Student Success and Retention Conference 2025

Supporting first year students to thrive in college isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach—it takes creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to meeting students where they are. At Portland Community College, we’ve created a unique First Year Experience (FYE) that combines college coaches, personalized text messaging, and an engaging first year course. Together, these pieces create a holistic support system for over 2,000 first year students, with a 3-year plan to serve all new PCC students (approx 5,000 students). With many unexpected opportunities, the process to develop this FYE was as dynamic as our students are. In this session, we’ll share our process for creating our First Year Experience (spoiler: there were many twists and turns) and break down our FYE elements. Our FYE coaches will share their process to develop holistic supportive relationships with large caseloads and how we’re using technology to help students develop a sense of belonging. You’ll leave with practical tools, including a student communication plan, ideas for using software such as H5P and Vyond, an approach to student-centered voice within a project, and fresh ideas for your own institution.