program.

FIS Information Booklet (.doc). A resource given to students at the FIS breakfast orientation, it outlines important information about the program and the university.

FIS Learning Support Services Brochure (PDF). A guide to all of the learning support services provided through FIS.

FIS Information Session Presentation

A Unique Freshman Experience for Motivated Students!

Goals of Today’s Program

  • To learn about the FIS program and its academic requirements
  • To answer questions about the program content and delivery
  • To help you determine if FIS is right for you

What is FIS?

A provisional admissions program for students with the potential to succeed in college, providing highly structured academic support during a student’s first year at FDU.

FIS is not:

  • A program for students whose learning disabilities require the specialized services provided by the Regional Center for LD students (e.g. accommodations requiring more than extended time for tests).
  • A program for students who are not fully committed to academic achievement.
  • A program with different academic standards and expectations than the rest of the university.
  • A pre-college program. The “FIS Difference” is in the additional support that the program provides.

History of FIS

  • Began in 1984 at the Florham Campus.
  • Over 1900 students have come through the FIS program in the past 34 years.

The FIS Academic Program

  • All students enter as Undeclared, regardless of their intended major at the time of application
  • A reduced credit load during the first semester
  • FIS-supported courses in disciplines such as English, Math, Government, Psychology, Sociology, and History
  • An additional hour of supplemental instruction weekly in FIS-supported courses
  • Mandatory and optional individual and group learning assistance, study groups, and academic skills workshops
  • Early assessment and midterm grade reporting

Additional Highlights of the FIS Program

  • A first-year grant to assist students with tuition costs during their freshman year
  • Annually renewable grant (sophomore, junior, and senior year) for students who successfully complete the FIS program and maintain satisfactory academic progress

Special Features of the FIS Program

  • Close collaboration between FIS faculty and staff
  • Comprehensive academic advising
  • Academic/personal skills development and study strategies provided by the FIS learning specialists
  • One-on-one learning assistance, study groups, and workshops
  • FIS-only university life courses
  • Small class size

Freshman Intensive Studies

A program for freshmen who want to be:

  • First
  • In
  • Success

What is the difference between FIS and the Regional Center?

FIS

  • One-year program
  • 60 new students each year
  • Support services provided as needed
  • Learning Specialists provide general academic skills development (Learning HOW to be a college student)
  • Students register with all other freshmen

Regional Center

  • Four-year program
  • 30 new students each year
  • 4 hours of required structured support each week, including 30 minutes of academic counseling
  • Learning Disabilities Specialists provide strategies which directly address a diagnosed learning disability
  • Students given priority registration

Is FIS strictly a remedial program?

No. All FDU students (FIS and non-FIS) are placed into English, Math, and Reading courses based upon university guidelines. Any student needing developmental coursework in a specific area will receive it during their freshman year.

What grades must I earn to continue my studies at FDU?

All FDU students are expected to earn at least a 2.0 grade point average (“C”) each semester.

  • Students are placed on FIS Academic Alert at mid-semester if their GPA falls below a 2.0. Students on alert are expected to meet with an FIS advisor to assist them in devising an action plan for improvement.
  • If the cumulative GPA is below a 2.0 at the end of the freshman year, the student is subject to suspension from the university.

Will FIS students be able to graduate in four years?

  • Fall Semester: 10 to 14 credits. Based upon the number of pre-requisite courses required, if any.
  • Winter Session: Not Permitted
  • Spring Semester: 13-17 credits earned. Credit limits determined based upon fall semester academic performance.
  • Summer 1 (optional): 6 credits earned

Students can earn 29-36 credits during their first year. Students with 32 credits are considered sophomores.

Can I receive need-based financial aid as an FIS student?

YES! All courses taken during the FIS year meet federal and state guidelines for financial aid.

What if I have questions?

Admissions: (973) 443-8900

For questions related to paperwork, document submission, transcripts, prior college credits, test scores, and admissions decision time frames.

Student Life: (973) 443-8582

For questions related to New Student Orientation during the summer.

FIS: (973) 443-8715 (Prof. Mary Ford)

For questions related to the FIS academic program and structure.

FIS Web site: www.fdu.edu/fis