Why should I participate?
You made it through your first year in college; now what? Do you find yourself wondering what lies ahead and within? As a second year student, it is not uncommon for you to question your life goals, your major selection, and even why you are in college in the first place.
The goal of this living-learning community is to assist students in identifying why they are pursuing a 4 year degree and set achievable benchmarks on how they will achieve the goal of graduation.
As a community member, you will enjoy special opportunities that are only available to a select group of students:
- Enhanced faculty support and interactions – How many college students can say they were neighbors with their professor?
- Opportunities for guided self-reflection and questioning
- Supportive environment to clarify values and goals as they relate to being successful during college
- Higher levels of support and connections to the university and community resources
- Participating in an environment that has demonstrated through evidence-based research to lead to increased chances of success at college and in future endeavors
- Increased social connections with 30 other community members in the program
You will be a part of a unique living-learning community that bridges academic and student life where you will be challenged to examine and explore your educational goals, values, and priorities all within an upbeat social community.
What is the second (or early third) year experience program?
This is a living-learning community is for students past their first year of college that combines coursework with real-world experiences and life choices. Participants will be engaged in self-directed study, self-efficacy, and be placed in situations where they will identify definitive values within themselves. Because of this exploration, it is the hope that students will have a better understanding of their major selection, academic and life goals.
Goals for this experience will be achieved through a variety of venues including community building/social activities, field trips, discussions, creative course assignments, and mentoring.
Who can participate?
This program is for anyone in their second year of college or new to Boise State with more than 30 transfer credits.
How many students are admitted to live there?
Limited space for only 28 students
What is the fee to participate?
A $50.00 participation fee is assessed to your student account to supplement program activities, field trips, and general program expenses.
Course Credit and Expectations (HUM 250/LEAD 250)
Students accepted into the program are required to enroll in academic credit and participate in community activities: instructor will issue a course permission number of choice for HUM 250 (counts towards CORE credit) or LEAD 250 (counts towards Leadership minor).
Participation Agreement
It is an honor to be selected as a member of one of these communities, and with that honor comes individual responsibility. Students are expected to participate in a constructive manner, supporting the academic environment and success of all its members. (Click here to read the entire agreement).
Faculty-in-Residence
Dr. Michael Humphrey, Assistant Professor, Special Education
Live on the same floor with this innovative, caring and fun-loving professor who received the ASBSU Golden Apple award for teaching last year. Nominated by a group of his students, he is an educator who has devoted his life to making the lives of others more meaningful.
He will mentor you and help you establish your foundation for your education.
Michael Humphrey Ed. D. has been an educator for the past 13 years ranging from teaching in the Peace Corps, adjudicated and mental health facilities, high school English and University settings. He holds several teaching licensures: English, Special Education and Special Education Administration. He has supervised student teachers in their school placements by completing observations and working collaboratively to increase effectiveness of instruction to match students’ individual needs. Michael received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Iowa, his Master of Arts and Doctor of Education from the University of Northern Colorado.
Michael’s primary interests are in: Living learning communities in university residential halls, integrated curriculums and instructional interventions specifically in the instruction of mathematics and mathematical word problem solving for students with exceptionalities, instructional interventions for students with challenging behaviors or emotional/behavioral disorders and the integration of positive behavior intervention and supports in the Response to Intervention and school-wide delivery models. Michael’s secondary interest are in school improvement and special education leadership and is currently involved in the Technology Accentuated Transformative Education for Rural Specialist (TATERS) federal Special Education-Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children grant.
Program Assistant
We will be hiring an upper-class program assistant for the 2011-2012 academic year. Click here to learn more about this student employment experience and how to apply.
Curriculum
Coming soon….
Where do I live?
The SYNC program will be located in University Suites on the third floor of Building C. The unique layout of suites, with its large living rooms, kitchens, and in-room laundry facilities, ensures that your new home is ready to help you take the next step socially while you take the next step academically. In addition, a large lounge with conference and study furniture is available to provide the right environment for your social and academic needs.