Welcome to your First Year Experience at Barry University!

Undergraduate students are invited to participate in a leadership certificate program during the fall semester, which includes self-discovery, team building, and reflection. This cohort program introduces students to the Social Change Model of Leadership Development through fun, hands-on sessions featuring guest speakers and Peer Mentors.

• Session 1: September 1
• Session 2: September 22
• Session 3: October 6

Once participants complete the ELP certificate, students are encouraged to apply for campus leadership positions such as Student Government, Resident Assistant, Service Fellows, Ambassadors, O-Team, and others as well as develop on-going mentoring relationships with upperclassmen, university staff, and faculty.

Whatever your academic question or concern, the Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA) can help! Our advisors provide private academic coaching and develop individualized plans for student success. CASA is the home of academic advising for every first-year Barry student, providing support and advocacy from the start. Recognizing that no two learners are alike, CASA fosters academic skills by connecting students with the resources they need to reach their unique 

goals. Our team of expert coaches and advisors collaborates across campus systems, working with faculty and administrators to provide academic resources necessary for each student to become an independent and confident learner. CASA strives to foster the skills and mindset needed for students to achieve their fullest potential and realize their successes.

The First-Year Experience Seminar course (ORI 100) is open to all freshmen.  The course is one credit and its purpose is to assist you in adjusting to college life while learning skills essential for academic and personal success. Throughout the course, you will be introduced to different instructional strategies in order to get you accustomed to the many different teaching styles you will face throughout your time at Barry.

Some instructional strategies include lectures, small group interaction, large group discussion, out-of-class readings, community interaction, and more. Register for ORI 100 when you create your schedule with your Academic Advisor.

Whether you live on campus or commute, it is important to get connected and find your place on your campus. Barry University provides a range of resources, services, and student activities to assist with your transition to college.

 This network of support is made up of faculty, staff, and student leaders that want to ensure that you are prepared for success both inside and outside the classroom.