The Finlandia First Year Experience is a set of annual programming designed to introduce incoming students to Finlandia and provide the academic and social tools they need to succeed in their undergraduate education.

The First Year Experience program is delivered in three sections:

Pre-Arrival Orientation (virtual), On-Campus Orientation, and the Sisu Seminar.

Pre-Arrival Orientation is provided remotely prior to student arrival on campus. This session introduces students to Finlandia’s learning management, registration, communications, and career support systems. Students will also complete their CliftonStrengths assessment, in preparation for the Strengths coaching provided as part of the Sisu Seminar.

On-Campus Orientation takes place in person during students’ first weekend on campus. This session introduces students to the physical campus, available academic and social support systems, and co-curricular opportunities. Students will also learn about social responsibility, including expected conduct and consent. This session includes several recreational and community-building activities.

Sisu Seminar is a one-credit, full semester course required for all incoming Finlandia students. Sisu Seminar is designed to foster a sense of belonging at Finlandia, by providing opportunities for students to interact with peers and the broader campus community. It also prepares students to succeed academically and serve the common good. As part of the seminar, students will participate in a service project to help develop their sense of place, contribute to the community, and cultivate an appreciation for service-based learning.

The First Year Experience is administered through Canvas. Incoming students should login to Canvas and click on the First Year Experience course to learn more.