First Year Formation
What is First Year Formation?

The First Year Formation symposium is a zero credit symposium designed to assist new students with the adjustment and transition to college life at Fordham.

Sponsored by New Student Orientation and the Office of Student Leadership and Community Development, First Year Formation is an extension of the summer and fall Orientation programs. First Year Formation promotes student involvement in the Fordham academic and co-curricular community and explores the University's distinct Jesuit mission by engaging new students from their very first days on campus. The symposium meets weekly during the fall semester and features modules that promote academic and career success, exploration of personal values, ethical decision making and service in its many dimensions.

The symposium consists of a small group of new students and is team-taught by a Student Affairs administrator and an upperclass student orientation leader who use a variety of teaching techniques including discussion, weekly reflections, and service learning to help a small group of first-year students get the most out of their college experience.

New York is My Campus Excursions


Each week a destination in New York City is linked to the session topic. Destinations often include:

-Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island
-Central Park
-Tweed Courthouse
-Grand Central Station
-Harlem / Greenwich Village Tour
-New York Stock Exchange / Wall Street

Each week the New Student Orientation program and the First Year Formation program will plan a group outing to each destination. Admission to venues is free for course participants; students are only responsible for their transportation expenses and spending money.


Community hours

Students are invited to participate in community programs that bring together students from other sections of the symposium. Community Hour programs may include meeting for coffee or meals, cooking together in a residence hall kitchen, attending an excursion to an exciting location within New York City, participating in an on-campus service project at the Murray-Weigel Jesuit Infirmary or attendance at group socials.

How do I sign up?


Registration is easy! Click on the "Registration" link to the left and complete the form. If you have any questions, please email orientrh@fordham.edu or call (718) 817-4339.